The position of a teacher is both important and difficult. The growth of a student’s knowledge base is at times held within the hands of the educator to help mold and assist in the student with their learning. In our current society, teachers stand at a threshold of educating and providing a safe space to a student. The specific class of English can provide many outlets to students to both learn and discover more about themselves. English, in all of its different areas, functions to improve upon a student’s current skills in writing, reading, and public speaking among other things. In the words of the NCTE Executive Committee (2004), writing, and therefore English, “is a medium for thought [and] is important in several ways. It suggests a number of important uses for writing: to solve problems, to identify issues, to construct questions, to reconsider something one had already figured out, to try out a half-baked idea” (p. 3). Writing in itself offers so many outlets for a student to drive into and find themselves.
English holds many contributions to society. Great literature from Shakespeare, Rand, Fitzgerald, and Twain alike have influenced society in a multitude of ways. The works of authors like these have become reading staples in classrooms, both for instruction and enjoyment. Old and new literature helps students understand time periods, cultures, and brand-new concepts they had not been exposed to before. As a teacher, it is my job to pick works that both suit the needs of a curriculum but to also find literature that will interest my students to dive even deeper into English. The greatest admiration I held for my high school English teacher was that she could get even the most stubborn students interested in a book. This kind of perseverance is important in an educator. At times, it will be difficult to have students engaged in the subjects discussed in class, but I will have to use my knowledge base as a teacher to find ways to reach them.
From a Christian point of view, there is an important understanding that we are all fallen people and are therefore not perfect. I cannot enter a classroom and believe that my students will be perfect in every aspect, from writing or even just general behavior. Everyone makes mistakes in life, and I need to understand that. To me, the aspect of showing grace is important. Obviously, I should grade students accurately and fairly, but some situations in class and on assignments require the same kind of grace that God gives us. Students are creative and capable beings to both make beautiful things and spur interesting discussions. In the end, teachers need to understand how worthy students are to receive an excellent education, both in the field of English but also in others. Furthermore, teachers need to be advocates for students in the class and outside of it. Changing the life of a student can mean going beyond the typical duties of a teacher in order to help them in life. Sometimes this can look like advocating for supplies, helping a student fully understand a concept, or even reaching out to their family during difficult situations. When I am an educator in a classroom, I want to have lasting effects on my students and bring them to their full potential, even when times are difficult or frustrating.
References NCTE Executive Committee. (2004, November). “NCTE Beliefs about the Teaching of Writing.” NCTE Guideline (pp. 1-8). Urbana, IL.