The Change in Educators

Looking back on what school was like when I was in it, I find much has changed; both for the positive and the negative. What we thought was a confident, well dressed individual, is no longer represented in a classroom today. There are aspects of educators that have never changed, yet they have lost the key components of who they are.

Having confidence in the classroom starts with the educator. This is a core trait that should be instilled in every educator in the teaching profession. If you lack confidence, students will know, they can sense it. This will then allow for them to take over the class and how you teach your lessons. They are like shark's who smell blood in the water. If there is confidence set in the beginning of the year, your students will follow. You are not only teaching them what confidence is, you are teaching them a life skill of how to be confident inside and outside of the classroom.

Technology is a concept that has changed not only the classroom dynamics, but the educators as professionals. When looking back 15 years ago, there was no such thing as smart boards, IPads or google in the class. It was projectors and chalk boards. Did this change the way we as students thought, some could argue yes, some could argue no. Educators rely heavily on technology in the classroom to help them through the day. But what if we did not have technology like we do? Do you think educators today would be able to teach in their classrooms? Sometimes it is good to stick to the basics and go back to the roots of education. Being "old school" isn't always a bad thing, it gives your lessons a unique and classic approach.   

Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Educators believe that they have to be the best all day, every day when in the classroom. We do not have to be okay every day. If there is a chapter in math that you are not comfortable teaching, that is okay. You are not perfect, no one is. We need to channel our inner students and take the time to learn and practice what we want to teach. Students are a great way for educators to let loose and learn how to have fun.

Olivia (OTECC) @ NU