Why do I teach? This is a question I have wrestled with many times over. Reconnecting with one’s purpose is something that is like a spiral, not a straight line. My career has taken many dips and dives; my purpose has evolved and changed as I have.
I come from South Africa where we all learn English, it is the most widely spoken of our eleven official languages in the country. Teaching in Africa, like in many parts of the world, is a profession of passion, not something you go into for because it is easy or lucrative. So, why do I teach?
People. That is the short answer, I simply love people. The longer answer is this: valuable learning is only possible when it is about us! Teaching is most effective when approached as a horizontal exchange rather than a top-down hierarchical domination; we are all here to learn from each other. Therefore, our relationship is the most important part.
Of course, what you learn matters, but you will not learn to communicate confidently unless there is human connection behind your learning experience. Similarly, I love to learn myself. My students have taught me many things over the years and that mutually beneficial nature of the work is what keeps me striving to find new ways to be of service to those who need me.
I pursued teaching as a profession because I wanted to confront and annihilate the archaic tenets upon which education is built. Through my work experience I now know that most of the global education systems are designed to serve the best interests of institutions, not the highest possible blossoming of the individual.
A real, human based approach centred around open-mindedness, as well as customised content, are integral to memorable learning and the foundation of my teaching philosophy.
Are you ready to become foreign friends? Not convinced yet? Keep reading... :)
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