15 Lessons I Have Learned in My 15 Years as a Teacher

Over 15 years of my career as a teacher, I’ve had the opportunity to experience various situations, learn from my students and colleagues, and constantly enhance my pedagogical approach. This journey has been filled with challenges, achievements, and, above all, learning. In this article, I’ll share 15 valuable lessons I’ve acquired during this time dedicated to education.

1. Every Student is Unique

The diversity among students is remarkable, whether in terms of their abilities, interests, learning styles, or cultural backgrounds. Understanding this individuality is crucial for creating an inclusive and personalized learning environment.

I hold memories of each student and the lessons I learned from them. Yes, teachers also absorb knowledge from students, in multiple ways. Through these experiences, I’ve learned valuable lessons and discovered effective approaches both inside and outside the classroom, successfully applying them in practice.

2. Flexibility is Key

The educational landscape is constantly evolving. Adapting to changes, incorporating new technologies, and adjusting pedagogical approaches are essential aspects to maintain teaching effectiveness. Those who lack flexibility struggle in the face of inevitable changes.

I recall that at the beginning of the pandemic, adaptability was crucial for both the profession and life. My experience with online classes since 2017 has been extremely valuable when dealing with fully virtual teaching. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to assist fellow teachers in adapting and sharing the knowledge gained from this process.

3. Encourage Reflection

I always encourage students to reflect on their own learning and progress. Self-assessment helps develop metacognitive awareness, enabling them to understand how they learn best.

The “attentive gaze” I awaken in students is a fundamental element in the essential reflection of the learning process. I feel deep pride when my students are able to perceive the implicit details in my corrections and our conversations.

4. Empathy is Fundamental

Understanding students’ difficulties and aspirations requires empathy. An empathetic approach not only improves the teacher-student relationship but also facilitates the adaptation of teaching strategies to individual needs.

The experience of interacting with children, teenagers, adults, and senior citizens has brought valuable learning about the specific nuances of each group. Understanding that every person has their own unique perspective and quirks is important. Developing empathy is crucial in comprehending these differing realities.

5. Mistakes are Learning Opportunities

Many students fear making mistakes, but it’s important to emphasize that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Encouraging exploration and questioning helps students develop confidence in their abilities.

My approach seeks to establish a safe environment where the concept of “mistake” is viewed in a natural and welcoming way. In my classroom, the fear of making mistakes has no place, allowing my students to feel completely comfortable during lessons.

6. Education Goes Beyond the Classroom

Learning is not confined to the four walls of the classroom. Extracurricular activities, interdisciplinary projects, and real-world experiences significantly contribute to students’ holistic development.

The integration of tools like the “Duolingo” app, podcasts, and TED Talks, along with personalized devices for English learning, has been enriching. Additionally, linguistic exchange within the country has proven extremely advantageous for enhancing English language proficiency outside the traditional classroom setting.

7. Constructive Feedback Fosters Growth

Detailed and constructive feedback is essential for student development. It not only helps identify areas for improvement but also shows that the teacher is invested in each student’s individual progress.

Not only providing this feedback but also receiving it from students, whether through words or actions, was crucial to understand that my approach was and is on the right track. There is no more rewarding form of feedback than seeing students continue to study with you, reinforcing the effectiveness of the applied method.

8. There’s No Treasure Map

Being a teacher doesn’t come with a definitive secret, a ready-made formula, or a detailed map to success. I remember not nurturing the dream of becoming a teacher in my childhood, but after receiving the invitation to teach, I couldn’t stop anymore.

The act of learning is a continuous journey, without a clear final destination. For this reason, I often emphasize the importance of embracing one’s own trajectory, as it’s unlikely that we’ll reach a point where we feel so satisfied that we cease our quest for knowledge.

9. Patience is a Virtue

Students progress at different paces, and patience is necessary to support each of them on their journey. Knowing how to wait and offering continuous support is crucial to prevent discouragement.

It’s interesting to observe how typical Aries traits, such as impatience, often don’t manifest in the same way when I’m working. In the professional environment, I notice a remarkable change in my behavior, and I think it’s the same for you too, right? Tell me in the comments.

10. Relationships are Essential

Building positive relationships with students creates an environment of trust and mutual respect. This not only facilitates the teaching process but also improves the classroom atmosphere.

It’s true, often the best lessons happen in cafes and restaurants, and those are the lessons that stay in memory for a long time. Furthermore, it’s completely acceptable to abandon the prepared lesson plan to listen to what the student wants and often needs to share. Flexibility in adapting to students’ needs can lead to richer and more meaningful learning experiences.

11. The Value of Continuous Updating

Education is constantly changing. Staying updated with the latest educational trends, research, and methodologies is essential to provide students with a relevant learning experience.

The renowned CPD (Continuing Professional Development) should be part of the journey of every dedicated teacher. I’m constantly seeking improvement and I’m grateful for understanding the importance of this early on.

12. Celebrate Small Victories

Every step towards progress deserves celebration. Recognizing achievements, no matter how small, motivates students to keep striving and seeking success.

Rewarding myself for studying and achieving goals is a rule. Those who have seen me teaching how to use Duolingo know exactly what I’m talking about. LOL.

13. “I Don’t Know, but I’ll Research it.”

Countless times I encountered those challenging and unexpected questions. It took me a while to understand that I’m not a walking dictionary and admitting “I don’t know, but I’ll research it” doesn’t compromise my credibility. In fact, this attitude humanizes me and contributes to the construction of an environment where not having all the answers and making mistakes is so natural that even a teacher can go through it.

This realization solidified when I participated in courses for teachers alongside other colleagues in the profession. In some situations, I observed inflated egos and vanity that definitely don’t harmonize with the classroom environment. It was in this context that I clearly understood what I didn’t want to be as an educator, and I also identified people who inspired me to take a different path.

14. I’m Not Better, I’m Different.

When discussing ego among teachers, I learned that I’m neither superior nor inferior, but rather unique in my approach. Regardless of the certifications someone may hold, my class is unique, and no one else can create exactly what I create.

This individuality is a valuable aspect that I appreciate in myself. Comparing my journey to someone else’s is harsh on myself and doesn’t reflect my unique journey. It took me a while to learn that comparing myself or judging others as good or bad is something amateurs do.

15. The Impact is Lasting

What a teacher does can leave an indelible mark on a student’s life. Words of encouragement, emotional support, and lessons learned in the classroom can shape the way students view the world and their own capabilities.

I know I will live through my students for a long time, and this legacy is something that fascinates me and makes me want to continue for another 15 years.

 

These lessons have been the foundation of my growth as a teacher and as an individual. With each new day, I continue to learn from my students and seek ways to improve the learning experience I provide. The journey is challenging, but the rewards of seeing students grow and develop make it extraordinarily rewarding.

Hope to see you in one of my classes!

Phil