What My Students Are Teaching Me This Semester

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What My Students Are Teaching Me This Semester

This semester started out very chaotically. My classroom was moved to a much smaller space (thanks to a surge in enrollment), and outside of school I was juggling my entrepreneurial life — launching a new book and seeking funding for my screenplay. My mind was everywhere at once.

Because of that, I caught myself expecting my students to teach themselves. Or at the very least, to follow my directions the first time I gave them. But of course, that’s not how learning works — and that’s not the kind of teacher I want to be.

Early in the semester, one of my students lost her brother. I felt her grief, as well as my own, stirred up by old wounds that resurfaced while writing my books (yes, two are coming out soon). In that moment, I leaned on what I tell my overwhelmed clients: take a step back and pray. Ask for understanding. It’s strange how emotions from 20–30 years ago can come rushing back so vividly.

Not long after, I learned that another student had asked a colleague whether I was “approachable,” “friendly,” and “worth talking to.” That question stopped me in my tracks. I remembered my personal philosophy about teaching: you are full on as an educator. If you are distracted, your students feel it. If you don’t want to be there, they feel that too. Teaching requires patience, presence, and a willingness to explain as much as possible. That’s why it’s called education.

Now that the semester has settled, I’ve found myself giving more praise than criticism. I know, deep down, that my students are teaching me a lesson I will always need — patience.

My students are teaching me patience this semester. What are the people in your life teaching you right now? Share in the comments — we can learn from each other.

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