Be, know, Do
One of the things I have learned throughout the years in the military and from over a decade of teaching at different levels, is to model the behavior of Be, Know and Do. Which is essentially what this model is saying as well. Be a professional by modeling appropriate behavior, know your content and audience, and do preparation and instruction. I think this model is very well done and reinforces what I have been taught over the years.
David,
Like your attitude in relation to what it takes to be an outstanding educator. You are right about the need to learn more and expand your expertise while trying new and creative ways to deliver content. As you say there will be failures but they are learning in themselves and thus we expand our skill sets even further.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Thanks Dr. Meers. In my opinion, the key is working on building confidence within yourself. When your confidence grows, it shows. Then, the students see you competence, and they get better in the process. The only way you get confidence, is to continue to learn, to expand your horizons, to try new techniques. Oh yeah, while you are doing that, you may fail along the way. Then, learn from that experience, and move on. I benefited from bosses who gave me the leeway to try my own way, through the years. Sometimes it didn't always work out the way I had hoped. But, everything they allowed me to do, made me the person I am today. As I teach and mentor, I try to remember that my real job is to mold my replacement in the world. It is a daunting, and humbling thing sometimes.
David,
Great advice your young instructors. This is what being a learning leader is about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I would have to agree with your assessment. I spent nearly 30 years in the military. My first real job was an instructor in the back seat of a T-38. Although the students I was instructing had maybe 80-100 hours less flight time than I did, I was young, and it was easy to be intimidated. However, I knew how to do what they did not. I also had wings on my chest, they did not. It was my job to get them there, and model the right way to do things. Always remember you are supposed to be the expert...know the right, and wrong way to do things. Demonstrate that every time. Tell them what you expect, and when you do it, do it the way you teach it. Be the model of right. I learned that valuable lesson, and have built on it over time.
Shannon,
Thanks for these good comments about being a role model and learning leader for students. It should be one of the main goals we set for ourselves each time we interact with students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
