OK, so here it is. Since starting this program, one thought has pervaded my mind and that is: How do I, as a teacher, keep my personal beliefs and opinions out of my classroom? I know I’m going to be a teacher and we’re suppose to be this neutral authority that simply presents arguments and ideas in a mechanical fashion so as not to show preference or offend anyone. But come on… I’m still a person. I have my own beliefs and opinions, and for the most part I am not shy about voicing those. But I worry that as a teacher I’m going to have to almost lose myself for a large majority of my day. I won’t be able to be me, I will have to become this neutral, politically correct, bleached person devout of any personality or opinion. Now before any of you jump down my throat and say I have to keep my personal beliefs to myself because I can’t be viewed as pushing something on a student or convincing students my way is the right way. Duh. I get that. I understand my role. But honestly, that kind of sucks! So I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m worried about not being able to be myself fully as a teacher. How do I maintain my professional, neutral authority as an educator of many diverse people while still maintaining my individuality? Anyone else worry about this going into the teaching profession or am I nuts?
A Question About Teaching in General… Is That Allowed in Our Blogs?!?
22 Tuesday Oct 2013
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nicoleleighwhite said:
Trust me, you are not alone in this concern. I’ve worried about this matter too, and this worrying has only intensified after having read so many assigned texts outlining the characteristics of “good” and “bad” teachers. I am always left wondering how I will manage too be both responsible/effective and authentic as a teacher. I usually find comfort in reflecting upon my past experiences with wonderful teachers–people who managed to be themselves and relate honestly to their students while also meeting the expectations imposed on them as educators. If they did it, then so can we!