The Balance Between Schooling and Education

 

“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” Mark Twain 
  
This quote may sound counterproductive, especially coming from an (almost) English teacher. And although Mr. Twain only had an 8th grade education, I do not believe he is speaking ill of the education profession and especially not of education in general. What TED 633 taught me this month is even though we must follow standards, meet deadlines and focus on assessments and grades, we must not lose sight of the prize – education. All that other stuff is simply schooling. It is the pomp and circumstance needed to create a status quo to which standards are built...which is out of balance with the art of education.

As with all things, balance is key. Balance is where understanding is birthed. 

For instance, just as in TED 633 there is a balance between learning the material, creating quality work and turning it in on time, the same will be true in all of our current or future classrooms. Balancing classroom necessities with activities, assessments and anecdotes that are meaningful and fun is where the combination of the two create the magic of understanding – that “ah-ah” light-bulb moment we all strive for. Do I know everything that every English teacher should know? No, I do not. But, I am willing and able to gain that knowledge as I go. Will there be hoops to jump through along the way? Yes there will be, and to that I say, “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.”

"Ad astra per alia porci" is Latin for "to the stars on the wings of a pig." Author John Steinbeck would frequently sign his private notes and some novels with this quote. He would also include an illustration of "Pigasus," a combination of the mythical flying horse Pegasus and a common hog. To Steinbeck, Pigasus represented, "earthbound but aspiring...not enough wingspread but plenty of intention." And at the risk of ripping-off Mr. Steinbeck, I have appropriated his motto (of sorts) and the gallant Pigasus as the title for this blog. My other choice was "constantly risking absurdity" the title of a Lawrence Ferlinghetti poem...but I thought it was too much of a given concept if you know what I mean.

If you are confused or frustrated why I have not explained the whole significance of Pigasus or the quote yet, don't worry. Patience is a virtue...and I have some business to take care of first.

Who am I? I don't think I can tell you who I am; I can tell you what I do, where I've been and what I think. To sum up how I think is rather easy and done by providing another quote to you. "Follow your bliss." As you can tell, I like quotes. Writer, thinker and teacher Joseph Campbell used to say, following your bliss is the key to happiness. If you do what feels right, something you are passionate about, you will be happy. This is something I strive for in every decision I make.

A brief and relevant history: I graduated from CSU Fresno in 2008 with the intention of becoming a high school English teacher. Time, as it often does, got away from me and 7 years later, I am finally achieving that dream. My previous career was in Urban / City Planning, which was once my bliss...but it is time to move on. I am not currently teaching full time. I am subbing several days a week, and I am 99% positive I have an internship at Kerman High School for the fall.

I have chosen to teach English because I feel it is important to instill the knowledge needed to analyze, compose and enjoy written works. Also, I intend to help students realize that their life is a story and can be looked at similar to literature. Teaching English goes beyond simply teaching the reading and writing. It teaches a way to think about and connect to the world around you. It teaches you how to think critically and creatively about events, relationships and everything in general.

The above goes along with the results of my personality test. I am a INFP personality, or Introverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving. In other words, I rely on intuitions rather than logic. I think a lot in my head. And I can see the good in almost anything. I believe I have chosen to teach English because of my personality. All of the qualities described as INFP prove that teaching, especially English, is where my "bliss is." 

I have a fairly balanced learning style, which I have tried hard to create throughout the years. According to a teaching style survey, I am a moderate expert and high in formal authority, personal model, facilitator and delegator, which is quite surprising. I did not think I was a formal authority or delegator, but these qualities may come in handy with classroom management. 

My teaching and learning styles will help my students and myself be successful because INFP persons are usually empathetic (which I think I am). Also, I can take big concepts and break them down and help students put them back together, can practice differentiated instruction with ease and help students find relationships amongst new information, can have control over a class and I genuinely have a passion and love for teaching English. 

Now back to Pigasus. To the stars on the wings of a pig...we may not be built to fly, but we can follow our bliss as we try.