What is Worthy Teaching

“Learning is finding out what you already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you.”~ Illusions

This quote resonates so deeply within me. I do believe that worthy teaching is about empowering our students to discover the beauty, wisdom, and strength that lies within them. Worthy teaching is about facilitating student growth such that they are able to move forth in the world with confidence and strength. Worthy teachers are but mere facilitators, "unfolders" if you will, of our students' inherent knowledge.

Worthy teachers understand that they teach who they are. They are self-reflective and aware. They strive to understand themselves and their students and are thus able to recognize dynamics that are occurring "below the surface". They recognize the intricate dance that occurs between 'learner' and 'teacher'. Worthy teachers are transparent. They model what it means to be a "life-long learner'. Worthy teachers demonstrate that mistakes are human. In fact, mistakes are good. What's important is that we learn from our mistakes.

Worthy teachers recognize the unique strengths and needs of the students in her class. She honours and empowers their individual strengths while creating a sense of community and connection within her classroom. Worthy teachers create a sense of safety and security such that all of her students can be vulnerable enough to learn.