What Makes a Person a Real Teacher?

Updated on October 18, 2011
B.T. asks from North Chili, NY
5 answers

I’ve taught 2nd and 3rd grade Sunday school for nearly 16 years only breaking from that grade level to do Junior high for 3 years and bouncing around the preschoolers for a year until a teacher was found. As a dedicated SST, I prepare my lesson(3&4th grade curriculum), get copies together, gather needed craft supplies, get to class early, and try for one hour to get 6 wiggling bodies to sit still long enough to hear biblical truths and maybe get one thing written on their papers. In doing so for nearly 30 years, I know what grade appropriate is and what falls a little behind. When one parent asks how the class is going, I’m quick to compliment them on their child but being honest, if they need help with reading or writing, following directions or listening, I tell them that too. Each child is different and all have some area that may need a little support. It could be sitting still, talking less, getting along with others, being kind, or not crying because they didn’t find a matching pair of bible heroes. Some kids are less mature than others. Some kids read better or memorize the bible verse better. Each has strengths and weaknesses.
Last week, one parent didn’t like hearing that her son is not to grade level for writing or spelling. She home schools and believes that if he copies the word off the board enough times, he’ll know how to spell it. I’m not against home schooling. I prefer it actually. I’m not saying she’s wrong in how she wants to teach spelling or writing. I write the words on the board for him to copy just as she asked. I’m saying he’s not at 3rd grade ability. I asked for suggestions to help prepare him for moving up next year to 4th and 5th grade class which uses 5&6th grade curriculum. (yeah, we know the curriculum is off.) This week, I’m informed by the 4/5th teacher that this parent has moved him up to her class. As much as I oppose this, it’s their child and their decision, but he’s not ready for the move.
So I’m asking my daughter how I can make my concerns known without offending parents and my daughter states matter of fact “But you’re not a teacher – it’s only Sunday School.” WOW. I feel people treat Sunday School teachers as glorified free babysitters. Sunday school is only to occupy the kids so MOM and DAD can socialize with the adults. Why buy curriculum? Why prepare anything? Why not let the kids play for an hour? Why have adults there when teens can watch them? What’s the point of all my years of dedication?
Is that how you feel?

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B.S.

answers from Lansing on

I have to be honest, I don't necessarily think of a Sunday school teacher as a teacher. I certainly wouldn't expect a SST to tell me if my kid is up to par in reading and writing. But that being said, you are around a lot of kids, study curriculum and have many years experience so if I knew that I would take your advice into account. Doesn't mean I would completely trust it, but I'd definitely hear you out.

You sound as though, most of the time the way you've talked to parents has worked. It sounds as though this may just be one of those difficult parents.

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☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Honestly? Yes. (Not meaning to offend--just being honest.)
It was my first thought when I read your post.
I'm sure you a concerned and dedicated Sunday school teacher.
I'm sure you have seen enough kids through the years to "pick out" when a child is "struggling."
I don't think I would seek out or necessarily take the advice of a Sunday school teacher as seriously as I would a school teacher. But this particular child has no other teacher--it's his mom...

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J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

A Sunday school teacher is not considered a real teacher nor are they considered a glorified baby sitter. You are there to teach religion and sorry to break it to you but you are no more a teacher than the parents who teach public school religion at my parish.

Teachers have to be credentialed, they must pass tests and regulations. Until the state says you are a teacher you are not a real teacher, sorry.

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B.G.

answers from Champaign on

As a former Director of Religious Education, I can tell you that most parents do not think of their child's religious education as really "education." I worked for the Catholic Church where most people think of Confirmation as graduation for religious education. The Church is working on this, but it is still a common belief. Most Catholic schools teach religion every day as part of the curriculum. I worked at a parish that did not have a school, so we had religious ed for 1 hour, 24 Sundays each year. Not exactly the same as 180 hours every year like the schools. We had religious ed for kids in grades K through 11, and boy did parents complain that that wasn't fair. We did not have Confirmation until 11th grade, and some really complained.

I think it's sad that some people don't consider their religious education to be as important as their traditional education.

Please keep working hard for those kids. Not everyone is going to take it as seriously as you do, and not everyone is going to appreciate the tremendous gift you are giving them. I guess this is just one of those areas that you have to be ok with just knowing in your heart that you are doing something important.

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J.K.

answers from Phoenix on

What makes a good teacher is loving the kids. School teachers can feel like glorified babysitters at this age. That's how I feel when I teach dance to younger kids. You are going to offend parents by telling them their child is behind. You can only make assumptions by comparing them to other kids. You can't do that. With homeschooling, you compare the kids to their past progress. I homeschool my 5 children and I had one daughter who is way ahead it seems. She's 10 and reading at a high school level, she completes her work quickly and is always ahead. My others seem behind compared to her. My other son seemed behind so I had him tested and he tested two grades ahead. I thought my other daughter had a learning disability so I had her tested. She tested at grade level but it didn't show that she had a learning disability. So I talked to her doctor about it. Her doctor said that as long as she's improving, she doesn't have a learning disability. She was improving but it seemed slow to me. Her doctor said that it should get better around 10 or 11 and if not, she'll do further tests. She was much better by 10 although she still struggled. I have another son who you'd probably say that he's behind. He is exactly like what you described. He may not be progressing as quickly as his brother and sister but he's progressing. It's like potty training or walking. Kids walk and are potty trained at all different ages but in the grand scheme of things, most of the time, they all walk and potty independently eventually. Being critical of parents or children doesn't help. I think being patient, loving, kind and fun is what makes a great teacher. The homeschooling mom already knows where her child is academically. If she's going to be criticized about it in SS then she won't feel comfortable bringing her child and her child won't feel loved but he will feel condemned and put down. Trust me, I know!!! You're a great dedicated teacher. Don't feel like you need to tell the parents everything. They already know. Have fun with the kids and address severe problems that you have. Good luck!!

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