This year I can officially say that I've been teaching for 20 years. I've learned so much from my students, my colleagues and my mentors, and I still absolutely love to teach. I've also probably made every mistake you can make -- being an overconfident "new" teacher, feeling threatened by other teachers, etc.. I've watched fantastic teachers, I've seen teachers struggle.
But one thing has emerged for me: the importance of cultivating a supportive community of colleagues, teachers and students. It's important not just to our sanity and health as teachers, but also to our overall endeavor of promoting the violin as a worthwhile activity for all. And it doesn't just happen, we have to cultivate that supportive environment.
How do we do that? Here's a start: I've compiled a list of ways to be a supportive teaching colleague.
I'm sure I've left some things out, please feel free to add to this list and comment!
TweetGreat post Laurie, true professionals voice appreciation for the work of other teachers to students, regardless of different ways of teaching. Several years ago, I realized that listing "student of so and so" in our graduation recital programmes fostered unhealthy comparisons. Now we list all the teachers together. We are all responsible for the welfare (and success) of the students of our school. Supporting one another builds better teaching - and a better world.
Cheers, John
Great ideas! I agree with all of this. I would add one more comment about making concert/recital programs. It is not an easy task to make a great program that is free of defects. Perhaps one of the most important things is to try our best to correctly spell each and every student's name and list each and every one. I was recently part of some student concerts where there was a nice, simple program but it did not list students at all. First of all, including each participant's name recognizes the effort of each person who performs, and second it makes parents really proud. Names are important. I also think it is important to thank sponsors, whether it is a school, a manager, a church or other people who help out. A little recognition really improves relationships. Thanks a lot, Laurie! Great conversation!
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May 24, 2013 at 11:04 PM · Hi Laurie,
Awesome post! Could not agree more!
Cheers, thanks and best,
Christian