Reflection #13: Persona

          If you have spent time observing the styles of various teachers, you recognize that they each approach a class in a highly individual manner. Nevertheless, that manner is rarely the totality of the individual you may know privately; somehow, the personality of the individual merges into a persona of that individual as teacher.

Do not make the mistake of emulating the persona of some individual you admire.  What works for that person may never work for you You may be observing an experience master teacher with several decades of experience. That individual’s teaching persona has changed over the years.  What worked at year 5 has metamorphosed into something different at the 15 year mark  and yet again after 25  or 30 years. That does not mean the teacher was radically different; it does mean that the person the students perceive (and, to some extent, that the teacher allows them to perceive) has changed as circumstance has changed.  The techniques are still somewhat the same because they are rooted in the reality of the teacher’s  personality.  The changes are in how they have been adapted, moving from enthusiastic cheer-leader advisor to perhaps a favorite aunt/mentor to the next-door neighbor's mom to a rather curmudgeonly, wry, potential candidate for "Jeopardy." Do look about you at different teaching styles and try to see what fits you.  Be sure you are comfortable with the techniques you adopt because there will be days that you have the sensation that you drove to school but that your persona forgot to come on board. (If there is too much dichotomy between the two “yous”, the students will assume that one of you is a phony and it will all be over.)

            In summary, it boils down to authenticity.  You probably should not share with the students every bit of your life. Some mystery or reserve is not necessarily a bad thing. There is always a good deal of respect for the unknown "what if." Further, you may violate the basic respectful relationship with the students if you share details of your personal life. Nevertheless, whatever attitudes and principles you do share, you better mean clear to the bottoms of your shoe soles.  You can't pretend indignation over rudeness or cruelty.  You better really feel it; kids can tell.