One of my favorite teachers that serves as a role model for me is a teacher I never had. In fact, she's not even a real teacher. Miss Bliss was the history and homeroom teacher for Zack and his friends in the junior high years of "Saved By The Bell." Everyone loved her, she was admired by her peers, and she came across as the perfect teacher...and why not?...she was! Miss Bliss had creative activities in her classroom (mock trial over a fake prank to teach the judicial system...classic), was fair but firm in dealing with discipline issues, supported and encouraged her students' goals and dreams, and was always there for her students' needs (remember Deke, the troubled kid that couldn't read?)
Obviously I understand that Miss Bliss was a fictional character, but I can't help but see in her the qualities I strive for as a teacher and the same qualities that most students want in a teacher. Students like a teacher who's real...someone who's genuine...a teacher who isn't afraid to be authentic in front of their students They long for a teacher who they feel comfortable approaching with their problems, either academic or personal. They hope for teachers that can relate to their lives
This has been on my mind lately because its been the first week of school for me, and like many teachers, I find myself making more of an effort to be compassionate, friendly, and positive to my classes. I'm not saying those qualities are rare to find in me after September (well maybe I should ask my students about that...), but because its the beginning of the year and I'm not as tired or worn out from the daily grind, I'm able to try harder in being more like Miss Bliss. Thankfully, my wife has been sending me daily text messages to encourage and energize me this year...just another reason she's the best!
I find it sad that today, more often, teachers are afraid to be real, or worse, don't want to. With the fear of playing favorites, accusations of improper relationships, or blurring the teacher-student dynamic, many teachers put up a wall around themselves that unconsciously tell students to "keep out." Some may say that with the heavy emphasis on academic performance and a teacher's busy life, there's no time for developing genuine, sincere relationships with students. (Miss Bliss was willing to interrupt her own date to help Zack with his latest girl problems). Still others will protest that its not their job to be their students' friend or therapist. To all of this, I say "really?"...as teachers, we're not willing to invest in the lives of the students that we see each day? Perhaps we should think twice about why we're teachers in the first place.
But how do we do this? How do we let our guard down and let students know we're here for them? I'll be the first to admit that it takes effort. Try to get to know your students and their interests, ask them about their involvement in sports or band or church or whatever. Encourage their talents. Open up your life to them, make yourself available for students. Be daring enough to care more about the student, rather than their performance in your class (even I'm aware of the irrelevancy of history at times)
As a teacher, I want to leave a mark on my students that lasts long after they've left my classroom. Fun activities or games or a memorable lecture may leave them with fond memories, but will have very little impact on them beyond. I truly believe that when teachers foster authentic relationships with their students...the impact has the power to be revolutionary.
