How self-directed are you when it comes to your learning? Do you seek out more learning? Go for your master's. Take classes to learn more. Do you devour information? Or are you passive and happy with status quo? Is one better than the other?
I feel that teaching is derived from the extreme love of learning. One does not become a teacher without the enjoyment of learning. But somewhere along the line, this love seems to fade away or is put on the back burner. As a teacher, you become so focused on the curriculum and your students' learning that you no longer seek to grow and learn more. Then you realize that your students' learn and you effectively teach without this growth so you determine that learning yourself is no longer important. I do a good job teaching and that's all that matters.
I agree that being a good and effective teacher matters, but without a love or passion for learning within your own life how can you pass on this passion to your students? We must take care of ourselves by continuing to grow.
As a student, I had a wonderful role model for this love and desire for learning. At the University of St. Thomas is an amazing professor by the name of Dr. K (Dr. Krustchinsky). His love and appetite for learning is evident with every class and lecture that he shares. He is extremely passionate about both math and science, and has been teaching for well over 30 years. That being said, he never allows himself to reach status quo. He knows he is a good teacher but constantly strives for great. Professional development is a way of life for him. He is on the search for better information and finding ways to reach even the most reluctant students. He pushes himself to find networks of communities and teachers to help him grow. His learning is completely self-directed and unique. He leads by example.
I want to challenge you to become a self-directed learner. Don't allow yourself to become passive or arrogant. Start by finding a professional development or simply find an educational blogger that you relate to. Start with your current lesson plans and see if you can change just one small thing. Reignite that love of learning that inspired you to become a teacher in the first place.
