Modern Teaching

When I was a teacher with a classroom, I developed a personal coda that I used to guide and formulate my teaching style, methods and material. My coda revolved around the students rather than the subject matter. I would make three things continually evident to my students: 1) this class is important 2) you can succeed in this class and 3)I'm not gonna quit on you. Furthermore, I'm going to work as hard as I can to help you EARN an A.

Oh and one more thing, learning can be fun.

When I started teaching I was barely five years older than my students

My senior students are now in or approaching their seventies. "Hey Jim. Whatzup Cathy."The youngest of my classroom students are now in their thirties.

Nobody's a kid anymore.

That's water over the bridge.

Thanks to social media, I'm in touch with literally hundreds of the
"kids". Some of us have passed away and all of us grieved. 

Y'all know who y''all are.

I enjoy following your lives. I feel invested in them. Y'all are part of my intended audience. How could ya not be? Y'all rocked my world and helped me form a working definition of myself  to which I' still cling.

I'm proud of my colleagues who stay in contact with their students. Y'all know who they are.

They're my intended audience as well.

I imagine it must be nice to know that some of your teachers are still out here recognizing the importance of your life, enjoying the successes, supportive of the challenges and rooting for you.

I can only imagine. I've never heard a word from my classroom teachers on social media

We "modern" teachers ain't gonna quit on ya. We're the teachers you had. We're part of the real permanent record that exists in your intelligence, memory, and wisdom. Pretty sure some of you think of some of us when you're making a decision. We're not goin' away.

And neither are you.

On second thought, I am in contact with my teachers who once were my students.

Pretty simple, when you teach you learn. I've learned a lot from y'all.

Here's what you've done for me and for us. You've made me feel as if what I'm doing is important, that I can succeed in what I'm doing and you're with me for the distance.

And you expect me to earn an A and will help me earn it.