I have been stuck. This is my first blog effort in about a month. It is, by far, my longest time away from public writing and it has been challenging to write. While I know some might have hoped I would write about the job action that has cast a cloud over the BC public education system, there is little I could add that would not just be more noise. So, with less writing, I have been reading more. And, something I read finally gave me the momentum to become unstuck.
I stumbled my way to the blog You Suck, Sir from a local Vancouver teacher. As he describes the blog, “My students are funny. Sometimes, it’s intentional.” The blog is a collection of stories from the English teacher’s class over the last two decades — some absolutely great writing. He recently wrote a post answering a question about having a teaching philosophy.
He starts:
Great question. And I was reminded of it tonight when I got in touch with my sponsor teacher from 1995. He’s well into his retirement now but he was a legendary teacher in his day and head of the English department in our city’s largest high school. He took me under his wing and I got to observe how a master teacher runs his class. And I’ll be honest: I didn’t see anything. I had to report back to my faculty advisor all the things I’d noticed in terms of methodology and classroom management. But I didn’t “see” anything. It took me a while to realize why: he made it look easy. He had internalized everything a teacher is supposed to do. I even confronted him about it one day to ask which educational philosophy he abides by, and he answered: “Listen to what they’re saying.”
This IS the challenge of teaching. Maybe other professions have similar challenges, but it is difficult to define powerful teaching. It is this blend of art and science the masters weave so effortlessly. I grew up in a house of teachers. I can remember from a very young age watching my mom and dad prepare lessons. I knew they were good at what they did — I would hear it from my friends on sports teams and others in the community about how much they liked having my parents as teachers, but it was difficult to really understand exactly what they did that made their classrooms work. As I started my teaching career I would try to emulate how I thought they would teach; it was tough because there is just no ‘how-to’ recipe for our profession.
Returning to the blog, the author distills three main ideas:
1) If you can’t address a student’s immediate needs, he won’t be available to your teachings.
2) Do not compromise a young person’s dignity.
3) Do not take anything personally.
Continuing his observations about his sponsor teacher:
The teacher I mentioned at the start of this, my sponsor teacher, said something that I’ve carried with me to this day: “I would do this job for free if I didn’t need money.” At the time, I found this statement disturbing because there was no way I’d do it for free. But I see now that he was talking about joy. There is joy to be had in this career. There is nothing more exhilarating than seeing a student suddenly “get” a concept she’d been struggling with. There are few things more smile-inducing than watching your grade eights help each other out with assignments while joking around with each other. And the pure happiness of watching them really, truly enjoy learning—man, that’s the reason I returned to teaching after an eight-year break.
It is interesting the conversations I would have had/still do have with my parents about our profession. They love the craft. The would shun any attention for what they were doing — they weren’t doing it to be noticed, they were doing it for the students and their commitment to teaching. It IS a pretty special profession.
The author finishes with words that are so true, “Teaching is about being a learner yourself. That’s why, when it comes to being an effective teacher, we have to listen to what they’re saying.”
I have tried (and will continue to try) to use my blog to tell the many stories of students, teachers and others in our system trying new things and making a difference. And, like my parents, most are not looking for any attention, but it is still kind of nice when someone notices.
I guess I saw that firsthand this past week. I have spent a lot of time with my dad recently, he hasn’t been that well and we got to talking about the blog post on teaching philosophy.
It was pretty special because the sponsor teacher that the author, Paul, was writing about was my dad.
Thanks Paul.
Thanks Dad.
Keep Well Teacher Friends. The joy will be back.
Update – August 11
My dad died last week, just a few days after his 72nd birthday. You can read more about him here. I am so glad that I got to share this post with him and I am so appreciative of all of the comments. It is nice to know his story connected with so many of you.
cultureofyes.ca 
I don’t usually leave comments, but I appreciated reading this story today — it definitely comes at the right time, so thanks for this, Chris. It’s a good reminder of why we are in this career (and a touching story to boot). I didn’t have the opportunity to work with your dad, but I did with your mom years ago in Richmond. She also made things look easy. 🙂
Thank you so much Neesha for reading and for leaving the comment. We do have a very special profession.
A great post in a difficult time for educators in BC.
I am currently reading “You Are Not Special – and other encouragements” by David McCullough Jr. It is at once a funny and sobering perspective on teens and teachers. The writing style is a bit difficult at times however like the teacher you quote Chris a good teacher loves their craft and their students and learning.
I remember in my first year of teaching finding my first cheque stub for September and thinking: I actually get paid to have this much fun!
That is funny Susan, I too remember my first pay stub and thinking how amazing it was to be paid for doing what I was doing. Thanks for the comment and the ongoing encouragement.
For the first few years I taught, every time payday rolled around (yes every time) I felt like money had mysteriously shown up in my account because I had a hard time realizing that I was getting paid for doing something I loved.
Right now, the bloom has faded from the rose – thank-you for sharing your thoughts and Paul’s reflections – it helps to remind me of all the reasons why I love teaching.
Thanks Sharon. It is a real pleasure to get to share this story with those in my network. Hopefully we will have a fall in full bloom.
What a wonderful blog, Chris. I have tears building. It’s remembering that feeling of when it all feels so right, when you look at your students completely immersed in learning, and loving it. Great ending – inevitable and surprising.
Thanks Becky – it is amazing that we know when we are in “the zone” in the classroom. There are good days and then there are magical days – all so special.
Love reading this – the joy is really learning along with our students – always pushing to see how we can best meet the needs of our diverse students. Thanks for the great pick me up read.
