Inspiring Teacher of English Award 2019 (Teaching Award) Joy Drysdale

Summary

The speaker discusses the importance of enthusiasm in teaching, believing it sparks creativity, confidence, and engaging lessons. They embrace risk-taking, evaluating the benefits for students' learning. With a strong belief in their own abilities, supported by colleagues and parents, they find strength in their past experiences. Winning an award after 30 years of teaching is both a personal affirmation and a tribute to the mentors who helped shape their career, solidifying their commitment to education and growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Enthusiasm plays a central role in fostering creativity and confidence in the classroom.
• 😀 A teacher’s enthusiasm is reflected in the lessons and activities planned for students with diverse learning styles.
• 😀 Taking risks in teaching, even when there's fear, is essential for growth and student learning.
• 😀 Evaluating risks involves asking if the students will benefit from the new approach and proceeding if the answer is yes.
• 😀 Faith in oneself is a key element of enthusiasm, helping to drive confidence in the classroom.
• 😀 Past experiences provide the foundation for a teacher’s faith and confidence in their own abilities.
• 😀 Positive reinforcement from colleagues and parents affirms a teacher’s efforts and strengthens their belief in their work.
• 😀 Winning an award serves as recognition of the years of hard work and dedication put into teaching.
• 😀 The award also acknowledges the importance of mentorship in shaping the teacher's journey and success.
• 😀 The teacher expresses deep gratitude for mentors who have helped nurture their growth over the years.
• 😀 The achievement highlights the value of continuous support, both from colleagues and from the broader community.

Q & A

Why does the speaker consider enthusiasm important in their teaching?

The speaker believes that enthusiasm translates into creativity and confidence when teaching, which helps them engage effectively with the students. It also infuses energy into the lessons and motivates students to learn.

How does the speaker incorporate enthusiasm into their lessons?

The speaker incorporates enthusiasm by planning varied activities that cater to the different learning styles of children. This ensures that the lessons remain engaging and inclusive.

What role does risk play in the speaker's approach to teaching?

Risk plays an important role as the speaker acknowledges that teaching can involve taking risks. While there may be fear involved, they evaluate whether the risk is worthwhile by considering whether it will help the students learn.

How does the speaker assess whether a risk is worthwhile?

The speaker evaluates the risk by reflecting on whether it will lead to effective learning outcomes for the students. If the answer is yes, they proceed with the action.

What does the speaker mean by 'having faith' in their teaching?

Having faith in their teaching means believing in their own abilities as a teacher. This faith is fueled by the speaker’s past experiences and continuous affirmation from colleagues and parents.

How do past experiences contribute to the speaker’s confidence in teaching?

The speaker draws on their past experiences as a source of strength, helping them maintain faith in their ability to teach. These experiences provide valuable insights and lessons that guide their current teaching practices.

How do colleagues and parents influence the speaker's teaching?

Colleagues and parents affirm the speaker’s teaching methods and approach, providing emotional and professional support that strengthens the speaker's faith in their work.

What is the significance of winning the award mentioned by the speaker?

Winning the award is seen as an affirmation of the speaker’s hard work and dedication over 30 years of teaching English. It also acknowledges the speaker’s mentors and their role in shaping the teacher they have become.

How does the speaker view the role of their mentors in their career?

The speaker views their mentors as pivotal in their development, acknowledging that the guidance and nurturing they received have helped shape them into the teacher they are today.

What is the speaker’s perspective on the overall journey of becoming a teacher?

The speaker reflects that their journey as a teacher has been affirming and rewarding, not only due to their own efforts but also because of the support and guidance from mentors and colleagues throughout their career.