Author:
I wanted to make my parents proud of me. So, I took up science stream in my high school. What did I want to become when I grew up? I would look at my parents, and they would she wants to become a computer engineer. And I would simply nod to that. But my English teacher turned it all around for me. Later in life I heard someone tell me, literature makes one kind, and I could relate those lines with her.
When Palmer (2017) said that a good teacher infuses her identity when teaching, it hit me. She was kind, she loved and cared about what she was doing. She reached out to me when I was in gutter, and she did not let my school interfere with what she was doing. I am pretty sure there were students who led her to lose her heart in teaching, and that she has had second thoughts about it, but she never let that get to her. She not only taught us to read along the lines of Shakespeare and Wordsworth, but she also taught us not to be hard on ourselves. When Hanson (2013) talked about absorbing the good, that is, the more you get your neurons firing about positive facts, the more they’ll wire up positive neural structures. She was one such human. She is the reason why I stumbled upon the field of education. In the same way she helped me when I was in need, I want to do the same for a child who needs it. She helped me heal parts of myself, not because I can conquer mountains, but to be sure of one thing. So that people who cross my path in the future are safe.
Decolonizing one’s mind is a prolonged process and it is not easy. To inculcate that into an education system takes even longer and is definitely not a piece of cake. Developing curricula that incorporates decolonized perspectives and knowledge is an educational initiative to put decolonization into action (Yellow Bird, 2012). Even though she was not able to put that into her curricula, she handed it to us on a silver platter. I can definitely say that when she looks into the mirror, she feels ecstatic. Because after all, teaching holds a mirror to the soul.
References
Hanson, R. (2013). Do Positive Experiences “Stick to Your Ribs?”. Take in the Good. Love and Life Toolbox. https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/do-positive-experiences-stick-to-your-ribs-take-in-the-good-by-rick-hanson-phd/
Palmer, P. J. (1997). The heart of a teacher identity and integrity in teaching. Change: the magazine of higher learning, 29(6), 14-21.
Waziyatawin & Yellow Bird, M. (2012). Introduction: Decolonizing our minds and actions. Waziyatawin & M. Yellow Bird (Eds.), For Indigenous minds only: A decolonization handbook, 57-83.
I have been moved by Janita’s post. I value her confidence in sharing such personal experiences. I understand where her post is coming from. I have been in a position to potentially influence the academic path of countless students. It is an exercise that requires active listening to fully grasp the hidden truth in the student’s words.
It is clear that Janita’s experience left a mark in her that will linger for many years. I am also sure that she will follow the lead of her teacher and, hopefully, someday some student will write a similar story, but now referring to Janita as the inspiring teacher.
Your story relates to mine in a special way. During my time in elementary school, I struggled with a teacher who made me lose interest in studying and pursuing a career in education, despite my parents’ wishes for me to become a teacher. I felt bad and discouraged, just like you did when you had a hard time with a teacher who made you feel you couldn’t do it. But when I was in high school, I met a teacher who made me change my view about teaching and changed how I thought about it. Their kindness and passion made me reflect on your story and the significant influence a good teacher can have on someone. Thanks for reminding me how important a good teacher can be.
Excellent discussion on how teachers have an influence on their students. As Palmer stated, we need to teach with integrity and from the heart. If we create connections with our students, then we can see their potential and perhaps ignite a passion for learning. Teaching is a daunting profession; however, it can be enlightening 🙂