I thought of you, Chris, yesterday when I picked up an old Oprah magazine here on vacation — the article was about leading by following. The author was teaching business management and realized that her adult learners were ahead of her in many ways. She put out a suggestion box asking them what they wanted to learn, what they thought of her teaching style and what she could do better. And that’s when I thought of how you led us so successfully at Riverside, by listening to what we had to say — just as your father said.
Your post was very moving when, at the end, you reveal that the master teacher was your father. The times we spend quietly talking with aging parents are very precious. I am forever grateful to you for sending me home to be with my father, enabling me to share his last lucid day before he slipped away. Thanks for that — and for another inspiring post.
Thank you for sharing a personal connection, giving us a momentary shift in perspective, and connecting us to other thoughtful bloggers. Nice!
What a touching post. The other commenters have captured the essence of the effect this post had on me as well.
very inspirational post (as usual). Teaching is a proud and dignified career and one that can change and inspire others (P.S. I have recently retired from School District 42 and you got a gem on your leadership team with Sean Nosek! Lucky West Van!)
That is very nice – we are so excited to have Sean join our team. It is always great to have new outside voices helping to make sure we don’t get stale.
Once again you leave the ordinary and write of the extraordinary. I too have come from generations of teachers who forged a path of service and success. After reading your post this morning I have come to the I conclusion that it is extraordinary indeed that someone so obviously gifted is so compassionate and humble.
Thank you Kevin. I love that phrase “a path of service and success.” It speaks so clearly to what we do.
I look forward to connecting with you and my other Winnipeg friends again soon.
Chris, a very timely and powerful piece that helps remind us all why we went into education. Also a nice tribute to your Dad and Mom. As a principal, I worry about the strained relationships and the hurt being caused in our school and across an exemplary public education system in our province.
I also struggle with my silence. All communities, stakeholders and leaders need to advocate for a fair resolution. We need stability to move our schools and districts forward.
Jim
Thanks Jim. We absolutely need a resolution as we can all see the challenges of repair and rebuilding that will be needed once this ends and the longer this goes, the longer and harder the process afterwards will be.
I want to be able to get back to telling the great stories of one of the world’s finest public education systems.
Chris,
You managed to do so many things with this one post. First and foremost you lifted my spirits in a time when it seems like has been little to feel lifted up by. Second you made clear for me anew and reminded me of why I became a teacher in this time of confusion and uncertainty. Lastly and most importantly (for me) you made me feel hopeful about all the possibilities and the future of education in a time when I have been feeling hopeless.
Heart felt thanks Chris.
Best,
Carolyn
Wow Carolyn what a very kind comment. Thanks so much for reading and sharing. It is wonderful to have you in my network – hopefully we have a fall that is full of possibilities.
The wait was worth it, Chris. You have encapsulated why I will devote much of my retirement to tweeting and blogging about my learning. There is a motivational joy in the lure of learning that every teacher and student should experience.
Chris,
What a wonderful piece and a poignant reminder of the joy and love we have for teaching. This truly made my day!
Thank you, 🙂
Thanks you Braunwyn.
Chris,
Thank you for sharing this at a time when teachers need to be reminded of their critical importance in our world. It was a pleasure to read of the influence your dad obviously had (and through his legacy will continue to have) on many, many people. I also thank you for reminding me of another outstanding former teacher who I need to do a better job of staying in touch with – my own father.
Thanks Scott. I am so glad that post has connected. I never know sometimes with the more personal posts. Our profession is full of wonderful stories.
I just read the obituary of your father’s life, Chris and Stefanie. I am so glad that you were able to do this post as such an amazing tribute to your father before he was gone. My condolences to Wilma and your whole family. The Kennedy’s have made a wonderful impact on my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Fred
Thank you Fred. I was debating whether or not to write this piece in early July. I was so glad that I did. I didn’t immediately tell my dad about it – I know he is a private person so I wasn’t sure what he would think. He came across the post and it led to a wonderful conversation. He really appreciated it. Thanks for your kind words.
What a powerful legacy to leave and for you to have seen. The fact that he was seen as a “joyful” person obviously resonates with me. The fact that he made it learn and feel natural is such a gift. All the best to you and your family. While you have lots to grieve about, you also have lots to celebrate and be thankful for.
Thanks Dean – yes, I was lucky to grow up in a house with two amazing teachers as models and inspirations.
Dear Chris,
I am glad that you wrote this piece, and that your father had a chance to see the warm words of appreciation and impact that he made on so many. I wonder at the coincidence of your timing too…….
serendipitous
acknowledging thanks and love
your father’s homage
thinking of you,
Catherine
Thank you Catherine. I have been very touched by so many of my SD43 friends who have reached out over the last few weeks. I am very lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life.
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Good morning. I stumbled on your blog post yesterday afternoon while talking to my 18-year-old niece about people that influenced and shaped my life.
As I’m sure you can guess, I’m referring to your father. I was fortunate to be one of his students my last two years of high school, in the late 80s. 27 years later, those days still stick with me. I was a troubled child in school and your dad spent many hours just listening to me pour out my anger and frustration. I’ve never forgotten that.
He was instrumental in me getting my first job, one that I kept for 12 years, and which indirectly led me to the career I am now in. I’m certain he would minimalize the part he played in shaping my life..but nonetheless it’s something that had a profound effect on me.
Thank you for your wonderful post. Peace.
Hi Pauline,
Thank you so much for the kind words and taking the time to share your experiences about my dad. I shared your words with my mom on the weekend and it was so nice for both of us. It is great to know that my dad had such a strong impact and one that is still being felt.
Thank You.
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