I recently stumbled across a UNESCO exercise where teachers in several different countries were asked about their philosophies and opinions on teaching.
What got my attention was not the answers these educators provided, but the questions they were asked. They were:
- Your idea of teaching happiness?
- Your most significant teaching achievement?
- Dream subject to teach and why?
- Key qualities of an exceptional teacher?
- One change you’d make in education?
- Your most effective teaching strategy?
- Advice for aspiring teachers?
- The most important lesson for your students?
- Your vision for the future of education?
- How do you use technology in your teaching?
- Do you use ChatGPT in the classroom?
- Who was your favourite teacher and why?
- What is your least favourite thing about teaching?
- What inspired you to become a teacher?
- What’s one thing that would make your job better/easier?
- How do you stay updated?
- What do you hate about technology?
- If you could invite any historical figure or expert in your field to co-teach a lesson with you, who would it be and why?
- Phones? Are you for or against phones in schools?
- Do you think robots can replace teachers?
- If you were a superhero, what would your ‘teacher’ superpower be?
- What the most rewarding aspect of teaching for you personally?
In my time as a Principal, I have a regret that I became too operational and wasn’t curious enough about the human levers available to me to support, care for and inspire my staff.
Asking questions like these near the start of the year would have given me valuable insights into what drives my colleagues.
Although, I probably wouldn’t have asked the robot question.
Keep fighting that good fight,
P.S. We know that Direct/Explicit Instruction is a hot topic at the moment, and sometimes it feels like the opportunity to build positive, restorative relationships goes by the wayside….
Two of our Expert Facilitators at Real Schools have taken a deep dive into Direct/Explicit Instruction imperatives through the relational lens to support you as you navigate this balance.
Take a look at the Aligning Effective Instruction and Relationships Whitepaper here.
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