Periodically, I like to pause and think about what I’ve accomplished, how it aligns with my values, and the impact I have on others. The trick is, we don’t often know how we touch others’ lives.
I read a piece that Maryellen Weimer wrote about “Priceless Gift Exchanges between Faculty and Students” in the November 21, 2022 issue of Faculty Focus. In it, she states that “Teachers and students can give each other priceless gifts”. She shares a student comment that “Professor Jones changed my life!” and says “this comment is usually followed by the story of a teacher in love with content, students, and learning.” Wow, this is such a wonderful reminder that our passion can really ignite student curiosity and passion in the subject and in learning itself.
I recently received feedback from former students who are pursuing further educational opportunities and reached out for recommendations. They shared the impact the class content and actions I took in facilitating the learning had on them. It’s such a gift. Dr. Weimer says “we love to hear and tell these stories because they are remarkable and inspiring. A student and a teacher connect during one small segment of the student’s life, yet through that tiny window of time can blow a gust strong enough to change the direction of that life.”
We can often be critical of our teaching. No one is perfect. Dr. Weimer reminds us that “when teachers change lives, it’s the human element that inspires, connects, and motivates in transformative ways.” and “any teacher can change a student’s life; shy teachers, old teachers, part-time teachers, those with tenure, and those without. And the change can happen regardless of what you teach, where you teach, or who you teach.”
I invite you to reflect on a few questions using your TLC Teaching Reflection Journal:
- How does your love of content, students, and learning show up in your classes?
- What feedback have you received from students about the impact you’ve had on them?
- What can you do for yourself to fill your cup so your love of content, students, and learning continues to shine through?
If you don’t have a TLC Teaching Reflection Journal yet, email teach@wit.edu and we’ll gift you one!
Reflect and renew! Tes Zakrzewski EdD