Six Word Memoirs on Life Stories

Staraj says,

Good followers make the leader want to lead. Good students make the teacher want to teach.

Perhaps different methods. Otherwise, a different job?

MotorCityMich says,

I have to disagree, Staraj. Some days teaching is just soul-sucking and no matter what you do, your students will not want to learn. It's not all about the teacher; some, perhaps most, needs to be the learner's responsibility too. The saying "Teachers open the door, you need to walk through yourself" is true. Yes, teachers can motivate, but there really are those who will resist any type of motivation.

kisskissgirl says,

Thank you for understanding what I was trying to say MotorCityMich! I guess people do not know how to read between the lines either!

MotorCityMich says,

No problem! I just get tired of all the blame always coming down on teachers' shoulders. The learner is a part of the equation too!

kisskissgirl says,

Unfortunately it is also the lack of respect that has been lost, not only for teachers, but for anyone in authority in general. If offspring do not respect their parents, how can they respect others?! It all startsin the home.

Staraj says,

No need to read between my lines. Simply re-read my two sentences as they are stated. I blamed no one -- teachers or students. I said GOOD students make the teacher want to teach. However, it's the PARENTS who make good students -- or not. Motivation begins at home. Motivation is maintained at home. Inspiration begins at home. Inspiration is maintained at home. If there is blame to be found, find it here.

Teachers and good students LOOK FORWARD to arriving in the classroom, so they can ride the wave of learning together. A wholistic and organic experience that enriches all of their lives . . . their souls. Yes, this is a dreamy ideal. But what are we, if we do not dream of the ideal? And then pursue it.

I have no criticisms of you or your methods, for I do not know you or them. I make many comments about society, which fosters various components. Formal education is one of them. A societal choice about choices. What should be taught? How should we teach? What should happen if parents and students don't give a damn about education? These questions and their answers are part of society's learning experience. An ongoing "quiz". Indeed, what would happen if we decided to stop taking this test? Indeed, what would happen if we all dropped out?

L2L3 says,

If one believes that teaching is futile, then one won't teach. What sets great teachers apart is thrir ability to look for unique ways to motivate their students. And yes, some students are less permeable than others. Either way, attitude makes all the difference on the part of both parties.

kisskissgirl says,

What I probably should have said was useless instead of futile (and it seems no one has a sense of humor...this was a translation from an Italian true joke). Non e difficile insegnare l'Italiani, e inutile!
If there is any place that people should be thinking outside the box, it should be here at six word memoirs!

L2L3 says,

Your backstory's tone doesn't lend itself to a humorous interpretation. Your memoir made a far-reaching, rather global statement. Now, you imply that because people made points that don't support your original statement, that it means that these people, myself included, aren't thinking outside the box. Useless or futile, thank goodness there is no overall truth to be found there. However, millions of teachers throughout the world probably all have days when they wholeheartedly agree with both the futility or the uselessness of it all. Luckily for civilization, they wake up the next day and try again.

kisskissgirl says,

That is what I meant by reading between the lines (or, the six words). There are many different interpretations, and I was responding to the first comment with my backstory. I should have responded in the comment section instead of making it a backstory. Again, I do feel if one has had the experience of seeing what is going on in the education system of perhaps the big cities this memoir may resonate, but to respond to your comment directly, one does need a sense of humor to teach nowadays, and that is what gets good teachers through the trying times of modern students. I am not saying teachers should give up teaching! You see, I am not giving up on you! ;)

L2L3 says,

Taught many an inner city teen without ever being in a classroom. Spent untold hours teaching in rural classrooms without ever being a teacher.

kisskissgirl says,

We are ALL teachers in one capacity or another, even if we may not realize it or know we are teaching. One does not need a classroom to teach, just like one does not need a place of worship to pray. Why does the word teaching automatically assume being a school teacher? The memoir did not state "teaching students....". It was all encompassing. And why does MotorCityMich have a better understanding of what this meant? And you also seem to agree that there are days that it can seem futile.

kisskissgirl says,

I had this as Backstory, but I really should have put it
in the comments space in response to first comment by Staraj.
I am not a teacher. I do not have a classroom. I think we are all teachers in some way, giving of our experiences to help others learn; but I guess some just do not want to learn or expand their horizons or see a different avenue to get to an answer. I know it was a very generalized statement, but I think it made a bigger impact that way. Don't have blinders on, see what is all around you, you are never too old to learn!

L2L3 says,

Please don't be quite so quick to speak, as in two comments ago, to me as though I am slow or ignorant. Perhaps you didn't mean to be condescending but the tone is unmistakably there. I can assure you that neither descriptor is applicable to my ability to grasp concepts such as you've highlighted here. Where did you get the idea that the word teacher is so narrowly defined by others? You assume much about those you are not at all familiar with. Your comparison with Motor is divisive in nature and serves no good purpose. Of course I probably shouldn't have left the first comment, but am opposed to all-encompassing pronouncements in general. I will attempt to avoid a like mistake in the future. And so it goes... Ultimately, my bad, for engaging.

Believe says,

I disagree, kisskissgirl, "we" are certainly not ALL teachers. I have no problems with "lack of respect" from my students. Respect is earned, not granted upon someone at a magic age. I seek to earn my students' respect. They seek to earn mine. Pretty sure that has something to do with my success rate.

I'm a piano teacher. Got a text from a former student who is now 23. Even though she is now a professional musician she had a musical question to ask me. Real teachers don't need a classroom. And their job is never complete. It's a lot like being someone's mom. Tiring. Frustrating. All encompassing. Underpaid. Barely funded. And one of the most rewarding activities on the face of the earth.

kisskissgirl says,

My point exactly.

L2L3 says,

Which point would that be, since Believe prefaced her comment by stating her disagreement with you. The infinite apple peel of logic...