Why we HATE the word "Teacher"

WHEN I FINISHED UNIVERSITY, I THOUGHT MY ROLE AS "THE TEACHER" WAS TO REPEAT THE VARIOUS ELEMENTS OF THE CURRICULUM OVER AND OVER UNTIL IT WAS STUCK IN MY STUDENT'S MEMORY.

I would stand there, talk at them and grade their value based on whether they listened.

But is this actually learning?

You see, one of the things I have learnt since having my own children is.... you can't really demand their attention. 

Children have to WANT to listen OR they have to fear the consequence of not listening.

And you see, that just doesn't gel with me anymore.

When I look back and think of the "Teachers" who shaped my learning. 

They weren't the people who spoke AT me.

They were always people who listened, asked questions and made me feel "seen".

And when they saw that spark, that interest - they knew just what to do to fan the flames.

It was never about tests, curriculums or report cards. It was about me, my interests and on a deeper level, it was ALWAYS about connection and guidance.

It's now as an older woman, I no longer see these people as "Teachers" they were MENTORS!

And now my learning journey is shaped by the children in my care.

I follow their interests, we learn together and "re-define" education while surrounded by trees, birds & animals.

And I thank myself daily for making that BIG decision all those years ago... When I swapped the science lab at my High School for connection, nature & play based learning.

Who was the Teacher/Mentor who made YOU feel heard as a student? It’s pretty amazing how these memories stay with us. They play such important roles in shaping us as humans.