A lifelong learner
I still remember the time a mentor first explained that ‘while teachers might not save lives, they change them.’ It’s a statement that has stayed with me as I have completed my own journey towards becoming an educator. It highlights the power a teacher has to transform the quality of life regardless of circumstance. It is important we consider the role social justice has in a school environment, with education being one of the powerful class breaking components of our known society.
Of course education as we understand it continues to be rapidly impacted by a changing world. Fueled by the rise of automation, globalisation and digitisation we need to critically analyse how we view our educative structures. The first formalised school structures were constructed to produce active citizens in a post-industrial revolution society. Many of the rote learning techniques are no longer relevant for the modern world and as such we need to adapt the modern school. It is important to consider this context as an emerging educator and to actively source solutions to big questions being asked of our education structures. In a world of consistent change we need to prioritise the skills of critical thought, creativity and problem solving to empower the leaders of tomorrow to handle the difficult questions that the global community will inevitably face.
The power of self-guided learning cannot be understated. As an educator I aim to lead from the front, knowing that my learning experience does not finish at the conclusion of a University degree. Nor for students will learning finish after high school, regardless of the chosen career path. We have endless learning opportunities in life and its important students are aware of this. It is through this understanding that the dynamic in a classroom shifts – no longer should we look at a teacher-student relationship as an imbalance of power, instead we can create a partnership with equal stakeholders. Continuously professional development and self-reflection are two tools to enable the growth mindset I will model as an educator.
Respect in any environment is essential, as it allows for a robust discussion of differing ideas and creates a safe space for learning. Above all though, education requires passion. Incorporating relevant subject content into the curriculum empowers motivation in a student and a desire to achieve. An understanding of the value of education in society and an open mind to its transition will allow me my own opportunity to become the teacher that inspires others.
The Remote Teacher 