Did some good reading poolside today… 2 great writers: Joseph Featherstone & Kathleen Cushman.
In the second writing Kathleen interviews several students and asked what they considered made for a good teacher. Here is the basic list. For all full list feel free to read her essay, “Respect, Liking, Trust and Fairness” from Fires in the Bathroom: Advice for Teachers from High School Students.
Here they are:
- Let us know what to expect from you and from the class.
- Know your material.
- Push us to do our best – and push us equally.
- Do your part.
- Make sure everyone understands.
- Don’t denigrate us.
- Keep your biases to yourself.
- Don’t treat us like little kids.
- Listen to what we think.
- Care what’s going on with us.
- Don’t betray our confidences.
My favorite quote from one of the kids on the subject of “liking” versus “respecting” the teacher.
There was this guy who coached track. If he told you to do twenty laps and the guys were complaining, he would say: “Okay do five.” If you were tired, he would say, “Okay, you can stop.” He would take you out for pizza after practice. He was a cool coach; they all loved him. But when the time for the meets came, they never won anything. So they got a new coach. The new coach, if he says, “Do fifty laps,” and they say, “We don’t wanna,” he’ll say, “Oh, no? Then do fifty-two!” They hated him because he made them work so hard. But when the time for the meets came, they won every single time. They learned the difference between respecting and liking. – ALEXIS (the student)
Good words to remember as we head back to the battlefield tomorrow.
