![]() “What will you do with what you are learning?” I routinely put this question before my students as they progress through language courses. I have found that when students discover their voices and believe in themselves, they will become fearless as they begin their journey. As their teacher, what do I say to myself? I remind myself that It’s not about me. Each day in my classroom, I become more aware of students who greet me with either hugs or shrugs, laughter or attitude, and hope or anxiety. When those precious hearts and sometimes bull headed egos walk through my door, they often bring preconceived notions about why they must learn another language. My mission is to inspire each one of them to do great things in any language. How do you inspire your students? Be fearless. Know your strength. The secret to being fearless is to understand your source of strength and integrity. Go to that source constantly, filling your soul with inspiration for students and one another. I am grateful for the invaluable lessons I’ve learned over my lifetime for there are a myriad of influences on my teaching. Who I am as an educator is a direct reflection of not only the most encouraging individuals in my life, but also the harshest. I have learned more from my mistakes and mistakes of others than I have by trying to be perfect. It is important to recognize teachers, college professors, friends, adversaries, pessimists, and encouraging coworkers who shape our lives. Be fearless in finding self-confidence to let go of what or who holds you back from accomplishing tasks before you. This requires discernment that develops over time and with experience. Inspirational teaching occurs with the educator who has been exposed to hardship as well as success and is not afraid to share these lessons. Be fearless. Tell the truth. Students are watching. Serving others is most effective when we integrate compassion, honesty, and professionalism into our conversations at school. If a student is not going to learn honesty at home, he will look to his teacher. Keep your promises. Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools that don’t have brains enough to be honest.” Fearlessly admit mistakes no matter how humbling it can be. Apologize. Students need to witness adults who lead authentic lives, so don’t pretend to be someone you are not. I am not Latina, Haitian, French or even Canadian French, but I let my scholars know that this woman from South Georgia loves her job! I always know that I’m not the smartest person in the room because I prefer to surround myself with awesome people. Common sense reminds us to ask others for help when it is needed. For times you need courage and conviction to speak up, be responsible with your discourse and true to your character or heritage. In doing so, practice letting good words reach your mouth before the ugly ones. Be fearless. Explore our world. I nurture my insatiable love for new experiences, and as one trip ends, I plan the next. My travel stories engage my students as they begin to imagine themselves in the places we discuss. When I travel, I reaffirm my passion for teaching and life. I boldly speak to everyone I can, asking where they are from and where they are headed because people crave to be heard and understood by someone else. People tell me their stories because I ask them. When they want to know mine, I am ready to share. Last July, I visited a refugee center in Rome, Italy, and sat at a table with three men, all from different war torn Middle Eastern countries. Stereotypes were shattered and fear was dispelled as we played dominos, spoke French, and laughed at my decidedly poor game. Language, culture, and compassion were perfectly aligned for an afternoon. In this defining moment of my visit, I realized there is still so much more for me to learn. Be fearless. Accept the dreaded morning car duty with grace. It is twenty minutes of smiling at others and welcoming them to school. Begin each workday with laughter, hugs, and waves. Be fearless and cheerful as you inspire others to embrace another day of learning about our incredible world. Educators should challenge students with the best tools, not the tired tools, to bravely find their way.
2 Comments
Becky Robinson
3/26/2020 08:51:52 pm
I love how you use your travels to inspire your students. I think it is so important to teach children through modeling that the world is out there for them and they need to explore it. I always encouraged and approved any trip my students went on during school.
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Jackie C
3/26/2022 01:01:59 pm
I had to laugh at the "dreaded morning car duty." So true. Love all of this. I'm thankful for your encouraging presence in our building.
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JoAnna Arnold
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