Educated to Death

0181: #Teaching and a few “Why’s”

#education #SOSchat #blogging #k12chat #revolution

I can’t put a finger on the solitary reason I teach. I believe we all do it for a slew of reasons. I know there are certain beliefs and goals behind what I do. The theory affects the practice and vice-versa.

Sharing these inner workings of my practice may seem exhibitionistic, and it may well be. Much of my blogging revolves around me pushing the inner thought outward through writing so I can be better aware of why I do what I do. Doing it publicly allows an audience to possibly benefit from my own discoveries, but more important you, if you choose are able to participate in my transformation by commenting, discussing, and so forth. So that’s the ‘why’ of what I’m doing, or at least a part of it.

Back to the vague thesis: “why I teach”. I gather this could be extended to why I blog. Teaching is a form of communication, and the more interactive, the better.

At the root of the ‘why’ is the rather lofty goal and belief in cultural revolution. That could be translated into transformation, and that might be a better term. However, I like the power and perhaps even a bit I the aggression that is embodied in the word revolution. It evokes the concept of change for and by the People. Hopefully, by writing and teaching I can be a part of shaking something loose in someone, that may shake something loose somewhere else.

Or perhaps, I teach and write stir something that will expose the need to create the skill that will lead to personal transformation in another, or more likely, myself.

There is the stark possibility that I am an attention whore, accompanied with the deeply selfish hope that I will change the world. That sounds rather megalomaniacal when written, but hey.

The above ideas are aimed at ideals and idealism, and a bit of narcissism. But, there are more immediately rewarding factors. Smaller goals that are more quickly and obviously attainable and wonderful. For instance, getting to witness a moment of discovery in another human being. Teaching (and writing) are full of tiny miracles and transformation of minds and realizations of humanity. I like to be around when that stuff happens.

Flat out, I like to teach, write, communicate, show out, and so on so forth. I have fun. It’s difficult and grueling, but it’s wonderful. I get to fight for what I believe, and I get to help other learn to fight for themselves, and realize they’re worth the fight. Teaching is full of “I get to’s”.

I could write more, and I will, but this is enough for me today.