Imagine a only figure standing below a grand stage. The lights are low and the person appears unaware of our presence, In a small still voice they pose questions as they were speaking to the space. Why me? Why you? Why are we called to be ?
Upon entering graduate school, I immediately set to teaching and consider the trade as a part of my identity. This reflection of my authentic teaching self comes in my final semester with a bit of irony as this is the only semester in which I am not teaching. Though I reject the idea of the professor performer that comes with the old saying, sage on a stage, there is a certain literary use in the imagery that it creates. A vision of teaching set in space and opportunity.
Sincere is the first word that comes to mind when describing my authentic teaching self. It is important to me that my students understand that I stand fully committed, when I offer to assist them in reaching their academic goals.
The second term that comes to mind is 3-dimensional, while I respect the line of professionalism I am honest with my students. If I am nervous I let them see. I am a lecturer in my cowboy boots and greet with a warm “Howdy.” When I am struggling with an assignment, I tell them. I need students to trust me if I am going to convince them to try new things. So, I let them see me for who I really am in hope that they will find in me someone that they can trust.
Finally the third term that describes my authentic teaching self is co-journeyman. I am new to the profession and I do not have everything figured out. However, I know that with the joy of learning comes the burden of passing it on. Teaching is indeed a burden of preparing, grading, and constantly adjusting. Yet, it is a joy to be present in someone's educational journey. I hope to always feel that I am but a journeyman, learning and co-learning with my students. Each day knowing that together we get a little closer to the truth.
In conclusion, I return to the imagery of before I am the sage without a strange. The lonely figure and I confess that I am low. As I graduate with my masters degree, I have tough for three semesters and will soon hold a credential in teaching. Yet, at my educational level, I may never again get the chance to teach.