My entry into the profession of teaching was by accident. I was informed by a friend one day while I was working in the 70s as head nurse in the emergency department of the Silliman University Medical Center that my college dean, the late Maria Concepcion Roble, was offering me a position as faculty at the College of Nursing. (It was also Dean Roble who hired me as staff nurse right after graduation).My joking reply was that I will accept the offer if the Dean herself would come to my house to personally invite me. Then lo and behold, one day Dean Roble was waiting for me in our living room, and she, of course, reiterated her offer.
So here I am, a nurse-teacher-administrator after that offer from my Dean some five decades ago.
Teacher as nurturer is a better metaphor to describe the strong feeling that teacher-trainees have expressed about the characteristics of a good teacher. “Teaching is like a garden. I want my classroom to be a place where the pupils can flourish and grow,” said a blogger.
Adam Lopez, a primary school teacher, adds, “Children are like plants and the roots of a great classroom are created by strong relationships.”
Four tips for novice teachers: 1) Be prepared. The first year may be tough, but make it a year of dedicated work, combined with the business aspect; 2) Get stuck in. Accept opportunities and create additional ones. Even if your stay is short, you will be remembered for the legacy you leave behind; 3) Develop high quality relationships with students. Once this is in place, you can tailor everything else around them. Know their hobbies, their likes and dislikes, their families, and their friends. Provide a calm environment as well as a calm considered approach; and 4) Praise. Always look for chances to praise the students and be mindful and step back when a student behaves differently. Try to speak to the student and offer help as needed.
Maria Orlando (2013) states: “Great teachers work tirelessly to create a challenging environment for their students, in contrast to those who do the bare minimum required and very little more.” She came up with a list of nine characteristics of a great teacher:
– A great teacher respects students where each person’s ideas and opinions are valued.
– A great teacher creates a sense of community and belonging in the classroom.
– A great teacher is warm, accessible, enthusiastic, and caring.
– A great teacher sets high expectations for all students.
– A great teacher has his own love for learning and inspires students with his/her passion for education and for the course material.
– A great teacher is a skilled leader. She focuses on shared decision-making and teamwork, and team-building.
– A great teacher can shift gears and is flexible when a lesson is not working.
– A great teacher collaborates with colleagues on an ongoing basis.
– A great teacher maintains professionalism in all areas: his personal appearance, organizational skills, and preparedness for the day.
So fellow teachers, do not be just a nurturer, but strive to be a great teacher. Remember, a teacher’s influence spans eternity. (John Dewey).
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Author’s email: nenita.tayko@foundationU.com
