Teachers Who Relate to Students
Photo by foxypar4
When I was in college, after my freshman year, I decided I was going to pick my teachers. First day of class I was deciding “is it worth my time to listen to this dude (or “dudette”) for the next semester?” And if they didn’t pass, I was dropping their class and signing up for another.
I had a very dry chemistry teacher the year before, brilliant guy, wrote his own book, but couldn’t teach, didn’t relate well to others. I fell asleep in class, skipped class, had a couple friends in class and we tried not to miss the same days and hopefully not miss the tests.
Amazingly I passed. But I vowed never again would I waste my time and money in a class I didn’t want to be in. I know you have to take certain classes to get your degree, but in a large university it is about choices.
And it wasn’t about the subject as it was the teacher. I had an human biology class that I dreaded taking, afraid it would be full of terms to memorize. But from day one I was hooked. The professor got us thinking about how things worked, why, engaged us in fun discussions. I learned more chemistry in his biology class than my chemistry class.
Now this may not be the traditional way to go to college, but being somewhat of a rebel, I decided to learn the things I wanted to learn, from those whom I wanted to learn from. It would be sad to spend time and money at an institution that offered cool stuff and not to participate because it wasn’t on your recommended schedule.
Guilt was gone. Freedom! Take whatever I pleased but still work towards graduation. Contrary to popular belief, I did not take underwater basket weaving. I did take a rock climbing class, a hiking class, a how to put on a campfire program class. More than one ceramic class, I had no idea it would be so much fun to squeeze that mud between my fingers and make stuff. My roommates got a kick out of the funky looking toilet I made and stuffed an air fern in the bowl. Creative writing. Learned I had talent there. Was kind to myself, one creative class and one active class each semester. One summer I took off with my sister and we took classes while hiking, canoing, horseback riding in the Tetons and Yellowstone. Now the class that taught me how to load a pack horse I’ve not used since, and forgotten. Yet the experience taught me much, and I passed off more general ed requirements.
As Teddy Towncrier was saying how cool it would be to spend a week with Randy Pausch, I was thinking of Randy’s students, how they were blessed. One of my self-imposed rules was if you find a great teacher, take their classes, who cares if they count towards you major. Maybe you are in the wrong major? Stephen Covey was teaching at the university, someone had giving me one of his books when I graduated from high school. I liked the book, so I took his class. Worth every minute.
I’d had many great teachers, not all as well known, but great talent just the same. I remember one of my favorite high school teachers that had a student teacher for a 6 weeks. (Tough spot for the student teacher, pretty big shoes to fill, who would have thought a social studies teacher could be so popular). The student teacher was very bright, but did not have the attention of the class. He’d switch from one technique to the next. Didn’t matter. He’d lost us. Asleep, visiting with each other, whatever, but he did not have our undivided attention. We had a discussion with the teacher later, learned that he flunked the dude. Harsh? Maybe, but as he explained, nice guy, knows his stuff, but unless he learns to relate to his students he will never make it as a teacher.
And I think that is the key, relating to students. He treated us as equals, shared knowledge, had discussions not lectures. True he lead discussions, but they were discussions, sometimes off track, but the material was covered, ideas planted, and we were encouraged to have our own thoughts, learn new things, think outside the box.
Thanks to all the teachers who relate to their students, care about each and everyone, adding their own personal touch to the class.
Aug 2nd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I agree. Teachers can make such a difference in students’ lives. They can also make a huge difference in how much their students want to learn. In college, I took a class in Eastern religions. I thought it sounded fascinating. But, the professor was old, tired, and stood there reading every single lecture in a monotone voice. You can bet I was one of those who skipped that darn class as often as I could!
Aug 2nd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Dear Heidi,
It is a shame we don’t hold teachers up on the pedastal we do celebrites. Our children are so important to the future of our country and we even begrudge them pay raises when they need it most.
Randy was an exceptional teacher, and I had my share of those as well. He was a great model of what many teachers are doing, just not in the same public way. I am sure he is “up there” having wonderful discussions with the other angels and has probably already memorized everyone’s name!
Thanks for a great post,
Heidi
Aug 2nd, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Great advice Heidi! I wished I had learned about picking teachers when I was in college.
Aug 3rd, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Hi Heidi,
I opened this blog post with some trepidation, afraid that you were going to talk about some of the bad things that have been in the news over the last few years!!
