Blog #74 – PUTTING MYSELF IN SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES
I believe that I have been successful as a teacher, coach, online tutor and person because before acting on anything, I am always putting myself in someone else’s shoes. I integrate information that I gather with consideration of other individuals’ opinions before making all of my decisions. But the most important thing that I take into consideration is how my actions will impact others.
As I accumulated more experience in teaching, I began assuming the role of a student. I wanted to implement changes that would make my lessons better. I wanted to be more engaging. I sought to be more motivational in what I said. I worked at providing explanations that were clearer. I wanted to demonstrate more empathy. I worked at creating an environment in the classroom that encouraged students to ask questions, and invited them to be active participants in the learning process.
While coaching, I implemented many of the same things that I did while teaching. Yet members of my mathematics teams required additional attention. Listening to their concerns, I worked at reducing stress by encouraging my students to focus on having fun. I also made sure that I only expected each of them to try their best. I organized all my practices so that each student could maximize what they learned. I shared ways that they could self-analyze. I always kept them informed about their competitors on their team or on other teams. I provided instruction on how to prepare prior to participating at mathematics tournaments. I provided them information concerning performances after each tournament. I made sure that each student had a plan for success.
Since I started online tutoring, I was diligent in making each session the best learning experience I could provide. I knew that these students could benefit from having handouts that they could use during lessons. I made sure that I developed tests and answer keys that focused on lessons being presented. I worked at studying current tests so that I could provide faster and more efficient ways of solving problems in Number Sense, Calculator Applications and Mathematics. I made use of colors while writing on a black background to make the illustration of solutions more captivating.
While putting myself in someone else’s shoes was important in my career, it has been more important in my personal relationships. When offering or accepting advice, I think of how my actions will impact others. I love people and I am constantly striving to help them. I am a caring individual, and have always sacrificed to help those around me. I respect the opinions of others. I respectfully treat everyone as an individual.