I read a blog post this morning on The Principal of Change about the importance of school teachers as opposed to classroom teachers. In the post, the author states he believes that classroom teachers are those more concerned with their position and subject matter. I always think of those as the "shut the door and teach" people. They don't worry about the things that happen outside their door.
School teachers, on the other hand, are "focused on the success of the school as a whole". "School teachers are the ones that see kids outside of their classroom and deal with them in good times and bad. They never see a student doing something wrong and simply march them down to the principal’s office. They see, even in mistakes, that an opportunity to talk with a child is an opportunity to build a relationship." (I love the last line)
I am a school teacher. Sometimes I want to be a classroom teacher. I would love to be able to just shut the door and teach, drag a kid to the office when need be, and not worry about their feelings or if they are having a bad day. I want to be able to sit in the lounge and gripe about how ineffective those around me are and feel superior in every way.
But, I am a school teacher. I can't watch a student do something wrong and not say anything to them, but I don't hold it against them for the rest of their lives. I don't believe that my class is the most important thing in their lives, because I take the time to get to know them and find out what is the most important thing in their life. I help students with their homework, even if it isn't for me, because I know they need someone in their life who cares.
I am a school teacher.
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Your students are lucky you are a school teacher. I wish everyone thought like you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a powerful post! It sounds like that was a great post, as well - thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love this, Deb. Your writing always makes me inspired to do more, be more. I am reminded that at our school we say that everything is everybody's business all of the time. It works, because just like the community that raises us, hopefully, the school, including the school teachers, takes care. Thanks for saying it so loudly!
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to read the post and probably share it with a few "classroom teachers" here. We have teachers that are working on their own island. I love the differentiation between classroom teachers and school teachers. Your students are lucky and only wish we had all school teachers! Thank you for sharing and inspiring me to be a better school teacher!
ReplyDeleteI love the distinction. I've been thinking about this a lot lately. My issue comes when the "school teacher" part of me takes away from the quality of instruction for my students. When do you have to do what's best for them and postpone other "school-wide" issues to a later time? I struggle with this.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great post, and is so true. It's easy to close your door and spout curriculum. It's making the connections and adjusting that makes teaching such a challenging and rewarding job. Your children are blessed to have you as a school teacher.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your post and the post you linked. You really make me think of the importance of the school culture.
ReplyDeleteyeah, I love this post. Very eye opening. There is a distinct difference between the two types of teachers. I definitely want to be a school teacher but I can see it being very easy to fall into the classroom teacher mode. Congrats on achieving the school teacher type.
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