"Teachers should actively be doing our subjects outside of the classroom. We need reminders of how difficult it is to do."
Your Substack clearly shows you live by those words. But the beauty of these quotes is that they ALL apply to your approach to a vocation you clearly love.
I tell myself you are not alone. I believe that the vast majority of those in front of the classroom approach their work in similar fashion. I gained that belief through many friends who chose the same vocation as you and spent a career, decades, promoting personal growth through the process of learning. We are all better for it as a result.
Yesterday, on the Sweet Breeze canal boat, I led two history tours with fourth graders from Forest Park Elementary. They were a diverse group of African-American, Asian- American, African, Hispanic, and Caucasian kids. I was struck by their common interest, their desire to please, and, their ability to recall facts shared over the brief 45-minute tour. But what stood out the most, was a very apparent desire to be recognized, to be "seen", to be acknowledged as having value. There is a great fragility in that. How critical it is to support them on a journey to become capable, confident and self-sufficient.
Keep writing and I'll keep reading. That will be my contribution to your continued pursuit of doing your subject outside the classroom.
Thanks so much for your readership, Mark, and for your regularly encouragement. You are right - there are a ton of dedicated teachers making a huge difference. And what an experience you had on the Sweet Breeze. You are spot on - there is an eagerness, to learn and to please, and a fragility in that as well. The older I get the more I sense that and try to do my best to honor it. The days that don't go so well I often feel like I didn't do a great job of that, or that I didn't know how to do it, that day, or for that student. I know there is the possibility that that interaction will color how they feel about school, my subject, themself, education, etc. I try not to dwell on it too much, to just do my best each day, apologize when necessary, but it can still weigh me down.
I can't thank you enough for your time and then the wisdom and encouragement you share in your feedback.
Excellent, Jason. I gained so much by slow-reading this, on many levels. First and most obviously, as the parent of students. But also and very importantly, as a colleague and leader in my own career, where I work mostly with adult professionals. I've always learned the most about how to do my own discipline by seeking the wisdom of those in other fields, and this collection of thoughts is one I will come back to often. Finally, I think per capita, I probably have more people close in my life who are teachers than any other profession, and this served as a powerful reminder on how that calling is a vocation and not a job.
Thank you, Matt. I'm with you on learning about my profession from other professionals I respect and get to glean from. You are one of those people. I'm honored you would consider coming back to this one. Your response here means a lot to me.
Fantastic truths! I always enjoy reading your writings and learning more about you. The insight you share in this speaks volumes to your character and your love for what you do. You make a difference in the lives of your students and your colleagues. We all appreciate you, Jason!
Thanks so much, Jamie. Appreciate your encouragement, and your time. As you now, we don't always feel or know those differences, so I'm grateful to hear that from you. And great job this past weekend with the pace team at Fort4Fitness. That was really kind of you to help provide that for so many runners. Looked like it was a great day.
"Teachers should actively be doing our subjects outside of the classroom. We need reminders of how difficult it is to do."
Your Substack clearly shows you live by those words. But the beauty of these quotes is that they ALL apply to your approach to a vocation you clearly love.
I tell myself you are not alone. I believe that the vast majority of those in front of the classroom approach their work in similar fashion. I gained that belief through many friends who chose the same vocation as you and spent a career, decades, promoting personal growth through the process of learning. We are all better for it as a result.
Yesterday, on the Sweet Breeze canal boat, I led two history tours with fourth graders from Forest Park Elementary. They were a diverse group of African-American, Asian- American, African, Hispanic, and Caucasian kids. I was struck by their common interest, their desire to please, and, their ability to recall facts shared over the brief 45-minute tour. But what stood out the most, was a very apparent desire to be recognized, to be "seen", to be acknowledged as having value. There is a great fragility in that. How critical it is to support them on a journey to become capable, confident and self-sufficient.
Keep writing and I'll keep reading. That will be my contribution to your continued pursuit of doing your subject outside the classroom.
Thanks so much for your readership, Mark, and for your regularly encouragement. You are right - there are a ton of dedicated teachers making a huge difference. And what an experience you had on the Sweet Breeze. You are spot on - there is an eagerness, to learn and to please, and a fragility in that as well. The older I get the more I sense that and try to do my best to honor it. The days that don't go so well I often feel like I didn't do a great job of that, or that I didn't know how to do it, that day, or for that student. I know there is the possibility that that interaction will color how they feel about school, my subject, themself, education, etc. I try not to dwell on it too much, to just do my best each day, apologize when necessary, but it can still weigh me down.
I can't thank you enough for your time and then the wisdom and encouragement you share in your feedback.
Excellent, Jason. I gained so much by slow-reading this, on many levels. First and most obviously, as the parent of students. But also and very importantly, as a colleague and leader in my own career, where I work mostly with adult professionals. I've always learned the most about how to do my own discipline by seeking the wisdom of those in other fields, and this collection of thoughts is one I will come back to often. Finally, I think per capita, I probably have more people close in my life who are teachers than any other profession, and this served as a powerful reminder on how that calling is a vocation and not a job.
Thanks.
Thank you, Matt. I'm with you on learning about my profession from other professionals I respect and get to glean from. You are one of those people. I'm honored you would consider coming back to this one. Your response here means a lot to me.
Fantastic truths! I always enjoy reading your writings and learning more about you. The insight you share in this speaks volumes to your character and your love for what you do. You make a difference in the lives of your students and your colleagues. We all appreciate you, Jason!
Thanks so much, Jamie. Appreciate your encouragement, and your time. As you now, we don't always feel or know those differences, so I'm grateful to hear that from you. And great job this past weekend with the pace team at Fort4Fitness. That was really kind of you to help provide that for so many runners. Looked like it was a great day.
All reasons why you’re one of the best ones.
That Donald Miller quote was the reason I thought I could give teaching a try: I had watched you love it so many years.
I wish everyone could see the love and care you have for your students and your subject like I do, but this post is a pretty great start.
You were a great teacher as well. You still are.