Kid.01 said that the “boy teachers are funny, lady teachers are nice but strict.” From his limited observation, this is true. But does teaching naturally attract different kinds of people based on sex? In my experience male teachers tend to “perform,” even art professors (and especially art history ones) are well beloved for their use of heavy joking in their lectures. Maybe teaching attracts a broader range of women (and let’s face it, it is traditionally “woman’s work” and lower paid, so the brightest and best women don’t choose it). I try to be a bit funny, but can’t pull it off every class…
But what makes a good teacher? Creativity, flexibility (can’t stress this enough, nothing ever goes as planned, and if it does, you’re doing something wrong), humor, empathy, organization. Keeping yourself fresh. This was why I went to Turkey, and it definitely gave me new perspectives on teaching. Wonder where I’ll go next?
(shot above is a student piece about texture, isn't it fun?)
2 comments:
I agree with your idea about male teachers being more likely to be "performers." It's true in lower grades, too, although obviously not true of every male teacher (and there are women who perform). I try to do really fun stuff but keep the class about what the kids are doing... not about me.
oh, btw, I will be here only Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, but if you'll still be in town we could definitely get coffee or brunch or whatever...
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