In another life I endeavored to write professionally. My best friend and I sojourned to Los Angeles where we toiled in obscurity, dashing off scripts for TV shows we hoped would get us an agent. Long story short, the LA “scene” wasn’t for me and I found my calling in education. A writer must write from a place of purpose and meaning. If you don’t have a story to tell, you’ve no business writing. Finally, after some months of stopping and starting (and a dissertation defense mixed in) I have a new story to tell.
Re-watching a scene from “Downton Abbey” today I was struck by the understanding of the writer of the importance of a teacher building relationships with his students. For non-Downton watchers, a recent subplot involved Mr. Moseley, one of the household servants being invited to teach at the local school. His initial lesson was an abject failure, with the students ignoring him and mocking him. However, in his second attempt he hit upon the key to successful teaching: relationships. He allowed the students to see him as a person, to get to know him a little and build a rapport, which he then parlayed into a lesson in which the students were engaged. It’s the most fundamental principle in teaching, the importance of the trusting relationship.
A former colleague used to ask prospective teachers what he deemed a trick question. He would ask, “Without using the word ‘respect,’ is it important for your students like you?” The correct answer is, of course, yes. If your students like you, moreover, if they know you like them, care about them, they’re going to want to be successful in your class. It’s more important than content knowledge, well-designed lessons, or classroom management. A teacher’s success begins and ends with his/her ability to connect with students. I found it fascinating that “Downton Abbey” was able to convey that in this small story.
Really it’s Maslovian. We all have a basic need to be liked/loved/accepted/appreciated. A teacher who is able to create connections with students has the greatest chance of connecting students with learning. I think that’s the collective strength of my current staff, the ability to build relationships with students. While vastly different in style, they all have an inherent understanding of this critical component of teaching. It’s an attribute that’s hard to coach. Lucky for me, they’re naturals.
Cultural Observation: The three hour time difference between Alaska and Chicago is, for the most part, awesome. Whether it’s the Academy Awards or a triple overtime hockey game, live events are generally over at a very reasonable hour. Although I must admit an 8:30 AM Blackhawks game on a Sunday morning is a bit odd, the Oscars were done by 8:00.