Professional Identity - My Truths

As a relatively new instructor, I often find myself feeling like an Imposter. My colleagues and I discuss this often. After being in the trades for 15 years, and then become an instructor, I saw how much about my field I still didn't know. Even though while I was in the field, I believed that I was very good at my job. Once I became an instructor, I saw how much more there is, then the little scope of work I had actually done in 15 years. It was very eye opening, and showed me how much more I have to learn. Not that I ever expected to stop learning, it just showed me that I need to reiterate this to my students as well. You can't know everything!

I have realized that students do not always engage in the same activities. Some students are all in for certain things, and others can be quite bored. It's interesting for me to see where the students interests are, as it can be good for encouraging them to take their career uncertain directions. Since most of my students are "green" (which means new, if you didn't already know), they usually have no idea what direction they want to go. This is a telltale sign about what they will or will not enjoy when they are in the field.

If you don't know something, don't make things up. I know this may sound crazy to a professional instructor, but as a journey person trying to diagnose strange issues, sometimes you made things up. It worked for me most of the tie, but sometimes I would answer questions to homeowners or apprentices without knowing the answers. That is something that I will never do with my students. If I don't know the answers to the questions they are asking, then I will find them. Whether that be from another teacher, or another resource.

Giving students demonstrations goes a long way. As mentioned before, may of these students are green and do not know how to use tools. Teaching them the correct method and safety is imperative for success.

Some students just don't get it. I try to explain things a few different ways so that different learners can make sense of what I'm saying or doing. If I can't through to them, it always makes me feel like a terrible teacher. But I know that I am not a failure, I'm doing the best that I can.

We are going through a massive shift in society right now. I have many things that I was raised to believe under construction. I am trying to unlearn old behaviours and thought patterns. I work on this constantly so that all of my students are treated equally.

Students learn well in group activities. Each one has different skill sets, and can be an effective tool, as the students are the ones doing the teaching.

Mistakes are critical for learning. Every time a student makes a mistake there is an opportunity for learning. Regardless of how big or small the mistake is, these moments can offer valuable lessons for the students. I actually wrote a whole paper based on this at one point. :)