Is a Teacher Just a Teacher?

Is a teacher just a teacher? Not according to Carol Ann Tomlinson. A teacher plays many different roles. They are a counselor, a parent, a coach, social worker, and so on. However, a teacher is still a teacher, and a teacher is here to teach. Teachers don't change lives by just playing in different roles...teachers change lives by equipping students with intellectual necessities to make their way in an academic world. Teachers teach, just like a mechanic fixes a car, or a waitress takes your order. Like a mechanic has screwdrivers, and drills, and waitress has her trays and apron, a teacher has tools too. A teacher has instruction and curriculum. These tools help us do what we must do. It helps to ensure that we help students develop the knowledge, understanding, and skill necessary to be fulfilled and productive members of society.

Instruction and curriculum may be the tools that teachers use, but I think sometimes teachers forget that they are tools, that the are there for us. I have seen teachers rush through them, to say that they made it through the textbook, or to not fall behind. It is almost like saying, "Hey, I know we need to hang up this painting on the wall, let me get my sledge hammer to hit the nail with!" instead of saying "Let's make sure this painting is straight and level, then I will hammer the nail into the wall." Would you rather have a gaping hole in the wall, or a beautiful painting on the wall for all to see?

There is so much that goes into curriculum and instruction, and we must take our time with it. We need to make sure that the students we have are truly understanding what they are learning. They are going to be the ones that are shaping the future, and teachers need to lead them there the right way.

How?

By using curriculum and instruction as our proper tools, or as others say,by using curriculum and instruction as our vehicles. In order to make our vehicles work, we have to use the elements we have. I like to look at it by saying, I am adding more to my toolbox! Here is what I am adding:

Important-What we study provides a roadmap towards expertise in a discipline. What we study balances knowledge, understanding, and skill. 

Focused-Whatever we do, is designed to get us where we need to go.  Both the teacher and students know why we're doing what we are doing. 

Engaging-Students see themselves and their world in the work. Students see value to others in the work. Students often find themselves absorbed by the work. 

Demanding-Student growth is non-negotiable. Standards for work and behavior are high. Students are guided in working and thinking like professionals. 

Scaffolded-The teacher teaches for success. Varied avenues to learn and support a variety of learners. The teacher uses modeling and organizers, and other strategies to point out success. 

     By adding all these elements to my toolbox, I know I can lead these kids down the academic path they need to go down. I can change lives this way. I can challenge students, and teach them at the levels they need to be taught (I can differentiate this way). So can YOU. 

Don't put a hole through the wall. Create something beautiful, and show it off. Show those students you want them to learn, and you will be there to help them along the way. So is a teacher just a teacher? No. Yes a teacher teaches, but a teacher does a whole lot more than that.