You Teach Who You Are!
“You teach who you are.” -Parker Palmer
Certainly a teacher’s knowledge of their subject (What they teach) and of their teaching strategies (How they teach) are very important. But Palmer makes the point (The Courage To Teach) that teaching emerges from what’s inside of the teacher – from their heart. I do believe that a teacher’s ability to connect and empathize with students flows from their inner life. Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique. A teacher projects their inner condition on students. Having a strong sense of their identity, their value and their integrity are essential for teachers. They are vulnerable daily. They have a high calling. The teacher who is in that classroom with students is important because they teach who they are. They are in such need of our support.
Fran McGreevy
Root-Ed Leadership & Learning
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I agree. I’ve always said that my subject matter is secondary to my role as a teacher.
Traci – I appreciate your response. I also think that as you “teach who you are” your subject matter is more meaningful and comes more alive.
I am grateful for your dedication to teaching. Your role is significant!