Anybody can teach, right?

“I went through 12 years of school. I know what teaching looks like. How hard can it be?” Seriously, I’ve heard this comment multiple times throughout my career. Well folks, that’s like saying, “I've been going to the doctor literally since I was born. I know what doctoring looks like. How hard can it be?” You would never say that, or think that. At least I hope not. If you DO say that, then, um, you can stop reading.

Some people are natural instructors. And some people are really great at building rapport with learners. Certified educators are trained to do those things PLUS understand how learners learn. Are you teaching kids or adults? That’s the difference between pedagogy and andragogy. They may share the same suffix, but there’s a huge difference between them (if you’re an English teacher, then yes, I know that gogy is a suffix without meaning. Sheesh. Can’t get no respect). Educators understand learning styles, learning modalities, social emotional learning, behavioral frameworks, LDs, IEPs, OHIs, and the differences between ADA, ADD, and ADHD and what you have to do in the classroom with each.

There are instructors and then there are educators.

In correctional education, it’s more common to see correctional officers “promoted” to “teacher” than it is to see agencies actually hire certified educators.

In public schools, I’m seeing a trend (due to the mass teacher shortage) of short-cuts in educator training in an effort to get bodies in a classroom. Both of these are missteps, in my opinion. I understand the need for bodies. I understand that agencies and districts see an opportunity to avoid paying higher salaries for certified educators. I also understand the need for top results, so an investment in putting the right people in the right places seems to be the smartest choice.

I’m not going to bore you with the description of how difficult the job of “teacher'“ is (I’ll save that for another boring blog entry. I know you’re disappointed, but I’ll get to it. Promise). But I will say that if you want results that change the lives of learners, then put certified teachers in your classrooms and hire educators to run your educational system. It’s appalling to me when I see schools run by former corporate CEOs or in the world of corrections, by a former Captain (which, by the way, usually doesn’t even require a postsecondary degree).

So what if you’re the person who isn’t a certified educator but finds yourself in the position of teaching or running an educational division? Study, find a mentor, get some training, partner up, check into teacher certification at your local university, and call me. There are some basics you need to know. If you’ve said yes to such a position, then I’m assuming you have a passion for this work, and that’s the one crucial foundational piece that’s essential. See? You’re already a little bit ahead of the game.

For all you certified educators reading this, hats off to you. I know, deeply know, how hard this work is, and I know what you’re worth. You’ll never get a pay check commensurate with your worth, but you’re changing the world, and that’s a pretty big paycheck that most people never see.

Enjoy your coffee, take a deep breath, and find your peace today. Talk to you soon!