What Teachers Have to Say
What Teachers Have to Say brings together innovative educators to talk about what it means to be a teacher in the modern classroom. Each episode explores the emotional complexity of teaching as hosts Jake & Nathan talk through the trials and triumphs of teaching. We talk access and equity, artificial intelligence, student behavior, teacher burnout, mentorship models & more. Find practical teaching advice and resources presented in an approachable and real way, alongside valuable insights and inspiration in these thought-provoking conversations, for educators at all levels.
What Teachers Have to Say
The Classroom Closet: When Teachers Can’t Be Themselves
Respectfully borrowing a term from LGBTQ+ culture, the classroom is often a closet for teachers, who do not feel safe to share much (if any) of their authentic human selves in their teaching without facing unjust disciplinary action or community backlash.
Jake & Nathan approach this difficult topic to draw attention to this unspoken requirement of the career path of teaching. We need to talk about the cognitive dissonance of being in a profession that talks a big game about access and equity, while not offering actual protection for inclusion and diversity to individual teachers and administrators.
What does it mean for the future of our profession when some educators can’t both be themselves and continue to teach in their communities? We know that being genuine, offering a personal connection, and building professional working relationships with students makes a powerful positive impact. Why are teachers blamed for “indoctrination” when all they are asking for is safety, acceptance, and professional security?
Starting with a brief overview of the complex history of teaching in American society, we move to take a look at modern legislation that leaves teachers without much recourse for wrongful termination. We offer up some of our own hidden insecurities, even as ultra-privileged, white, male teachers, working within an alternative educational model in California.
This painfully honest episode is not to be missed, especially if you are feeling the pressure to hide parts of yourself from your students and colleagues. We see you. Let’s get into it.
Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay
Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.
