Finding Courage to Teach

To say that the message I got from the first chapter of “The Courage to Teach” is to just be your self would be overly simplifying the words of this author. It is a common theme throughout, being your self and being true to yourself but not for the purpose of ego or self-centeredness. He encourages teachers to look inward and not rely solely on technique or methods. Having a strong sense of self is apparently the key to being a good teacher.

I didn’t know what to expect going into this book and I was hoping that it was not one of those Chicken Soup for the Soul type things that are full of inspirational messages but with no real concrete ways for dealing with issues when things get rough and you don’t feel like looking on the sunny side. This author lays it all out on the table and airs his dirty laundry. He admits that teaching is rewarding and fulfilling but some days you are not having a good day, or you are depressed or disillusioned. His statement that teaching is a daily exercise in vulnerability struck me as true. You never know what a day of teaching will bring, even when you think you know your audience. It can be exhilarating and scary both at the same time.

The other underlying theme to what I read, besides having a strong sense of self is having a way to renew your self on a regular basis. Reminding yourself who your mentor was and why you were inspired to teach in the first place are two good ways to refresh your view of teaching. While he didn’t totally dismiss teaching methods or techniques, he did point out that there seems to be a constant roll-over of trendy teaching methods and specifically pointed out the damage “No Child Left Behind” left in its wake. He acknowledged that some methods are better than others but the mark of a good teacher is not necessarily in the techniques they use. Also, valuing one method over another devalues teachers who are not currently using the method that is in style for the moment.

I’m looking forward to reading more of this book to see what else rings true with me. I appreciate that this author shares his early struggles and identifies them for others. It is helpful in going down a road to know what you might find around the corner. It also takes a lot of pressure off knowing that you will find your own way and that teaching is a constantly evolving process that can be refined over time.