REFLECTION ON THE HEART OF THE TEACHER
(Parker J. Palmer)
Identity and Integrity in Teaching
Reading through the article, I was reminded about past experiences during placement, when lessons didn’t go as planned or students seemed unfocused and disinterested. These were moments when I felt doubt, lack of faith and questioned myself as an educator. However, my passion and love for teaching motivated me to continue so I took time to reflect. Reflection played a vital part in my integrity as an educator. Specifically, writing down moments brought into perspective the teacher I was trying to be. As teachers, we have the pressure to be perfect, to never make mistakes. When I first started teaching I would be so disappointed making mistakes. How could I be a teacher if I made mistakes? Reflecting would allow me to forgive myself and better understand that making mistakes helps us learn. Through reflection, I began to adapt, modify and change what didn’t work. I started to journal daily and through role modeling that mistakes were okay, I could connect with my students.
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Connecting with our students is vital when keeping them engaged and participating. An important part of my teaching philosophy is student-centered learning. Allowing students to facilitate their own learning with guidance ensures their knowledge, experiences and beliefs are integrated in their learning. This shifts the focus and helps create a sense of “connectedness” between teacher and students. When we place our trust, care, respect and integrity in our students and ourselves we begin to create meaningful connections.
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Creating meaningful connections relates to how we see our students. Who is in our classes? Where are they from? Where do they see themselves? Representation in our classrooms is crucial in developing identity and integrity in teaching. Knowing our students and demonstrating who they are in our lessons creates trust and respect. This illustrates that we care for our students. When students see themselves in our lessons they are more inclined to respect, participate and listen.
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‘The Heart of a Teacher’ is a relatable article that describe feelings all teachers have at a certain point. These feelings of doubt and lack of faith in ourselves can negatively impact our own selves which affect our teaching. Ultimately, how we see ourselves as educators plays an important role in our student’s success and influences the work we present.
THE ENDURING GIFT
The History of Catholic Education
The History of Catholic Education document and The Enduring Gift video highlighted the privilege and opportunity I had of attending Catholic school. It illustrated the struggles and perseverance many people went through to achieve public funding for Catholic schools. Having the opportunity to develop and practice my faith blended with my education provided an immersive school experience. By integrating the Catholic curriculum and continue growing our faith we can ensure we do not take the gift of Catholic schools for granted.
It is important that we preserve this system of publicly funded education. As a community, we can help preserve Catholic schools by continuing to implement gospel values at the core of our teaching and continue practicing our faith. We must stay united and together as a community to demonstrate how Catholic schools can have positive impacts on our students, families, and communities. It is vital that educators who work or plan to teach in Catholic schools are aware of the struggles, benefits of teaching and being part of our Catholic schools. We need to be advocates and keep our voices heard to our trustees and administrators on how important and impactful it is keeping our schools funded.
Our students benefit from an integrated Catholic pedagogy. My pedagogy changes in a Catholic school by integrating the Ontario Catholic curriculum and placing gospel values at the core of our students learning. Within Catholic schools’ students have more opportunities to practice and foster their faith, through academia, social development, prayer and reflection.
“Ontario Schools have a well-recognized, celebrate tradition of providing inclusive, welcoming communities where all students are encouraged to realize their full potential as unique individuals created in the image of God” - Ontario Catholic Schools Teacher Association
The History of Catholic Education, embraces my philosophy of teaching; the acceptance of all. Creating a supported and safe environment for all my students regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Catholic schools provide an inclusive, and welcoming environment for students to comfortably develop their faith. Through this environment our students learn about diversity, and are provided accessible faithful learning.