Reflectiveness

I belief that it is important for anyone, including the teacher, to have a good understanding of who they are.  Personal reflection is necessary for personal growth and learning in the art of teaching.  People have a knack for whether or not a person is being their true self and students do not respond well when they sense that a teacher has put up barriers between their self and the classroom.  I think teachers and students find it hard to reflect because it is hard to acknowledge one's vulnerable authentic self.  They don't really understand who they are themselves.  There is a lot of fear around who we are and who we feel we should be.  The reflective process can help us determine more about our true authentic selves. Reflection can be done in solitude or in the company of good listeners.  It is important to be honest about feelings with oneself and with others in the reflection process.  This is crucial to being human and being a teacher.