Be the Teacher- Catalyst

 As an adult, mentor and teacher, I've come to realise that there were teachers who taught me and teachers who lived with me to date.

The energy and the motivation they brought to the table are part of the tools that brought me where I am today.

This is because they were my catalyst. They do not just carry the teacher portfolio but they lived it.

They were always there to speed up my learning process and today, I am grateful. 

As a teacher, one thing is for the learners to be interested in what you're teaching, another thing is for you to be interesting to make them interested in learning effectively. 

Before we delve into teacher catalyst, let us look at the word 'catalyst' .

From the perspective of science, a catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being changed or used up at the end. The same applies to the teaching profession. A teacher catalyst helps learners speed up their learning process.

As catalysts, teachers can give all without being exhausted, and without burnout. This is because they see teaching as service beyond the job. What we teach matters but more importantly is how we teach it. 

Who is then a teacher catalyst? This is a teacher who inspires learners to learn effectively so that they can practice what they learned in the real world 🌎 context. 

This kind of teacher inspires learners using the 4Cs: Communication, Collaboration, Critical thinking and Creativity. ( the 4Cs have been discussed in our episodes).The teacher motivates them to learn through every hurdle of learning, ensuring they win. With a  teacher catalyst, learners understand theory and practice. They understand learning from the value angle not success like Albert Einstein said

The incredible and meaningful work of a teacher catalyst in positive change may seem out of reach. Not only do they help learners navigate through the struggles of learning, but they also pave way for the new generations of learners to positive change. This way ,adding value to the society becomes a chain reaction. 

Teacher catalyst believe in service and adding value to the learners and society. They intentionally operate from the angle of service because they know that greatness is determined by service in line with the quote of

Martin Luther King Jr.

Teacher catalyst don't just exist with their learners, they live with them.Their encouraging words revives and don't tear down. They understand learner and learning challenges and treat them with grace.

For a teacher catalyst, every learner counts.Every one matter and are all carried along in the learning process.No one is left behind. 

Teacher catalyst operate with love but never bypass discipline when necessary. They correct learners in a way that will not break but empower them.

What more can I say; 

Are you just an existing or a living  teacher? How will your learners remember you?

What will they remember you for?

Why not be a teacher catalyst;  so that you cause a positive change in your learners and society at large .

Be the catalyst! Be the change for the future. Do not just teach and go,find a way to support your learners. TEACH WITH PASSION. Stick your name in their hearts.

Additional  resources

    

  Be the catalyst  by Lauren Friedrich (TEDx)

BryantU

   

Teacher-catalyst. How important?

   

   

Teachers should facilitate , learners should lead learning

 Should learners lead learning?

Learners should  lead learning  because when the do,they will be ushered into the learning process.In this process,they are connected to think critically, criticise constructively and ask questions as they find answers.

Wonderinghow this can be done? Here are some Powerful additional resources that will help you.

  Students need to lead the classroom,not teachers By Catherine Cadwell-Tedx

A must read book by Robyn Jackson .This book is a powerful guide.It is a must grab for all teachers 👇

The approachable teacher

 Approachability is a great teaching skill and one of the major characteristics of an effective teacher. 

Who is an approachable teacher and why is it important? What does it have to do with learning?

An approachable teacher is that teacher  that is accessible to learners irrespective.He listens to their concerns  without distraction. An approachable teacher understands the need to pay attention to the learners and their learning.

THERE IS ALWAYS THIS SILENT TONE OF "I got your back,YOU can count on me" when a teacher is approachable .With an approachable teacher,learners are empowered to lead their learning knowing they are not alone.

Learning is a process and with an approachable teacher, learners feel at home.They find strength to try, fail,take corrections and improve  because they can easily approach the teacher  without fear. Approachability enhances  learners curiosity and questioning  skill because there is a safe zone.

With approachability  learners are drawn out of their shells,  to share their concerns, embrace authenticity and make progress 

Recall, how you feel anytime the door is closed against you:when no one is listening .Remember the trauma when you want to approach your teacher and He or she is not giving you audience, we know how that feels,eee 

No matter how sophisticated and great a teacher sounds, without access,it will be tough for  the learners to learn effectively. 

This is because in approachability,questions are asked,Inquires are made and opinions are evoked.

Learners cannot be separated from learning  both must go together. As attention is paid to the learner same goes to learning. It is  a whole world, not part.

Teachers should not use their power to create distance between  them and their learners.They should use their powers to bridge the gap.

Phill Wilson puts it like this:

"Power creates distance .Leaders bridge the gap".

Can Approachability make any difference in the

Learning? Yes because everything borders on acceptance.When learners are coming to meet their techer that is the first door 🚪 they want open  and if that door is open, they feel safe to kick start.

According to Scott Hayden

" Teachers have three loves,: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing  the first two loves together, "

Think about that and change your style if you haven't. Do not build a wall around you.Serve with your power.ENRICH YOUR LEARNERS. CARE FIRST BEFORE THEY CAN.BE DISCILINED BUT NOT DIFFICULT. Do not just hear your  learners, listen to them.

Pave way for your learners to learn authentically. Do not block them.Be approachable,   be accessible. It is not weakness but strength. 

What happens when you're not fit?

If you are stressed rest,if you are sick,get medical attention but do not put yourself in a position that your learners  will not want to talk to you.

Yes ,you don't need to be available for every one all the time but learn  to have honest conversations in regard instead of acting out.

Remember that you too need an honest feedback from your learners and you can't get that when you are not approachable

Additional resources 

By David Sarkus,MS,CSP. Motivational safety speaker, Coach and Consultant