Teaching and learning are interconnected processes. Because of this, I believe a student-centered teaching approach is ideal to maximize learning. A learner-focused approach requires a teacher to listen as well as speak, probe deeply as well as answer questions, and observe and reflect upon the entire teaching-learning experience. Above all, teaching requires knowledge, empathy, and adaptation. These three traits combine to empower students to fulfill their innate potential, which is what I strive for as an educator.

1. KNOWLEDGE

As a teacher, I must be proficient in the area I am teaching. This means looking at the material from all possible angles, and understanding it on a deeper level than the obvious. A good teacher will understand the material and present it clearly and concisely. A great teacher will be able to explain the concept in multiple ways so that students from varied backgrounds and with different learning styles can understand, integrate, retain, and utilize the information.

Not only should a teacher understand whatever material she is presenting (and the corresponding textbooks or other materials), she should be actively learning based on current research and practice. I do this by participating in professional organizations, reading professional journals, and presenting at professional conferences, as well as through formal academia. I am passionate about life-long learning, and my goal is to ignite that passion in my students.


2. EMPATHY

Students have many different learning styles. The combinations of individual strengths, personal histories, and challenges that a group of students face on a daily basis can provide a daunting challenge for teachers without the ability to observe and understand both individual and group dynamics. I believe a teacher needs to learn enough about the students to recognize when they are struggling, when they do not understand the information, or when the environment is not conducive to learning. A teacher who is open, receptive, compassionate, and understanding will create a good environment for learning, in both classroom and one-on-one scenarios.

My professional history, my desire to help others, and my natural ability to empathize with people from many different backgrounds and philosophies makes this aspect of teaching both important and enjoyable to me.


3. ADAPTATION

There will always be situations where what we attempt will fail, and when we will have to come up with creative solutions. I believe teaching is an interactive process and therefore, unpredictable. We must prepare for these experiences by keeping our skills and knowledge up-to-date, by anticipating possible setbacks/ challenges, and by being open to the experience at hand. When we do this, we can be present in the experience, we can listen actively, and we can alter our presentation/ language/ examples to better suit our learners.


4. EMPOWERMENT

I believe it is a teacher’s job to empower students to find their strengths. When students are able to take responsibility for their own education, learning takes place, and wisdom begins to grow. The best teacher functions as a guide: providing opportunities for students to take charge of their learning, being available when they need assistance, and encouraging their progress. This can build a student’s self-confidence and help instill a passion for learning and discovery that will make them a better professional.

These are lofty ideals to hold as a teacher, but I believe they are the ones that are most important not only for the benefit of learners, but for my benefit as a professional. These concepts are a source of pride and satisfaction for me personally, and I believe that these traits, along with my passion for life-long learning, help make me an excellent teacher.

While I believe these standards apply to all teaching disciplines, in nursing/ healing/ healthcare education, I feel they are even more important. Healers are required to be knowledgeable, competent, compassionate, able to think on their feet, and decisive. While many students may already possess these qualities, these important traits should be nurtured and developed on an ongoing basis. I strive to lead by example, helping my students be the most successful and fulfilled they can be in their academic, personal, and professional lives.

Aristotle said, “Teaching is the highest form of understanding.” I believe it is not only about understanding facts and information, but about understanding ourselves and our students so that we may bring about greater understanding in the world at large.