Dec

9

Good Teachers Are Like Good Gardeners

Filed Under The Way I See It 

Teaching is like gardeningThere’s much gardening has taught me: a plant can grow and bloom despite adverse conditions; a plant can grow and bloom despite being plagued by scale, white fly, spider mite infestations; a plant can grow and boom even though it experiences times of neglect. I tell my students that they too can bloom where they are planted despite adverse conditions, despite infestations, despite neglect, and then I try to be the best gardener I can.

Being a good teacher is a lot like being a good gardener. Good gardeners are optimistic and patient. They are able to see the potential in those struggling young seedlings and enjoy watching them grow, develop and bloom. They give special tender loving care to those few plants that are struggling and not thriving. They don’t blame the plant when it’s not performing well; they check the growing conditions. Is the soil the plant is growing in suitable or does it need amending? Does the plant need more water; does the plant need less water? Does the plant need more sunshine; does the plant need less sunshine. Good gardeners are good problem solvers, but realize that sometimes no matter what you do, the plant still will not grow the way you would like it to.

Good gardeners also know the importance of taking care of themselves. They pace themselves so they won’t overdo it and seek relief from the blazing sun. Good gardeners realize that gardening is not all work and no play. They take the time to smell the roses along the way. Good gardeners enjoy sharing their knowledge and helping other gardeners. They willingly pass along tips that have worked for them, share their tools and pitch in when the going gets tough.

Yes, gardening and teaching have much in common. I’ve come to realize that. Good teachers like good gardeners help their “seedlings” develop and thrive and get real satisfaction from doing so.

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