Tact of Teaching

Tact of Teaching

“...developing certain qualities or traits of character such as open-mindedness or sincerity, whole-hearted or absorbed interests, responsibility, as well as the need for a habit of thinking in a reflective way...”

I think this quote resonates strongly with my belief that teacher development and reflective teaching goes hand in hand with personal development. I think if the focus of our professional development programs and teacher education programs focus on mentoring and encouraging the development of good character traits, we have a better chance at creating good teachers. 

“...instead of improving my reaching it worsens... Sometimes the result is that I grow more self-conscious and I become aware of the students looking at me and judging me.”

This resonates with my current feelings towards the practicum. After all of the knowledge we have acquired about teaching, I am more nervous than ever before to step in front of a classroom. I have to keep reminding myself that I have done this before, however, this time it feels much different. I think this quote really contributes to the idea even further that developing a teacher's individual tact involves developing a teacher's individual character.

“So, rather than see practice teaching as applied theoretical knowledgeable one needs to see that knowledge-as-practice possesses its own integrity. And rather than say that implicit theories gives meaning to the actions that we perform, it would seem equally valid, if not more accurate, to presume that our actions give meaning to the words we use.”

I truly think that one develops such tact and practical wisdom with time. To expect to be perfect the first time in front of a class is to be naive. As student teachers, the emphasis should be on soaking in as much knowledge as we can. Observe. Practice. Make mistakes, make those same mistakes again, and celebrate once you've learned from them! 

I think this means that as educators it is our job to be transparent with our students and their parents. It isn't easy to be transparent, authentic, and honest. In a perfect world, we know all the answers and can teach our students how to be perfect citizens of society. However, in reality, none of us are perfect and we are all just trying our best. I think that grace comes with authenticity. When we trust someone, we are more likely to give them the benefit of the doubt. I think that is why it is so important for us to build report with our students, so that we are able to be our full selves in front of our students, they can see us as real people.