Embedded Files
What is a teacher?
What is a teacher?
I asked a trusted colleague and mentor for his answer to this question. He inspired my entire approach as a teacher:
"Being a teacher is more than just teaching. Students are like your children. You sometimes are their stand-in parent at school, trips, and all manner of other roles, therapist, referee, sibling, uncle/auntie, grandparent if you are older, authority figure, teacher, mentor, coach, teammate, friend, entertainer, plus so many more, and you need to be all of them for every kid at any given moment or sometimes different roles at the same time for different kids. You don’t just teach when you’re a teacher." - 林導師
He honored my effort and care for his students by naming me the 第二導師 of the 2024 Graduating Class and treated me as his equal teaching partner. He ensured that I was at his side to accompany and escort the White Wolves Class through their Graduation Ceremony as their 第二導師. It was an emotional, rare, and very special experience for a Foreign English Teacher - one that I will likely never experience again - and the gesture of 林導師 moved me deeply. I am deeply grateful to his kindness, mentorship, and friendship.
He made me a better teacher.
Parental Figure
Referee
Entertainer
Friend
My classroom is built on the ideas of:
My classroom is built on the ideas of:
Kindness
Kindness
Fun
Fun
Curiosity
Curiosity
Creativity & Imagination
Creativity & Imagination
Patience
Patience
Thinking &
Problem Solving
Thinking &
Problem Solving
Rules for Students:
Rules for Students:
Mistakes are okay. We can always learn from mistakes.
Try your best. Even if you make a mistake.
Have fun! Do not be scared. Try anyway!
Ask questions.
Be respectful and kind.
Rules for Me:
Rules for Me:
My students are like my children.
Take care of the students. Pay attention to them.
Treat all students fairly, equally, and with compassion.
There's no such thing as a bad student.
Never humiliate a student in front of others.
Use a raised voice only when it is truly necessary.
Be respectful and kind.
There is no such thing as
a bad student...
There is no such thing as
a bad student...
...only an unmotivated, unconfident student.
Sometimes, these students may be called "Problem Students." I try to find out the stories of these students to try to better encourage their learning and help motivate them and spark their confidence. Even if this kind of student does not improve in English, I try to show them they are seen and heard with compassion and understanding with the hope that they will grow as a confident young person.
That can make a big difference in the life of a student.
I don't force students to use English.
I don't force students to use English.
I encourage students, but I do not like to force students to participate. I want students to enjoy English. If they are forced to participate, they may come to hate English.
The students who participate more will improve their English more. Students who do not participate will not improve as quickly.
I hope that students will take initiative and be responsible for their own learning.
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