Stoking the Fire Within

Abstract: This chapter begins with an interesting argument. By presenting the ever present negativity associated with the teaching profession, teachers mock themselves in a manner that demeans the work of educators. I found it interesting that one of the first statements mentioned was, “Those that can’t do, teach” (Wormeli 1) as I have always found this to be incredibly insulting. While this might be considered a simple joke, Wormeli makes an excellent point in his argument that this statement deliberately mocks education. I really liked the positive focal point of this chapter, and the articulation that it truly is the little things that count in teaching. This means taking responsibility for our actions, and being proud to do so due to the positive nature of these actions.

Synthesis: In order to actively play a positive role in the lives of my students, it is necessary for me to always keep these ideas in mind. Rather than looking at teaching as merely a paycheck, we must instead see the building blocks set forth when we teach our students valuable lessons. Similarly, I enjoyed Wormeli’s point that all activities that do not build toward student development are a waste of time for both the student and the teacher. I want my students to see me as someone who truly cares respects their previous knowledge as well as their interests, with an ever present goal of helping them to succeed. By acting as a low ego teacher, I hope to take the focal point away from myself as teacher, and instead show students that they have control over their own educations. Finally, the example of the student who believed he had been unfairly called out months before in the hall reminds me of just how careful I need to be in confronting my students. While the teacher had simply meant his comment as a joke, the student had seen this as a personal attack. This reminds me how sensitive I must be of unintentionally hurting my students.