“Whoever our students may be, whatever the subject we teach, ultimately we teach who we are.” - Parker J. Palmer
Teaching is highly technical work. It requires a combination of pedagogical skills, content knowledge, empathy, emotional quotient, effective communication, patience, creativity, and even physical endurance. It is the only profession that creates all other professions.
In their longitudinal study of 400 schools, Bryk and Schneider found that schools with higher levels of trust had greater student improvement on standardized tests. Recent research by the Aspen Institute shows that we learn best from those we love.
Technology is rapidly evolving and we now have an unlimited selection of content, learning apps, and teaching strategies at our disposal. But teaching – especially at a primary and secondary school level – is a profession that will not ever be replaced by technology. This is because the process of learning is a deeply human endeavour.
We learn within relationships, and we know that the learning process is at its best when students feel known, safe, supported, and challenged by adults they admire and respect – surrounded by an institution that insists on excellence.
So on this World Teacher’s Day, I want to especially thank our WIS Teachers and Educational Assistants for making our school a place where students can be free to be themselves; where everyone is included, challenged, and supported to achieve their very best. As a parent at WIS myself, I share all parents’ appreciation for our teachers. Thank you for your hard work, expression of care, and for modelling inquiry and spirit of exploration!
Our teachers certainly felt loved and supported by the many gifts, notes, and voices of appreciation from our students and parents this week! Thank you to the WIS Parent Network for organising so many kind and generous expressions of appreciation for our fabulous WIS teachers.
We will now enter a well-earned October break. Term 2 begins with our normal times on 16th October. Have a safe and relaxing holiday!
Sincerely,
Ethan Van Drunen
Director
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