This will be on the test.

[bdar]

I've long characterized myself as a constant student, somebody who has a great passion and facility for learning. The downside for me, I've realized, is that I've never been quite sure how to transition from that into teaching

Comments

[anonymous]

I have welched on my intention to pursue teaching after getting my MA for the exact same reason. Mastro has told me many times that he thinks I would make a really good teacher, but I fail to believe him, and I fail to believe in myself. I also THINK I could do it, but the prospect of falling short of my expectations, the student's expectations, and failing to reflect the standards of the very best teachers I have had, even in the smallest degree, frightens me.

So I guess I'm saying, I understand. And also, if you are at least TRYING (which is awesome!), then perhaps I should grow some cajones and do the same.

Dina

[bdar]

You and me and confidence issues, huh?

You're awesome and I can't imagine you failing anything you put your heart and mind to.

[disenchant]

I think you have what it takes to be a good teacher. You have what can't be taught in any teacher school. That's very valuable.

[xandra_lj]

There was a very interesting article in the most recent New Yorker about teaching, and how one never *knows* if one will be a good teacher or not until one actually *does* it. The author likened this point to the work of NFL scouts: they can look all they like at the prospects in/from college, but nobody can accurately predict who will do well (or even survive) in the NFL until they get there-- precisely because nothing else in the world is the same as NFL playing conditions. Similarly, nothing else in the world is your classroom, run your way.

That said, I think (from experience) that having a passion for what one does and a desire to communicate that passion to others by shining a lamp a little further along the path is an essential requirement for teaching. Wish more people had it!

[serendipidy]

For what it might be worth, I considered you one of my teachers. I actually have you listed on my acting resume.

[svenny]

I like that last bit about the lantern. :-) I've been having a pretty good time at it. Last fall it was a shotgun situation and I think I rose to the challenge for the most part. This past semester, I fixed some stuff and had more Confident days than What the Hell am I Doing days. Though I'm sure at times my students have thought I was crazy. I received some lovely compliments this past semester in their final papers (I have yet to see what the prof evals said). I may receive some backlash from some of them for "forcing" them to see Ernie's play--but that's their problem.

That opportunity you have sounds intriguing. Dive in. Find inspiration from everyone you've learned from. I find myself retrieving random moments from undergrad that totally work in the moment. (Though may sure it's age appropriate...)

I think all teachers, like artists, doubt themselves. I feel like I've learned a lot and am growing as a teacher. Not saying this new semester will be EASY, but it'll be a little smoother.

Break a leg. :-)