Blog 5

What is the most important role a teacher plays? Why?
What is the most challenging role a teacher plays? Why?

I think that the most important role for a teacher is being a self-esteem booster and motivator.  I definitely think that education is very important, but if a student is not confident in themselves how will they succeed in the classroom, or any part of life? Being someone that encourages them to do their best and to try will go much further than telling them they did the assignment wrong.  I substitute teach and I can already see how this directly affects the students.  I had one little boy who was a distraction and problem to the whole classroom, but during one assignment I pulled him aside and helped him personally work on his math and he was willing and wanting to understand what we were doing.  The more I praised him and gave him a chance to show me how much he knew the happier he was and the more he did the assignment without resisting my help.  Being that person that can change their life to love learning can mean more to them than anyone ever knows.

I think the most challenging role for a teacher is when personal life gets too involved.  When a student feels too comfortable with the teacher and shares things that shouldn't be.  It's hard for a teacher to explain to a student exactly where the line draws.  It can be hard legally also, because in certain situations you need to go to the police which can cause many more problems for you, the student, and their family.