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What Kind of Teacher Am I?

 What Kind of Teacher Am I?

 

    There are many different "types" of teachers- holistic, traditional, linear, laid back, or critical theorist. I was recently tasked with defining my own type, but I don't think I fit into just one. I believe I am a blend of a critical theorist- a teacher that encourages discussion about social issues, inequality, sometimes plays devil's advocate to help students think from a different perspective- and a traditionalist- a teacher that likes order, structure and is not afraid of enforcing discipline. My students know my rules and boundaries from day one. They know the repercussions of not following rules and expectations. But they also know I'm not a hard-ass. I understand that they are middle school kids, that they are not mature and that they will do and say dumb things without thinking. I have firm boundaries, and my students learn quickly to respect them.

    I teach 6th and 7th grade social studies/geography and I often encourage my students to think outside of the bubble they live in. I love introducing them to places, cultures, and events they’ve never heard of and watching their thinking shift from “That’s so weird” to “That’s so interesting!”  II teach core historical and social concepts, which aligns with a traditionalist approach, but I also encourage the students to think about who recorded this history? what was that person's perspective? How race, gender, oppression have shaped history and where we are today. That's the critical theorist in me.

    When it comes to geography, I expect my students to master the basics—especially mapping skills—because without that foundation, it’s difficult for them to think spatially. In this area, I take more of a traditionalist stance.  I follow a traditionalist role when it comes to mapping skills and the basics of geography. Once they have mastered that I shift into a more critical theorist approach- encouraging them to question things (just not me! kidding!😜), to ask why, and to develop their own perspective.  I want them to see the bigger picture, to gain curiosity about the world and to develop a desire to go see it-experience it-learn it.

    In summary, I see myself as a mix of two types of teachers: one who loves organization, structure and has clear rules, and another who encourages students to think about social issues and different viewpoints. In both my 6th and 7th grade classes, I focus on making sure students master the basics, like mapping skills, but I also encourage them to question history and think about how certain things have shaped our world. I want my classroom to be a place where students feel supported by clear expectations while also growing curious and thinking critically about the world around them.



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