In many ways, perspective is a great thing. Using it allows us to connect with others and bring them closer together. However, this does not always imply a mutual agreement, either. Teachers need to grasp the importance of patience as a teaching tool to help our pupils learn, think, and grow in wisdom. However, even if we don’t see an immediate response, we must continue to train and educate our kids even if they don’t appreciate or grasp what we’ve taught them. In Winnie-the-words, Pooh’s “If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, remain patient. Perhaps he’s only got some fluff stuck in his ear.”
A few simple words that speak volumes. However, it’s even more difficult for teachers and educators to implement. Nevertheless, if we can set aside our want for credit, or even our desire for anything at all to come out of it, then we may continue to do what we’re doing, faithfully, and impact our students’ lives along the way. Positive feedback is great, and we all do better when we have it, but does it change our responsibilities as educators if we don’t receive it? No. We’re still expected to do a good job of disseminating knowledge, whether it’s in the form of concepts or abilities.
As a result, we must set aside our own desire for attention. There is an old adage that teaching is a thankless profession, yet many students are still pursuing a degree in education in college. Why? If the field is so dreary, you would expect that the number of students majoring in education will decrease. Not so, and thus I would argue that educating others serves as its own form of self-gratification. That’s something we’ll need to keep an eye on.
I sent my parents a letter while I was at college. I talked about how much I appreciated their years of parenting and how they had helped me find my way, gain valuable skills, and pursue my educational goals. In a lengthy and “flowery” letter, I expressed my desire to see things from their point of view. It had only taken me around twenty years to get here. When my father received my letter, he called me and remarked, “Well, you’re right on time with this!” in his best funny voice.
I was taken aback and perhaps a little offended that he didn’t understand the significance of my message, but wasn’t that the point? He was able to appreciate the worth in my letter since he had put in the time and effort to create it over the past twenty years.
In many ways, education resembles parenthood. Over time and with patience, our pupils will come to appreciate what they’ve learned from our perspective!