The Gap Between Social-Economic Classes

Although there is a great variety of different social and economic classes within a school, I think it is essential that teachers strive their best to help each child learn to their best potential. It has been stated that kids that come from a place with more resources have the advantage, and I believe that that is true. It is easier for them to fund school functions, extra activities, special trips, tutoring and even college. Although they have these advantages, it does not necessarily mean that they have an automatic ticket to succeed in life or in schools. For those students who come from poorer backgrounds, it will be more difficult, but I do not believe that this has to be a death sentence for their success at school. It is the job of the teacher to encourage these students and to help them find ways to effectively use any resources they have and to reach their potential. One of the qualities needed to teach anything is creativity, and it is necessary for teachers to use this creativity to assist in any way that they can. This could be spending extra time with the students that need it, or helping them to find financial backing for any trips or endeavors they wish to take. I think the most important thing for any teacher is that they help all students to strive to do their best. Regardless of economic or social status, if a child does not have the will or desire to do well, they won't. It is not the job of the teacher to change a family's situation, but they can do their best to overcome any boundaries or limitations that might restrict a students learning.

Why do we teach?

We teach because we understand the importance of carrying on our histories and traditions, and also because we want to help people reach their potential. By helping others learn the life skills they need to, we as teachers are able to help spark change in this world. You may be the one to inspire someone to be a better person, or aim for higher goals, or to just help them to learn the social skills they need to survive in this world. We teach because we find it to be important and love to help others to thrive.

There can be a huge difference between "work" and "learning." Work can be done anytime and it can be mandated: homework assignments, book reports, group projects are all a part of this. The difference between work and learning is that learning cannot necessarily be forced. Of course by going to school you are going to learn something from a book, but learning goes beyond the textbooks and internet and can be found in many ways. Students learn to get along with each other by being together, and the interactions they have with their teacher and other classmates will teach them so many values and life lessons that cannot be taught through traditional "work."

A good teacher has to understand that principle. They must be willing to compromise and adjust to their students. That does not necessarily mean lowering their standards, but you have to be accommodating to different learning styles and situations that might occur, however unexpectedly. Good teaching involves being knowledgeable, commanding, approachable and caring towards their students and co-workers (and parents!). Their excitement and passion must be evident to those around them, otherwise their students will not be excited to learn, either. Good teaching cannot necessarily be taught, but hopefully through experience it will come more naturally through understanding of the students and what the job entails.