I am so glad that it was a positive post about teachers and students. I have loved many teachers, and have been inspired by them. My Mom and my grandmother were both awesome teachers.
I have worked as a teacher in many settings, in a state run hospital for the population that used to be called “retarded” before it was disbanded in the 80’s, in rehab centers run by Good Will and Easter Seals, and in many other capacities over the years.
I love teaching, and love to have students contact me to give updates.
My husband and I both teach for real estate schools, and hear from students all the time. They always remember their teachers.
Hugs,
Sally
http://www.drsallywitt.com
Aug 3rd, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Heidi,
I loved your post. I didn’t attend college right away after high school, because I hated high school. I was easily bored by teachers. In fact I’ll never forget the only time I ever failed a class and had to go to summer school. The summer school teacher was so much more fun and interesting that I aced the class.
College, since I was doing more of the choosing, that was a breeze too:-) Great things to be thinking about as we see the stores already starting to sell school and college supplies!
Claudia
http://happynutritionist.com
Aug 3rd, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Heidi,
You love your perspective on your education. What you learned from your ‘chosen’ professors and classes probably contributed more to your life than you will ever even know. I can remember teachers who were special to me, and the reason was that they had a passion for teaching and for their subject matter. It’s as you said, they brought the subject to life. My daughter is a school teacher, now librarian. The things she brings to the children amaze me…guess that’s why she got Teacher of the Year! When a teacher/professional loses their passion, they should change careers. Thanks for sharing a great story. I really like the new look of the site, too.
Aug 3rd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I meant to say that “I love your perspective” Sorry!
Aug 5th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
I shudder to think what would have happened had I gotten disinterested or uninteresting teachers in my art classes! Maybe I would have been something entirely different?
I too took a unique approach to my education - I took all my art classes first, even went to an art college - The Art Center in LA (Pasadena now) - because I wanted to get out there and be a professional artist.
Eventually I got my degrees too, but the art classes were first and foremost to me and since I paid for my own college education I wanted to make sure I got the training I wanted before my money ran out!
Aug 5th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Eileen, we could be skipping class together, better yet, great teachers who teach a love of learning.
Heidi, you are right. Why can’t a SuperStar teacher get SuperStar fame. Randy got it, but you shouldn’t have to be dying to get such an honor. Others deserve it too.
Betty, you are picking now are you not?
Sally, I need to choose better headlines so you are not afraid to open post. You’ve been teaching your whole life?
Claudia, thank goodness for your summer teacher, makes such a difference.
Pam, I think you are right. One of the things I learned was that I really have choices, and don’t have to go by the book. Give your daughter a big hug for me. She is blessing the lives of many.
PopArtDiva, Wonder if you can even have a boring art teacher? I guess it is possible, it would be a crime. You knew what you wanted to be and went out and ran with it. Curious if those with a burning need to make and create are all rebels at heart? I’m concerned with how the creative classes are being squeezed out at many public schools. Kids should be able to letter in a sport and develop a creative talent, not choose between.
Although I have about 140 hours of college credit with a very good GPA I did not get my degree. I’d decided to go into social work and was lacking 1 class and an internship. Husband got job elsewhere. But as my children were born I realized the emotional drain of such a profession would not leave me with enough patience for my own family. I could go back and pick it up, but I’m happy where I’m at.
Aug 8th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Heidi,
Loved this post. Made me stop and remember all of the teachers who changed my life - simply because they got to know me and the other teachers in the class. Mr. Imbalzano in English Comp! Any teacher that can make English Comp fun is amazing! And college. I went to an all girls Catholic college because all of our family had gone there. But I was sure it was going to be dreadful. I so wanted to go to the state university with my friends. First day in Botany class - which I was required to take and which I was dreading. In walks an ancient nun in the long black habit and hi top tennis shoes. And instead of lecturing she took us out into the world of botany. Nature walks to look at plants. Trips to gardens. Working in the gardens on campus to learn how plants grew and reproduced. It’s from her that I learned my mom was not crazy - music will help your plants grow bigger. And it was from her that I developed my love of nature and gardening. Thanks, Sister!
The philosophy professor that would initiate the most fascinating discussions. The personal speaking instructor that helped me conquer my fear of speaking in public. The Russian history professor that helped me understand my dad’s heritage and appreciate what a truly great woman my Baba was. The choir instructor who always marched as he conducted and made singing pure joy. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to connect with me and every other student in your classes.