Three Lessons From Michael Steinman

           The first topic Mr. Steinman brought from his students that resonated with me is, recognize that, “some students work at different paces”. Even within a honors class, students will process the information differently. But there are only so many honors classes, and the intake curve will be much greater in most classrooms. Nevertheless, I feel it is imperative to consider this when I am teaching my class. I want all of my students to succeed, so going too fast for most but appeasing the upper minority will not cut it. I plan on slowing things down to an average pace, giving the accelerated students something extra to do until we move on, and giving the more challenged students extra time during lunch to go over any materials.

            Next, Mr. Steinman’s students said, “Teachers must be passionate!” I 100% agree with this because most students have not learned what it is to be passionate about life in general, let alone about education. I remember being that age; you think time is on your side, that you’re invincible, and that you’ll eventually find what it is you want to do with your life. But most teens do not realize that this time of their life is not the time to be idle, but the time to explore and actively seek out their life’s passion. A teacher should always demonstrate this passion, because passion is contagious. The passion that I show my students for what I do, can cause them to wonder about what in their life they could be passionate about.

            Finally, his students said, “don’t set low expectations”. I personally agree that students will rise or fall to whatever level you expect them to achieve. I know that many minority students are not expected to do well, either because of their race or their social environment. I feel like this is such an injustice to the student. Society already places low expectations on certain members of society, but then to go to the place that is supposed to prepare you for life and they mimic what greater society tells you. It is the ultimate travesty. A person’s race or economic make up is not a handicap; it can be a source of power and inspiration.