My name is Kiah, quite obviously. This semester I am teaching English to juniors at Central High. I am hoping the experience in a big school (as I graduated from a small high school, myself) will prepare me to teach in the city. Hopefully, I will move to Austin to teach after graduation. I've always loved the city and the surrounding area, so teaching in Austin would be ideal for me.
On to the questions: It's an interesting saying - "wearing different hats" - at least to me, as it makes me think of my grandmother. She was...eccentric, to say the least. And one of her quirks was that she liked to wear "fashionable" hats that would put the British royal family to shame. But her blood runs through my veins, and while I may not be as eccentric as my dear Nana, rest her offbeat soul, I must learn to wear my metaphorical hats as well.
"So what are the top three hats of a teacher?" I hear you ask with anticipation. Here's what I believe:
The Provider
One of the duties of an educator is to provide material and means of examining said material. Teachers need to be well informed and well read in their fields. They also need to be aware of how to present information about their fields to students. Teachers need to do more than tell, they need to teach, redundant as it may sound. Learning occurs when the student comes to his or her own conclusions about the information provided, often with guidance.
The Supporter
Learning cannot happen (not to its full potential, anyways) if students feel endangered, threatened, or otherwise discouraged. Therefore, educators need to pay special attention to students' well-being. There are so many factors in a student's life that happen outside the classroom that could affect his or her learning. Perhaps it's life at home, or a job, or any number of other responsibilities. Teachers should check up on their students, learn about their needs and interests and dreams, create meaningful connections that will ultimately both comfort and inspire students.
The Catalyst
This role may be the most important, in my humble opinion. For it has been teachers that inspire the next generation. Ideas are a truly powerful thing, and many of them begin in learning environments. Teachers and students should always be brainstorming together, trying to see the world in a clearer light, thinking of ways to improve the future. Many people wiser than I have said that the most important job in the world is that of a teacher, because it's the starting point of every profession out there.
And so, all that remains is to include a few pictures to end on a light note (I'm not sure exactly how many I should post, so here goes nothing).
A very professional picture of myself.
My best friend.
My other best friend.
And finally, a relative of mine. (Get it? Because it's a rhea? And my last name is Rhea? Never mind...)
In all seriousness, I do look forward to this semester and learning all that I can about being an effective teacher. I hope we can support and mentor each other as well as have some fun along the way. We can do this!
