To develop insight into our identity and work as a teacher
Aim
To develop insight into our identity and work as a teacher.
The most established metaphors to describe teachers’ work foreground the art, science and craft of teaching. Listed below are some additional metaphors that people have used to describe the work of teachers.
Architect
Conductor
Gardener
Engineer
Director
Choose a couple of the metaphors listed above and explore their strengths and limitations. For example, the conductor of an orchestra coordinates diverse contributions to create a symphony, but follows a musical score often composed by someone else. A gardener nurtures and tends, but also weeds … Look over your lists. What does it reveal about how you understand the nature of teachers’ work?
Extension
The issues raised could be discussed and analysed with colleagues. It might be helpful to try to identify aspects which are core to the role of teachers and those which are more supplementary.
