Roles of a teacher:
The first, and probably most important, role that a teacher plays is that of an educator. We have to teach these kids, if only for the basic fact that it is a very high probability that no one else will. This is what all these years of education have led up too and why we have taken all of these online classes. However, it is not only our content area that needs to be taught. Yes, knowing the Pythagorean theorem and the locations of countries is important, but these children need to learn life skills that will get them through life. These kids are out future and we showed pour every once of wisdom and knowledge we posses into them.
The second role of a teacher is that of a cheerleader. Many students need constant encouragement and reassurance as they progress through school. In today's time, many students don't have a lot of positive reinforcement from their home lives. Parents can be really tough, not have the time, or flat out not care how their child is doing in school. Teachers must step in and "cheer" these students on to show them someone does care about them and their accomplishments. I believe it is also motivates students to do better if they see a teacher that is rooting for them to perform to the best of their abilities.
The third role I believe a teacher plays is that of a coach. All of these "hats" tie together, however I think a teacher as a coach should still be defined in its own category. Coaches can set up strategies, plays, etc to help beat the other team on game day. They will explain this to the players and then put it into action at practice. The end game is fairly clear if it is done correctly, or if it is done incorrectly. Teachers need to show students the benefit of an education in a long term sense. If effort and heart are placed into it that it is a good chance students will walk out of high school ready to go to college or do whatever they choose to do. Teachers also need to provide the right material (or playbook) for students to do this.
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Hello Amanda!
ReplyDeleteYou brought forth many great ideas in your post, and I really enjoyed seeing the roles you have chosen as some of the most important. The role of an educator is definitely a vital role that a teacher plays, which is the whole reason the students attend school! I like that you brought up the point that teachers are also teaching students life skills along with content area. I noticed a few other blogs that mentioned this idea, and it is very true!
I think it’s great you brought up the idea of teachers as cheerleaders. Some teachers will be the only motivators that these students have! When students know their teacher has faith in them, they are more likely to perform better and excel.
The ideas you mentioned about teacher as a coach are very interesting. I definitely think that teachers should be playing this role in the classroom as well!
Good luck this semester and on all of your future endeavors!
Hey, Amanda
ReplyDeleteAs a former teammate of yours, I completely agree that teachers must be coaches in the classroom. Educators, like coaches, have to come up with drills and practice to help students master their content, just like coaches do for sports. Also, I agree with your cheerleader comment. Students must feel that the teacher believes in them in order for a student to be successful. Great post.
Good luck!
I love that! teachers really are cheerleaders. It's sad that a lot of times, we are their only cheerleaders. Kids need someone to believe in them or they can't find reasons to believe in themselves.
ReplyDeleteI can tell you will be one passionate teacher who motivates and encourages her students. Have a great experience student teaching!
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