Hammering down THE most important role of a teacher (in my mind) is comparable to labeling an entire class under one word. It can't be done. There are so many important roles that a teacher plays, to me, in this time in my career path and through my hours of working in the classroom, one of the most important roles would be the role of caretaker and mentor.
A teacher needs to appreciate each child under their care. With such a wide range of characters and learning capabilities, it is imperative that (even as difficult as it may be on some days) the teacher have equal amount of concern and care of each of his/her students. I have learned from watching and asking questions that in order for a teacher to gain the trust of her students they must know that she appreciates them unconditionally. One of the teachers that I have come in contact with was telling me that she was reading something in one of her students journals, talking about the teacher - mentioning how he thinks she's "so mean. She seems so grumpy sometimes". She told me, "that changed everything. I knew I needed to change. I look at it as - some of these children see me and are under my care for more hours in the day then their actual parents. I need to make sure that they know they are appreciated and loved for who they are and what they can be."
Another teacher told me to deal and correct those who might be challenging and then focus on the positive aspects of the day (to keep your sanity in tact). I think my children have appreciated those teachers who have taken the time out to help them as needed and have empathized with them when they feel overwhelmed or confused in a certain area. Again, as long as the student knows they can trust their teacher, and that they won't be belittled by their teacher, they will respect him/her that much more.
A teacher needs to appreciate each child under their care. With such a wide range of characters and learning capabilities, it is imperative that (even as difficult as it may be on some days) the teacher have equal amount of concern and care of each of his/her students. I have learned from watching and asking questions that in order for a teacher to gain the trust of her students they must know that she appreciates them unconditionally. One of the teachers that I have come in contact with was telling me that she was reading something in one of her students journals, talking about the teacher - mentioning how he thinks she's "so mean. She seems so grumpy sometimes". She told me, "that changed everything. I knew I needed to change. I look at it as - some of these children see me and are under my care for more hours in the day then their actual parents. I need to make sure that they know they are appreciated and loved for who they are and what they can be."
Another teacher told me to deal and correct those who might be challenging and then focus on the positive aspects of the day (to keep your sanity in tact). I think my children have appreciated those teachers who have taken the time out to help them as needed and have empathized with them when they feel overwhelmed or confused in a certain area. Again, as long as the student knows they can trust their teacher, and that they won't be belittled by their teacher, they will respect him/her that much more.
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