This is a article is a part of the Teachers Lounge page under the "Motivational" heading where we try to share different stories that will make you want to keep teaching. That is what a lounge is about, a place to rest and gear up for more teaching.
Think back for a moment. Which teachers were "the best"?
What made them so great?
It probably was not the amount of algebra you learned in their class or how many different authors they shared with you.
Most likely they were able to connect with you on some personal level and thus made a difference in your life.
That is why it is important to understand as teachers what is important.
News Flash: It is not todays lesson.
Yes, as a teacher you are responsible for teaching a curriculum and you have in some manner failed as a teacher if your students do not learn the curriculum. (Which is why many of the post here at TA is geared toward helping you teach)
Fast forward 20 years and algebra and the lesson on Jonathan Swift really seems insignificant.
The important things are really the quality of life that people have and algebra is not essential to having a high quality of life.
So remember to focus on the fact that you are teaching people. Be sensitive to needs and feelings that they have.
They can often be emotionally neglected, come from a broken home, or have a low self esteem for numerous reasons.
When this is the case (and it will inevitably be the case) with some of your students try to lift their spirits.
Let them know you care about them. You do care right?
Put a smile on their face, compliment their hair, ask how things are going, give them a reason to care.
These are the important things.
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