When I was young, my parents wanted me to become a teacher when I grew up. I was born and raised in a small village which only had about five hundred people. Still, this small village had its own elementary school with one class in each grade, less than 20 students in one class. Also, the number of teachers was limited probably because no many teachers wanted to stay there. I remember that one teacher must teach all the subjects in the same grade. This mini school had a small playground which occupied by two table tennis table, had totally six classrooms with mud floors, roughness walls, and tile roofs. Even with such conditions, it didn't combat teachers' teaching interest. They played a very important role in our childhood and guided us to a positive attitude even facing challenges. At that time, my parents were the farmer who had to work in the farmland every day that they thought it was a hard and disrespected job. They always encouraged me to study hard to become a teacher, so I didn't need to be a farmer like them, working under the sunshine or raindrop routinely. For their ideas, being a teacher is the best shortcut which could bring me a bright future.
It was no doubt that it was the elementary school teachers gave us the most support in study and guided us in the right direction of our lives. They came along with us during our whole childhood. Even after school or no school days, they would take their free time to visit us in our homes, reported to our parents how we were doing in the school. I couldn't forget my six-grade teacher took us on a field trip to another town to open our mind and let's experience it for ourselves. That was a leading idea at that time. He tried to put us in the reality to learn and let us understand that learning could be fun and rich, even our life was poor. He also encouraged us to write articles for the newspaper publishers. He was an amazing teacher! we, our whole class, agreed.
As I became a middle school, high school, college student, I encounter more teachers who have their own different educational philosophy. I benefit from it, and I see how important they are in the role of contributing to the society. I clearly understand I want to be a teacher because I think education is like sowing and I want to be that gardener. The seed won't sprout and grow healthy in one night after it has been sowed. It must be taking good care of the right way constantly and patiently. Just like me, I was being teaching and was respected as a unique seed when I was a child. Teachers gave me time to grow even they were not sure how far I could go. I truly understand that it's not all kids will grow up to big trees, but it is sure that every kid has the potential to become a beautiful blooming flower in the future if it has not been given up. I strongly believe that every child could learn well if they are supported, motivated, and treated objectively by teachers. I want to be one of the teachers!
Thank you for sharing. It seems like you have compared teaching to farming, your parents profession. It is true in many ways, like your parents watered their crops to grow, teachers water their students so they may grow as well. I come from farmers as well, and my parents also advised me to learn so I would not have to work everyday under the sun.
ReplyDeleteI think that is an excellent philosophy for teaching. I deeply believe as well that each child has the potential to succeed and make something great of their lives if they are given the right support. My hometown did not seem to value teachers very much, but I am very glad to hear that in your own childhood home they were recognized for the big part they play in their community. I really liked your story. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story. I agree with you that all kids will succeed as well as they are not given up. Teacher should equip a discernment for students needs. Just like your elementary school teacher, he knew what you truly need was to broaden your horizons due to the underdeveloped area where you grew up. Thus he provided an opportunity for you to see the outside world. I think teachers should enlighten the students and let them explore their interests by themselves. Teachers need to know students' thoughts and spare no effort in supporting them to get close to their dream way.
ReplyDeleteHey,Xiaoyan,thank you for your sharing. When I was at primary school, my grade is a little bit poor so when it comes to summer vocation or winter vocation my headteacher usually ask me to go to her own house and teaches me Chinese. I really appreciate her just like your teachers they not only teach us in the classroom but also teach us and care about the students' life after class. The teachers affect us when we are as students and give us support when we needed, so will we do to our students when we become a teacher in the future. Thank you for sharing your story this brought back many memories.
ReplyDeleteYour story is very similar to mine. Teachers are vital member to our communities because of their roles. They are mentoring, supporting, coaching, counseling, discipling, and teacher students every. I saw teachers as role models that I aspired to be. These Men and women knew the right words say to make me feel better when I am having a bad day. They were always there for me when I needed it most. I think its a great idea to incorporate educational philosophies of your former teachers, but also make your teaching practice you own and create a new identity. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love this metaphor that you use at the end...not all students will grow up to be big trees, but we can definitely ensure that our work as their teacher allows their passions to flower and grow. This is such a beautiful image and I couldn't agree with you more.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you have such respect for the teachers who have worked with you. At times, the experience can be quite different in the US schools. While most students respect their teachers, there are some students (and parents) who do not carry respectful regard for the teaching profession. Still, I think it's important to listen and try to understand why they feel the way they do. In most situations, you discover they have not experienced education in the way that you have...as you read some of the posts from your Chinese peers, I'm sure you can see there are many examples of teachers who lead by fear. I think all these stories put together are so important in helping our class build a deeper understanding of all the roads that inspire us to become teachers in the first place. I enjoyed reading your post...thank you for this beautiful imagery.