Sage Without A Stage
- H. Kuneyl
- Feb 3, 2021
- 2 min read
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.
Howdy Folx,
Thank you do much for the comments. Yes, I believe this picture was taken in Cheathem Hall.
Hi, Hannah
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience about teaching. I consider the teaching and learning in the class not only for teachers' and students' roles and responsibilities. They have to go on their journey together with communication during the course. Without students, there does not exist a good teacher and vice versa. During reading your blog, I can see your authenticity and mindfulness about teaching. Thanks.
Hey Hannah,
I am gonna have to agree with Ashit. Your sincerity and willingness to meet students where they are, as yourself, really comes through in your post. Trust is so important when we build community in our classrooms. When we say "I don't know, let's go find out" to our students, it sends the message to them that it's okay to not know, because we are going to learn together. If teaching and learning is important to you, maybe there are ways to incorporate teachable moments and opportunities into the field you are entering after graduation.
Unrelated, except that I love the picture you put with your post. Is that Cheatham Hall? I took a Soils class in 310C…
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Being sincere is one of the quality a good teacher should always poses. And I believe it is more important for a teacher to be sincere to themselves while they are in the class. Every teacher first and for most is an individual with likes and dislike and when you embrace them you create an environment for the students to be themselves as well. A safe environment for you to teach and students to learn.
When you are true to yourself you enjoy teaching because you are doing what to love in a way you love. And this behavior directly reflects on the student because they do not see a disinterested teacher teaching for…