Learner's Point of View

My first year teaching experiences were unpleasant not only because I was the young, female, music specialist, surrounded by black uniformed teenage students who looked down (because I was too short or they were too tall) with disrespect in the entire school year to me, but also because a particular senior teacher was a tyrant in this school.  Surprisingly, even the principal got quiet when he began arguing against the school policy.  Several young teachers including me all acted like his servants inside and outside of school.  One female science teacher especially was like his personal secretary.  I was pretty amazed how she took care of all the paperwork in addition to her teaching job.  She never said "No" to this senior teacher.  I was relieved that I was not in their grade level, although there were some chores other than teaching work (ordering other teachers' lunch, collecting money, making exact change for each person weekly, etc) on my plate. 

This senior teacher called me stupid and told me not wear piercings in my ears at work during the faculty party.  I didn't know how to fight.  Even though I felt horrible, I kept going to the parties that this teacher attended.  Why?  He was beyond knowledgeable, even somewhat humble, and he was willing to share every one of his experiences with his colleagues.  One of his stories struck me. 

"I am still taking some classes.  I sit and listen to the instructor.  It shows me how students feel in their seats in the classroom.  Unless I sit as a student, how do I know how my students learn?  Learn something other than your career.  Be curious."

While taking classes are very common for teachers or any adults in the U.S., there are not many opportunities for Japanese teachers to be students themselves after they become teachers.  A teacher's long hours also constrain time for activities besides teaching. His attitude inspired me.  It made sense to me.  Although I didn't forgive everything he said and did to me, I decided to follow his point. 

While I was at my Yoga class this morning (for the first time!), this flashback came to my mind.  My body was not necessarily moving as the instructor described.  I frantically looked around at the others and panicked.  I suddenly realized that this was how students feel when something new is introduced into the classroom.  "It's okay to put your bottom down, if you need to.  You will get it when your body is used to it," the gentle instructor accommodated with his kind soft voice.  I appreciated  knowing that it was okay and I didn't have to be perfect.  Clear expectations, modeling, exploration, making mistakes, compassion, self awareness, reflection, and patience...these words that I have been using countless times during busy school years, came alive together in my brain and heart.  If we, educators, know the student's point of view, we can successfully establish a risk-free learning environment.  Recognizing that fact makes me feel grown up.  Teachers are made by being life long learner for reasons.  Namaste.