As an inspiring educator, it is important to investigate and understand the underlying reasoning behind why we choose to be a part of this profession. I am personally a big believer in the importance of the transformation of students from children to young adults. Within this significant process, the importance of modelling important character traits such as what it looks like to be upstanding, noble, kind, self-aware, etc is imperative. When students are moulded into these respectful and mannerable individuals, it creates an environment where all persons in the classroom regardless of race, social status, gender, etc. are invited to learn. As highlighted by Goldberg’s Teach Like Yourself it is essential to create these classroom experiences where all students can be themselves, learn in diverse ways, and ultimately have the desire to attend school. (Goldberg, 2018, p.32). We also see the negative impact of this through the colonization of education, thin privilege, whiteness, gender and sexual diversity, and the stigma that continues to surround mental health. 

Self-care is another important pedagogy as an educator. One of my biggest fears of this profession is letting those who count on me down. I believe healthy amounts of stress are overall good, but at the same time, if you are not taking care of yourself, you cannot be there for your students in the capacity you need to be. According to Goldberg, this can be achieved through a variety of boundaries such as physical boundaries, communication boundaries, and activity boundaries. Goldberg also speaks to the concept of “honest nos” and the value of turning down options when you cannot fully commit yourself. Ultimately, “it is actually not selfish to prioritize your own well-being when it also has a big impact on your ability to help others.” (Goldberg, 2018, p.106).

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References

Goldberg, G. (2018). Teach like yourself: How authentic teaching transforms our students and ourselves. SAGE Publications.