im sure that most people have heard or even used the expression, "Those who
can't teach". Inherent in this subtle putdown, is the belief that an instructor
is resigned to "just teaching" a given subject because they are unable to
perform adequately the thing they are teaching. As a result of this cock eyed
mode of reasoning we look at vocal instructors as"failed singers", coaches
as"wanna be athletes" and art teachers as"frustrated artists."
THE JOY OF TEACHING
Nothing could be farther from the truth. The fact is that teaching is a calling,
of sorts. A person who teaches, has such a passion for their subject that it's
unbearable to contain it within themselves! They have a need to impart it to
others.
Why does this need exist?
I would say it's out of the sincere, selfless desire to have another experience
the same level of joy that the teacher feels themselves when engaged in the
activity.
Although a "bad analogy" it's kind of like the moron who blasts his music loudly
in his car. He's grooving on heavy metal and wants "everyone"to share in the
experience right down to the last decibel!
TEACHERS ARE NOT WANNABEES
If you dig deep enough, you'll find that that most teachers have achieved a
level of notoriety and success in their chosen fields. That broken down, raspy
voice, boxing coach with the nasty smelling cigar and beer belly, was regional
or state champion in his prime, that piano teacher may have been a concert
pianist who traveled Europe in her youth, the list goes on, and on. Sometime in
the process of working on their own careers people find that they have a knack
for imparting information to others. They find that while pursuing their own
careers, they love to see others make it too, and view them as kindred spirits
not competitors. Teachers are not wanna bees, on the contrary , because of
their love for their topic, they've studied it above and beyond what the casual
observer, the hobbyist, or even the so called "natural" has.
WHY TEACHING IS IMPORTANT
Without teaching knowledge dies. Nothing is more tragic than that. For years I
have been the admirer of a particular pastor who serves a congregation in a so
called Urban area, that most men in his position, given the same level of
education opportunity, and breeding would have abandoned. And yet, he has been a
staple in the community fir several generations. His social, administrative and
political skills are legendary. He genuinely loved, honored and respected by the
people he serves. I've often said to him that I hoe he is training someone to
take his place because if he doesn't, what he's built, and the knowledge he
posesses will due with him, never to be reproduced in another.
Teaching is about reproducing. When I teach someone caricature and cartooning,
it's a way if reproducing my knowledge so that it doesn't die with me. If I am
successful in imparting to another I have the joy of knowing they will taje what
I've given, and add to that what s uniquely their own, and give tray out to
another.
So the cycle continues. On and on.
I guess that's what teaching is all about.
Posts
