The Evolution of Teachers

By. Craig Perrier

I am sure the majority of readers of this blog are familiar with that classic image of human evolution.  You know the one – a line of bipedal beings moving left to right, their posture becoming more erect and body hair reducing with each “stage” of development. Sometimes this collection of hominids are carrying tools which are meant to correspond to their level of complexity and implied ingenuity.  The assumed message, change over time brings natural refinement, is sometimes lampooned with an additional human character at the far right that looks very familiar but presents a form of regression.  Maybe progress isn’t natural after all!

Shakespeare, centuries before  Darwin, had his own take on the course of human life.  Through the character Jacques in his famous comedy As You Like it, the Bard identifies seven acts or ages of men and women.  The full course is bookended with childlike behavior – the elder mirroring the baby. Between the alpha and the omega points is a favorable progression that sees advances in both wisdom and vigor that manifest with maturity.

So, what can we take from these models and apply to the education profession.  For one, looking back on my career, I can identify clear differences in both my approach to and thinking about teaching.  In turn, what I focused on and needed to be a successful educator morphed over the years. Reflecting on my own journey I thought it would be fun to visit the Educator Marketplace  and match up the stages of current educators I work with deals and opportunities they can access right now!

• The Rookie Teacher: New to their careers, this educator can navigate the “roller coaster” years with a collection of education supplies and curriculum resources that augment their students’ learning.
  
• Young Professional: Confidence begins to solidify in this educator who wants to go deeper in their field with professional learning options and see the benefits of developing their professional wardrobe.
  
• Veteran Educator: Colleagues turn to this experienced educator’s wisdom.  This person is always a few steps ahead so that they are already thinking about next year’s opportunities and have the time to plan their vacations in advance.
  
• Close to Retirement: These educators have internalized balance and take care of their health while staying up to date on technology. Certainly, a great career deserves to be celebrated with food and drink for them and a little pampering for their pet.

The list above is just one way to see your career as an educator.  There are other stages, of course, you could add based on your career and the people you work with.  And with those additions come new ways to explore the Educator Marketplace. Enjoy!