Uncovering and managing unconscious
ways of ‘looking’: A case study of researching educational care by Corrine
McKamey. Reading this article made me think a lot about being more than just a
teacher. As a youth development major that’s exactly what we are aiming to do.
The scenarios and comments from the article about caring teachers made me think
a lot about our many meetings with Youth In Action. To me youth in action is a
great representation of caring teachers. They take an interest in the youth’s
life outside of school and they care about how they are doing emotionally. If
you listen to the testimonies of the youth they bring to class you can hear the
trust and confidence they have in their mentors. Many of them stated that the
people at youth in action changed their lives, and can’t imagine where they
would be without them.
The teachers at YIA have a sense of nurturing, and to
them it isn’t all about academics. They don’t stop caring once school is over;
they are there for them outside of school anytime they are needed. I think a
big part of being a caring teacher is being someone people can count on, and
being there for a person in need. Creating a sense of trust between a teacher and
youth can go a long way, also being someone the youth can relate to. Not just a
boring teacher that students have nothing in common with. When I was in school there were teachers I trusted and
related to and others I didn’t. I can remember many teachers that
earned my respect and others that didn't. The ones that I connected with were
really able to make a difference, and I found myself trying harder because I
didn’t want to disappoint them. I new I could talk to them about issues not
related to school, and just have a conversation with them. Those were the
teachers I enjoyed having and the ones I will remember.
Very true about teacher! I was one of the students who needed to have a connection to the teacher in high school. But we need to remember to draw that line and not become a students best friend and that is very hard to do but I did have some teachers in high school who were very close to the edge ! Balance is key.
ReplyDeleteSteven, I feel the same way about teachers! The ones who really tried to get to know me for me rather than just another student were the ones that I really connected with. I feel like I learned more from those teachers as well because I tried harder in their classes
ReplyDeleteI'm hearing a theme here about the importance of relationships in educational settings. Absolutely! Megan, I appreciate you bringing up the issue of boundaries and friend vs. teacher/mentor/youth worker. There is definitely a balance.
ReplyDeleteI love the concept of educating even after school is over. I agree with the fact that we should develop a strong relationships with youth. We need to know as educators to understand the divide of that relationship. We don't want to put ourselves in a situation that can cause conflict. We as educators need to make sure that we are respected and friendly but not the same level as a friend. We want our youth to be comfortable but not get the wrong idea that we still have to be their educator.
ReplyDeleteI could definitely relate to you when you said " The ones that I connected with were really able to make a difference, and I found myself trying harder because I didn’t want to disappoint them. " I had a teacher that I really connected with and looked up to as a student. They would do their best in trying to help me with my academics that it made me put in that extra effort in hopes that I wouldn't disappoint them. The teachers that really put in the time to relate to their students are the one's that are most valued and make the most significant change in an individuals life.
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