We all like to think we know ourselves. We think we are smart, good-looking or brave. We like to think the best of ourselves. Even when we think about our flaws, we tend to think those flaws won't really affect anyone but ourselves. The truth is that we are all both great and flawed, and ever so often we are forced to come face-to-face with the sometimes unpleasant reality that we may not be who we think we are.
Since I have started teaching, I have found that I am far more lenient than I had thought myself to be. I had always prided myself on being an old school type of personality. No nonsense and to the point. I have found out through teaching, that I am an easy going, far too understanding person. This may work well in my social and family lives, however it can be a great detriment to me as a teacher. I found very early in the school year that I would have to be careful about how laid back I can be in the classroom. I believe there is a place for my personality type in teaching, I just have to find out what it is.
To be fair; I haven't had many problems from my students this year above the normal annoyances. I have good kids and they tend to be well behaved and obedient (for the most part). I still believe my classroom management can be enhanced by me becoming more strict when dealing with classroom behavior.
I guess you really have to continue to be the person you are. Can't change your personality just because you have changed careers. I bet that your students react to you in a good & positive way because of who you are. Just remember we are dealing with teens- enough said !
ReplyDeleteWe all have room for growth. Teaching is not as easy as I thought that it would be. There are many great demands and pressures that come along with the profession of education. We all have flaws and areas where we need to improve, but do we really want to look at ourselves in the mirror. The image that we sometimes see in the mirror can hurt or bring us to tears. And then there are those times when we can smile and rejoice at what we see. I however think that it is a good practice to do/take periodic inventory or self-evaluation of ourselves. We may surprise ourselves when we do this. I am humble and courageous enough to ask the Lord to "show me, me". It is always so important to be ready for change as well as to know that we don't, and will never have it all together.
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