Ode to a great teacher

When I was 13, I was a silly school-girl pre-occupied with my Nokia 5110, looking like Jennifer Lopez in Selena , getting a boyfriend and talking to my cousin in class. It was a real hoot. Needless to say, the last thing on my mind was history, particularly Australian History. Then a teacher called Ms. White walked in.

There are many cliched stories about teachers and how they influence their students. Mine may be classified as such, but it’s one that proves that with care, passion and knowledge a teacher can not only educate about significant world events, they can also help shape us as individuals. Individuals who strive for equality, liberty and prosperity.

Mrs. White’s passion for her subject matter and insight into the world and social relationships helped change my perspective on issues and  values that I was narrow-minded about. In turn, I could assist my close family and friends by presenting facts and both sides of the stories.

The most important perspective was my late Mum’s. Having lost her first love/husband during an air raid on Tripoli  by the Isreali governemnt/military, she was left with much bitterness and anger towards the nation and its people. When studying the Holocaust with Ms. White, I was not only able to understand how such conflicts arise, but also helped Mum understand that she was not alone and that the Jewish people had also suffered persecution. I was amazed at her willingness and empathetic approach to the issue. She said, “shu dakhal al alam? Ma hineh mitilnah. Kilna khserrna” Translation: “What do the people have to do with it? They are like us. We all lost.”

My ability to educate Mum about such issues resulted in her seeking broader horizons. It all started in a history classroom in Sydney’s south-west.

Ms. White you’re an asset not only in the classroom, but you have and will always continue to inspire me and others to see the world through the eyes of others. Your committment and passion made me want to teach. You have been amazing. You have become a part of history as I use you as an example in my classrooms for the rest of my teaching career. You go girl!!!

Don’t get emotionally involved

Don’t get emotionally involved. We are here to teach the facts.

I don’t really agree. Being an History/English teacher, I’m granted the great liberties of teaching the social ‘greys’. Evidence and opinions from both sides of the argument are essential in studying any case study, however I don’t think this neccessarily means lack of passion in delivery. After all, if teachers are too detached from the subject matter, how can we expect our students to engage in the work? Isn’t it hard enough for a web.20 generation to study the essential cannonical texts when their world is far more elusive than the texts they study?

When teaching the Civil Rights Movement in the USA I cannot help but put all my passion in expressing  opinions about the atrocities committed. The same applies to the plight of our Indigenous population. I always leave room for debate and contest, but I think not getting emotionally involved is taken too literally. What say thee?