Humility: The word alludes meekness, passivity, even submissiveness, and, in the worst case, an over-willingness to serve someone or something. True humility is both a generosity of spirit and a quiet self-confidence. In teaching, it means understanding that although you may know a great deal in your content area, you do not know everything. It means being willing to learn from others, whether they are peers, 1st graders, or a parent . It means treating all others—whether a mother with a 4th grade education or a professor with a PhD—as though they were as worthy and important as yourself. It means understanding that no method, strategy, or approach is the magic bullet to teaching and learning.
I've been struggling with the idea that this blog is an over indulgence in self-promotion, even though I only have a few faithful followers, it is something that goes against the humble virtue of humility. So before I tell you the three things I do well...I wanted to admit that being humble is something that I value in a teacher, even if I come off as a bit 'braggy', I know that what I do works for me, but it may not work for everyone and there is no silver bullet in education.
Even though I am having that internal struggle that I explained above, I think that I am good at reflecting on my lessons....and I am good making changes that help students, whether it is in delivering the content or tweaking some factor in the lesson to make it more successful,
Two more things that I do well...hmmmm...One that I and am proud to admit, is that I am not afraid to make a mess in the classroom. I don't shy away from a big painting project, I find comfort in the fun of the experience and the enthusiasm my students have for the process.
Finally, I would say that I am open to incorporating new things into my process. I am open to new technology and new art materials. I don't like to be stuck in a rut, I want to be in on the ground floor of the next big thing....and I think that is kind of cool to know about myself.
This is a great article that gives 8 lessons for teacher growth.
This post is part of the 30-Day Blogging Challenge for teachers.