I’m Not an Influencer – I’m a Teacher
‘The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see.’ –Alexandra K. Trenfor
These days influencers tend to have a greater stand among younger generations than teachers do. But the truth is most the internet idols’ viewpoints are very warped. They only tell you what they want you to know. Teachers, on the other hand, are obliged by their profession to tell the truth about everything. As a teacher, I share my knowledge among kids as widely as I can. And it’s not because I have to (but certainly that too), it’s because I want to educate a well-informed next generation.
Every child and their viewpoint is unique
The meaning and assignments of teachers have changed over time. And right now is the time for teachers to be both guides and influencers. To be honest I think great teachers influence without even trying, it comes with wisdom and experience. It doesn’t really matter what level you teach, whether it’s preschool or high-school, our goal is the same. We want the next generations to see and understand the world around us and build their sense of it. We show and explain what we know and it’s up to our kids to put the pieces together and see their own world the way it is.
It’s easy to be a part of the herd and follow whatever a smarter one or the famous one says. That’s what influencers do — they say jump and most of their followers say “How high?” That’s exactly the opposite of what teachers should do. It’s definitely harder to have an opinion and create your own path. But it’s also very worth it.
Realising teachers’ worth
This year has been difficult for all of us. But I’m also a tiny bit grateful for it because it made parents all over the world realise how important the profession of a teacher is. Suddenly, during the lockdown, the acknowledgment of teachers has skyrocketed. Turns out homeschooling kids, it doesn’t even matter what age, is hard even when they’re your own. The world needs teachers. And teachers by nature are almost always ready to embrace a new opportunity to share their knowledge with open arms. Even if it has to be via Skype, Zoom, etc.
I hope, and mostly I’m glad to see that teachers have changed over time. The pandemic situation has proven that teachers are very flexible in how they organise their work. Of course, teaching, or better yet exploring the world together as a group or class has the best outcome when it’s happening face-to-face. But distance learning has also its advantages. It pulls us out of our comfort zones and pushes us to make an extra effort to get the point across.
Teachers are mainly humble because our work goes hand in hand with praise and criticism. There is always someone who thinks that teaching is easy and we’re probably doing it wrong. That’s where we should take a stand and clear the name of our profession. Teaching younger generations is hard, but it’s also very fulfilling. Teachers should be great role models and act as ones as well. By the way, some of us teachers are currently educating future presidents of our countries. Think about that.
Young influenceables
Kids are like blank pages and it’s very important to carefully double-check what we say or do because they mostly act by example and not by words. Best teachers strive to teach kids based on their interests and abilities. When a teacher is creative the possibilities of teaching methods are endless.
I’ve discovered based on my experience that kids learn best when they are engaged in something that’s interesting to them. It’s important to mix up your classical methods with outdoor learning, practical exercises, DIY, discussions on various subjects, sharing opinions and not forcing your own, and overall exploration of the world. This is the recipe for learning success — thinking outside the box and showing that there is more than one possible solution to any problem.
I’ve been asked several times before why I chose to work as a teacher. A few years back I didn’t know how to reply to that exactly. But now, after having my own kids, I know for sure. I want to see that spark in kids’ eyes when something unknown suddenly becomes clear to them. It’s that evident lightbulb flicking on in their heads or Newton’s eureka effect. Every time I see that sparkle in my young learners’ minds I know I did something right.
What greater or better gift can we offer the republic than to teach and instruct our youth? ― Cicero
