While working towards my masters, I was required to come up with a list of metaphors for teaching. I came up with the following:
Metaphor 1: teaching is a "foot in the door."
While teaching, I come into contact with many students who are standing at a borderline. Different students have different borderlines. For example, a few of my students are torn between graduating high school and dropping out. Family and social problems are hindering their success in the classroom. Other students are torn between getting a job after graduation and going to college. They worry about the cost of tuition, yet they understand the benefits of a college education. Lack of family and financial support forces students to make difficult decisions when it comes to their futures.
As a teacher, I want to be that “foot in the door.” I want my students to acknowledge the choices before them and choose one that is right for them. I don’t want them to shut the door on opportunities until they have looked into their options. Not all students are destined to go to college; many simply don’t have the resources. Others don’t want to go to college, but their parents are putting pressure on them to do so. However, I think it’s important to make sure that students look carefully at what they want for their futures—not what others want for them.
In order to accomplish this, I have to make sure that my students haven’t given up on themselves. If they truly want to cross the border and graduate or go to college, I want to reinforce those decisions and provide the support they need to reach their goals. I may be the only one in their lives who is providing encouragement. I can do this in many ways: teaching them about financial aid and scholarship opportunities, referring them to a career counselor, offering to write recommendations, and talking with their parents about their potential. If students truly want to go straight into the workplace, I can help them in others ways (e.g., teaching them how to create a resume, how to dress for an interview, etc). By keeping my “foot in the door,” I may be able to help a student get his or her “foot in the door” to a future he/she wants.
Metaphor 2: teaching is a U-turn sign.
During my time at Christiansburg High School this past year, I experimented with many different teaching methods. Some of my lesson plans were effective: students enjoyed doing them and learned something from them. However, others were total disasters: students found them boring and/or pointless. These experiences have taught me that it’s important for teachers to take a “U-turn” when a lesson fails.
As a teacher, I need to constantly access my teaching. Every day, I must ask myself, “Why am I doing this lesson?” Of course, there will be times when I think I’ve created the perfect lesson plan: it’s student-oriented, fun, engaging, and meaningful. I may predict that my students will agree with me; however, they may not! They may think the lesson is a waste of time or “busy work.” When this happens, I need to back up, take a “U-turn,” and get on a better path.
There are many ways teachers can access their teaching to determine what works and what doesn’t. For example, they can create pre and post surveys or tests. They can observe the students to see their reactions. Or, they can simply ask the students, “Did you like this activity? Did you learn from it?”
Developing lesson plans can be frustrating. Sometimes I spend hours coming up with ideas to incorporate in the classroom. However, when I apply them, I find that my students sometimes breeze through the lesson with too much ease or are overwhelmed and not ready for the tasks I give them. When this happens, I need to be flexible. I must take a “U-turn” and try something else! I know that I don’t have all the answers, so I’m going to make wrong turns. However, as long as I’m willing to turn around and go another route, I’ll eventually get to where I’m trying to go.
Metaphor 3: teaching is a map of the world.
Classrooms are full of students who are different from one another in various ways; no student is the same as the student next to him/her. A student’s gender, social class, race, religious beliefs, political associations, etc. plays a large role in who he/she is. Despite the differences between them, students must learn to coexist. As a teacher, I must educate them about those differences and open their minds to people, places, and things that are unfamiliar. By teaching my students about the world around them, I can open their eyes to the beauty of individuality, culture, and acceptance.
During college breaks, I do as much traveling as I can. I’ve been to the following places: Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, England, Netherlands, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Traveling allows me to explore different ways of life; it also helps me to revise my worldview. However, it’s very expensive—I’ve spent most of my money on plane tickets and hostels/hotels. Most middle and high school students don’t have the luxury of traveling. Moreover, many of them aren’t interested in seeing the world (at least not yet). As a result, it can be hard to teach them about different places and cultures in a meaningful way.
In order to teach students about people, places, and things that are so far away, I must BE a map. I must tell them everything I’ve learned while traveling—the food, music, people, landscape, etc. For example, if I’m teaching students about Shakespeare, I want to give them the best picture of London during Shakespeare’s time that I can. To do so, I could teach them how to do a dance that was popular during the time, bring in food that was commonly eaten during that period, and point out relevant places on a map. I could also use videos, pictures, and music to further emphasize the culture. In addition, I could invite guest lecturers into the classroom who have personal experiences to share. I want to do everything I can to educate my students about the history behind a particular author or work, so that my students have an easier time comprehending a work’s meaning.
Often, students have trouble dissecting a piece of writing that was written during an unfamiliar time period. They also struggle when it comes to relating to characters that are different from them. By teaching students that different people have different experiences, I can open their minds to new ideas and understandings. I can be the map that they need. I can be a tour guide by bringing people, places, and things to them.
Students who can put themselves into the shoes of others have learned a valuable lesson: acceptance. The more they learn about people who are different from them, the more respectful they will be of others’ backgrounds. In addition, students will develop a sense of pride; they will be proud of where they come from and the experiences they’ve had while still being accepting of their fellow students.
Metaphor 4: teaching is a "half-full" cup.
Sometimes, teaching can seem like a “half-empty” cup. Teachers are often unappreciated in America. For a very low wage, they are expected to balance several jobs at a time. In addition to teaching, teachers must focus on the SOLs, grade assessments, write recommendations, oversee school activities, get to know students, and deal with behavioral issues. Teachers aren’t just educators. They are also psychologists, police officers, parental figures, and inspirers. Considering all of their responsibilities, you’d think that teachers would be respected, loved, and embraced; however, the reality is sometimes dim at best. As a result, teachers are forced to make a decision. They must decide whether they want to stick it out or quit.
However, I view teaching as a “half-full” cup. Despite all the negative aspects of teaching, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Teachers hold the future in their hands. They are in charge of educating the upcoming generations and molding our country. Although teachers may not receive the appreciation they deserve from peers, students show teachers gratitude in their own special way—through a hug, “thank you” card, or smile after a good grade, first job, or acceptance into college.
In addition, teaching is far from a boring job. Every day in the classroom is different from the last—you never know what to expect. Although teachers have to deal with some negative issues, they also get to know some really great kids.
There are two ways to look at teaching. Often, teaching is a “half-empty” cup. It’s easy to fall victim to a pessimistic attitude. Teachers do have to juggle a lot of tasks for low pay and little respect. However, teachers do a public service that is rewarding and dynamic. They get to build relationships with amazing kids and watch them reach goals and fulfill their dreams. Teachers should feel optimistic about what they are doing and see the cup as “half-full.”
