Our Principal, Mrs Evans, has been the special guest of the third episode of Blanka Talks yesterday on YouTube: ‘The Visionary Teacher’.
Blanka Talks is a new international talk show by and for teachers worldwide developed by the swedish Drottning Blanka School in collaboration with Varkey Foundation. The idea is to create a space for conversations about the challenges and experiences that often unite teachers from different countries.
This is another stage where teachers can meet and have conversations on the most personal level about experiences in teaching situations or specific inspirational events. It is important that both teachers and students have the opportunity to look up and learn from others.
The teaching profession is global and although conditions look different in different countries, there is a lot that connects them. BT gives an idea of what the daily life of a teacher can be like in other countries because there is a lot they can learn simply by talking to each other.
Through this talk show we understand that it is fun and rewarding to participate in the thoughts and experiences of other teachers. It is inspiring to talk to colleagues about what works in the classroom, why it works, and how they can be more relevant.
Each episode of Blanka Talks has a theme:
Episode 1 – The Important Teacher
Episode 2 – The Inspirational Teacher
Click here to watch the video: Blanka Talks – Episode 3, The Visionary Teacher – YouTube
Below you can read the transcription of Mrs Evans’ interview in Episode 3 ‘The Visionary Teacher’.
Q1- Do you think it’s important to have a vision as a teacher? How come?
Yes, absolutely. This should be what drives us, it should be our inspiration, unless we are inspired how can we inspire others… our students. Also without a clear vision we are unable to measure and evaluate ourselves and the contribution we make. I also think your vision should be organic, as you grow and develop as a teacher so should your vision. I don’t think there isn’t anything worse than a teacher who has become stagnant or dormant in their vision. I think it’s our vision that keeps us motivated and provide inspiration to students and other teachers alike.
Q2 – What vision do you have for education?
My vision is for a holistic approach to education. I believe we sometimes focus too much on academic success in the traditional sense. I think we have a moral obligation to prepare our student to enter the workforce with qualities that we have helped shape and nurture.
And to be risk takers. Above all to instill an intrinsic love of learning. We have an obligation to teach skills as well. One of the things we have here at Novaschool Sunland is that we follow the Cambridge International Curriculum, and so part of that is what is known as learner attributes such as resilience, respect, being environmentally aware, being able to emphasie with others.
Q3: What do you think is needed to fuel teachers’ visions, support from employers, leaders, policy makers?
A sound appraisal system is vital. Whereby senior leaders regularly meet with teachers to discuss their strength and offer guidance and support where necessary. A teacher needs to feel valued and recognized as a professional in the field of education. When this is in place it allows them to develop as individuals.
Q4: Starting out as a teacher, what vision/ dream did you have? Has it changed over time? If you had a time machine, going back, what would you tell yourself?
That I would make a difference. That my students would remember me and in some way be able to identify that I helped shape their futures. I don’t think this has changed. But if I could go back in time I would tell myself to be more confident in my abilities. I think it’s common for all new teachers to feel this.