Of martyrs and messiahs: teacher tropes we need to change
Teachers aren’t super-humans, even though they try! Let’s clarify an educator’s scope of practice and manage expectations.
Teaching is undoubtedly one of the noblest professions, shaping the minds of future generations and influencing the trajectory of society. However, over time, certain tropes and stereotypes have emerged that often caricature the profession. Teachers cannot be all things to all learners and their families, even with the best will in their world: let’s start a conversation about an educator’s scope of practice and re-evaluate our collective expectations. Below are some common tropes that depict teachers in one-dimensional ways:
The Martyr Teacher:
One prevalent trope is the image of the self-sacrificing, martyr-like teacher, tirelessly giving everything for their students. While dedication is commendable, this trope can perpetuate the idea that teachers should endure immense personal sacrifice for their profession. In reality, teachers are professionals with personal lives, interests, and boundaries. Recognising and respecting these boundaries supports a healthier, more sustainable teaching environment.
The Messiah Teacher:
While teachers play a pivotal role in child and adolescent lives, it is unrealistic to place the entire burden of societal change on a teacher’s shoulders. Appreciating our collective responsibility for education and child-welfare is critical. Most teachers go above and beyond to assist and nurture children in need, but we’re unable to provide all of the stability, caring and interventions necessary to guarantee good outcomes. We need all hands on deck to grow young people in health and prosperity.
The Superhuman Teacher:
Teachers are often portrayed as superhuman beings capable of overcoming any challenge in the pursuit of educating their learners. This trope fails to acknowledge the real challenges teachers face, such as limited resources, diverse student needs, and socio-economic pressures. Teachers are not invincible; they are professionals with strengths and limitations. Teachers are also vulnerable to set-backs, personal crises, health issues, and stress. Acknowledging that teachers are very human, and aren’t perfect, and providing adequate support when they stumble or reach out for help, is crucial for creating a positive educational system.
The Unwavering Optimist:
Another common trope is the image of the perpetually optimistic teacher who never wavers in the face of adversity. While a positive attitude is the bedrock of good teaching, we must acknowledge that teachers, like everyone else, may experience moments of doubt, frustration, and burnout. Addressing the mental health and well-being of teachers scaffolds an effective educational environment.
The Authoritarian Educator:
This trope paints teachers as strict disciplinarians who rule their classrooms with an iron fist - or who ought to. While maintaining order and discipline is necessary for safe, productive learning environments, portraying teachers solely as authoritarian figures oversimplifies their role. In reality, effective teaching involves a delicate balance of authority and empathy to foster a positive and engaging atmosphere. Authoritarianism is an outdated classroom management style. It is neither a true reflection of most teachers nor a desirable path to good learning.
The Infallible Expert:
Teachers are sometimes depicted as all-knowing experts in every subject, never making mistakes or facing challenges. In reality, educators are continually learning and adapting to new information and teaching methodologies. Encouraging the ongoing professional development of teachers promotes a culture of continuous improvement within the education system. In this, teachers must be given opportunities to flourish intellectually and fine-tune their skills.
The Suffering Artist:
This trope romanticizes the image of teachers as struggling artists, sacrificing financial stability for the love of their craft. While passion for teaching is a given, it's essential to value educators appropriately for their expertise and hard work. The adage, ‘those who can, do; those who can’t, teach’ is an equally false account of the teaching profession. Teaching is intentional. Since it takes great commitment and vision to qualify as a teacher, teachers desire professional fulfilment and adequate compensation as much as any other profession.
The Half-Day Educator:
While it's true that teachers have set schedules and school holidays, this trope overlooks the hours of preparation, marking, and extracurricular work that goes into providing quality education. Recognising the time and effort teachers invest beyond classroom hours is vital for a more accurate portrayal of their dedication, responsibilities and workloads.
The One-Size-Fits-All Instructor:
This trope assumes that teachers use a one-size-fits-all approach to education. In reality, effective teaching involves accommodating diverse learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds. Emphasising the role of differentiated instruction helps dispel this trope and highlights the adaptability of educators.
In conclusion:
We must identify the skills that teachers bring to their classrooms each day, rather than expect the impossible. We all need to participate in the wellbeing of youngsters for a brighter future.