[this post also appears on my personal blog... Happy New Year! ]
Timer's on...
I enjoy teaching. It is the most enjoyable part of my job as a professor.
I also hate teaching. It is the most difficult part of my job as a professor.
I love teaching because it is a conversation. I have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals how the theory developed in my field is being applied in practice. I have a chance to understand how people learn in a practical way. I have the opportunity to connect with young minds and other young people seeking guidance for implementing their ideas.
I hate teaching because I have to assign grades. These grades are often a barrier to the conversation I love to have. These grades often reward behavior that can be counterproductive to discovery. I hate teaching because I don't always understand my students' motives. Exercising authority in this context can lead to adversarial relationships that engender unhealthy emotions and stress.
Teaching is a challenge that is always on my mind. It is an arena I always look forward to stepping into. And, it is a crucible that brings up the dross to be removed, and sharpens insights I didn't know I had. Teaching is my real teacher.
In this new year, let us not just be thankful for our teachers, but let us also be thankful for opportunities to teach.
Godspeed and blessing in 2013.