This week we were directed to read “Is the Great American Teacher Dead? Principles to Resurrect Meaningful, Effective, and Consciousness Raising Instruction” by John J. Ivers, and, while it was slightly disheartening to read the first few pages, this article, as a whole, did serve to address some of the issues teachers have faced and are continuing to face in the classroom. I found it interesting to contemplate how long this struggle to provide meaningful content in a manner that encourages critical thinking skills has been an issue but feel that, unlike in previous times, today’s students are children of the technology age and are blessed to have the world at their fingertips, which can help to reinforce the lesson. However, these tools are not unlike a calculator in that they need user input to prove useful, separate opinion from fact and determine the meaningful from the meaningless. I believe great teachers are needed, now more than ever, to provide the humanity behind the computer and help students to feel safe and comfortable in their learning environment.
Teachers not only provide a wealth of information but great ones bring the content to life, help the shy feel included, scale the material to ability level, and are there to go the extra mile when there is a need. As teachers rethink their delivery methods, analyze their content, and ask thought-provoking questions like “how do I teach them to go deeper” and I personally feel more PD’s could be spent teaching how to better reach their students on a level that provides that “safe” place for children to reach their full potential. As we continue on this semester’s journey, I hope to be able to meld the technology of today with the qualities of a master teacher and become the “more” my Heavenly Father wants me to be.
