Epitaph+for+an+English+Teacher

Monday, August 2 =**__Please use this page to type your reponse to the essay. Discuss what the author wants teachers to understand about student motivation. Also, respond to your classmates' comments.__**= (Clik on "Edit", and when you're done click "Save.")

PLEASE WRITE YOUR NAME AFTER ALL OF YOUR COMMENTS. I CAN ONLY GIVE CREDIT TO STUDENTS WHO COMPLETE THIS ASSIGNMENT IF I KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

Comments:

I assume the author wants us to understand the importance of a teacher's attitude toward the student as a person- not just as a learner. He wants us to recognize how powerful forming a connection/showing an interest in the child can be to motivate students to reach their potential. I always like anecdotal evidence of how important it is to be supportive and teach the "whole child"- responding not just to their academic needs, but to who they are, where they're at emotionally, etc. Articles like these renew my commitment to getting to know each student and being as supportive a teacher and influence as I can. -- Anna Greenberg

It is always heartwarming to find out that we have made a difference to students. I enjoy reading inspiring teacher stories so thank you, Rebecca, for selecting this article to read. I thought the key sentence was the following: "He became the first adult, besides my parents, to ever show any real interest in me." This is probably one of the best ways to motivate a student--when a teacher shows an interest in the student, then the relationship can begin. When we begin to build on the interests of the students in our classes, then they become engaged. I recently had a student who was presented as "learning different." He has been in remedial programs for many years. He is very interested in reading about war, weapons, etc. Even though it is not my area of interest, I saw the sparkle in his eyes when he discussed it with me. We developed quite a close connection, and it was gratifying when he achieved a higher SAT score than he would have anticipated. I attribute some of that success to listening to him talk about his areas of interest. --Ruth Sussman

Response to Anna's post: I agree that it is necessary to connect to the "whole child," not just the student in our English, math or science class. Students bring a wide range of interests to the classroom. --Ruth Sussman

In my opinion, the author is trying to portray that teachers need to make the effort and take the time to know their students. As teachers, it is our job not only to teach, but to help them reach their goals. --Orly Massre Response to Ruth Sussman's post: I agree that building a relationship with a student is a key to know your students and their ambitions in life.From my own experience, I built a relationship with my teacher because we both shared a love for the subject and she helped me throughout my career. --Orly Massre

The author wants teachers to understand that students need nurturing, encouragement, empathy, and understanding to create an environment of motivation. We must keep in mind that all students have a gift. Though a child may be weak in an area, we must acknowledge the weakness, but give support and credit for effort the student has exhibited. While the author does not mention it, I can't help but to think of the emphasis placed in the Jewish religion on never shaming a child. Establishing a relationship in which a student feels supported and understood, or in some cases, just heard, gives a child motivation for growth and success. --Diane Locane

Response to Diane's post: I agree that shaming a child is never productive. We saw from the 1947 film this morning how humiliating a class or student will not help the students in any way and may undermine all the foundation that may have been laid in the past. --Ruth Sussman

Response to Orly's post: I like what you said about helping students reach their goals. Many students need help formulating goals. That would be a productive use of time. Even formulating goals for study and success in that particular class would be helpful. Then the student could be taught to generalize to other life goals. --Ruth Sussman

Response to Diane's post:I agree, every student excells in different subjects. I have some students that are very shy in class, but in drama class they take leading roles. We are the professionals and even if he doesn't do well in our class, we can encourage him/her by complementing them on their effort and start a relationship based on that. Encouragement and support is very important to the students.

Response to Orly: Absolutely...know your students. Their life outside of school can be quite enlightening and can certainly account for issues that may arise in the classroom. --Diane Locane

Response to Anna's post: It's true. Even though we are aware of the needs of a student, reading this Epitaph is a moving reminder of hat students need. --Diane Locane

Response to Ruth's post: I too am grateful for this article. How proud Mr. Thompson must have been

The author was using a personal anecdote to let us know the impact that one teacher had on his life. This teacher who just took the time to listen and learn who his student was and what he wanted cut through the red tape of grades that often bogs teachers down and took the time to inspire a future author. This article implores us to look past the scores and get to know your students. It made me feel just how important our role as educator can be. It is not the fluff of a fancy classroom or even dynamic lessons that alone inspire. Time, patience and the ability to LISTEN is what it's all about. We must take our role as teacher with responsibility and get to know our students in this very face paced wass. Kind and genuine help and encouragement go so far and cruel and sarcastic comments can cut a budding author, scientist etc way to early in his life with long lasting effects. We must take the time and make the time. Students are often vulnerable and impressionable and we must provide a secure venue for them to to grow and reach. Great article! bONNIE bAROCAS

In response to Anna's post. I agree that it is very important to know the whole child and recognize changes or nuances in their demeanor. Sometimes things are going on in their lives that are troubling and you can provide them with a secure space. Forming a connection and being supportive is so important. Bonnie Barocas

In response to Ruth and Orly's posts I believe that it is important to guide the student into setting realistic goals. This is deifficult for students to do on their own. Sometimes parents set unrealistic goals for their children that only present them with discouragement, failure and fear. We can listen and find out what their dreams are and help them find the path in which these dreams can be reached. Bonnie Barocas

In response to Ruth and Diane's posts I agree as all I am sure everyone in the class also does that this article was short and simple yet said so much that we must bring back to our students. It was surely a wakeup call. How appropriate for Jewish educators to read this before the High Holidays began. Metaphorically it was my shofar call to be a better mteacher as well as person way before the reflective time of Yom Kippur. For we must listen to what others have to say and encourage them as friends, colleagues, relatives etc. not just as teachers. Bonnie Barocas

In respose to Orly's post. It was refreshing to hear a personal story of how a teacher inspired you to be a teacher and inspire your students the way a teacher inspired you. Yasher Koach to both of you! Bonnie Barocas