Coming to the end of my first semester of teaching, I've been touched by the magic. In the midst of syllabi, papers, articles, small group presentations, large group presentations, and take home exams; something happened that was MORE. I considered calling it a "defining moment", but if it were definable it would be easily recreatable. I don't believe this is. Hence the "magic moment"...or maybe even one of my "Just One's" that I write about elsewhere.
And that really is it. If just one thing were different in this equation; the spirit, cohesion, excitement, and team spirit may never have formed. Each student is important, each interaction is important, and in the process I learned:
- Listen to your students,
- Be true to yourself,
- Follow your heart, and,
- Take a risk (albeit calculated).
I'm not sure if I'll be teaching a section of social change come next spring. I may not be here. I may not be asked. It could be any one of a number of reasons. But, if I do I'll consider including a class social change action. I know it won't be the same. I know it can't be recreated. But I also know just how important it was as a learning tool. Because this class took a risk and worked with me, an elusive but lasting event was created that transformed their class and changed their professor.
SOAR to Success in SOCIAL WORK with me: Laury A. Bourgeois, LCSW-BACS, 2617 Columbus Street, New Orleans, LA, 70119, (504) 261-2895, [email protected]
Comments