Not gonna lie. I wanted to do something else besides teaching. In fact, I acted on it. I was a PR executive for 3 months before I gave up and returned to the warm embrace of teaching at NorthLight.
I have been teaching since 2006. The longer I teach, the more at ease I am with my chosen profession and my place in the Universe. After so many years, a student can do something that feels incredibly fresh and original to touch my heart.
At first glance, you may think that I am touched because of the way he expresses his thanks profusely in this glowing testimonial. But it isn’t really about that. Since I have been teaching for so long, I have become numb to such spontaneous outbursts of gratitude.
It is a little bit about how he writes that godawful but nonetheless effective formulaic introduction (“How are you? I hope you are fine.”) That’s because I practically brute-force it into my students’ minds every. single. writing. lesson. But that’s not what compels me to write this for posterity.
No, it’s actually about how he anticipated my response. He knew I would have something to say about his paragraphing and pre-empted me by apologising in advance. This shows that we have developed some form of chemistry - and that he’s internalising my feedback by practising self-assessment.
Of course, as an Asian man, I’m not wont to say things like “I’m so proud of you” and all that jazz - even if I’m beaming with a sense of smug satisfaction. I pointed out something about his use of punctuation marks, refusing to betray my true feelings.
But I’m really happy. I have done all I can as his English teacher - and he knows what he has to do to improve his writing.
this territory is moderated
Are there any social mechanisms that allow communicating "things like 'I’m so proud of you'", even if only indirectly?
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Great question! I’m sure some of my male colleagues will say it upfront haha. Alternatively, we express it through gestures, like a fist bump or even a hug.
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My dad was a teacher at a very underprivileged school for a long time. Before I moved away, people would regularly ask if I was related to him and proceed to tell me how important of an influence he was in getting their life on track.
I have many issues with modern education systems, but I also have immense respect for what many of you do for these kids who need better adults in their lives.
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If you don’t mind me asking, I’m curious to know. How was your dad like at the end of his career? Burnt out and jaded? Or chugging along stoically despite the challenges? Or still optimistic?
Also trying to prepare myself for the future to prevent a mid-life crisis heh
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He took a position at a school closer to our house and I don't think he found it quite as rewarding for a variety of reasons. I wouldn't say he ever got burnt out, but he was ready to retire.
You know the story about the kid who's throwing starfish back into the ocean after a storm? He's asked "This is such a mess. What difference could you possibly make?" and he answers "It made a difference to that one."
I'd say his attitude towards teaching was always something like that.
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It’s heartening that his heart was with the kids, no matter what else transpired in his work. I hope I can be like him.
Happy new year! Thank you for your insights this whole year
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I think there are basically two types of teachers who don't get burned out: those who just love talking about their subject (which he did until the curriculum got dumbed down) and those who are dedicated to helping the individuals in their classes.
Burn out seems to come from unrealistic expectations like reforming education or inspiring the next generation.
I've appreciated you sharing your insights as well. Happy New Year!
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Aww what a nice message from your student. I'm sure that made you feel good (besides the punctuation errors). At least he's trying and thankful -- that is really what matters! Thanks for sharing this. Where do you teach, if you don't mind me asking?
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I teach English in Singapore. Was at Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher under the JET program in a previous life.
Were/are you on the EPIK program?
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I'm a teacher as well and it's always nice getting messages like this, especially from the "tough" kids.
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Pride is a cruel teacher.
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