But none of them, in my opinion, really get to the heart of
what it means to teach.
Those of us in school leadership positions seek out teachers
who can excel in those areas and who have a toolbox full of ways to bring these
elements to life. And when asked what is in their “toolbox”, most teachers will
be prepared to answer with such things as dynamic lessons, use of technology, differentiated
instruction and project-based learning experiences (I hope!).
In addition, many teachers are prepared to speak
of the importance of character development and the social-emotional well-being
of their students. Most will also be prepared to explain the ways that they will go about building positive and trusting relationships with and among their
students.
But as I said, I don’t think we have really gotten to the
heart of what it means to teach.
That is why I believe that the most important interview
question a teacher can ever be asked is this: “What will you do to bring joy
to your classroom?”
Joy - a feeling of great pleasure and happiness with synonyms
such as: delight, bliss, glee, elation, euphoria, rejoicing, exultation,
happiness and exhilaration.
We need teachers who are thinking about joy.
Content can be taught. I can provide a teacher with the
resources needed to grow more in any given subject area.
Lesson planning is a skill that can be developed. I can
mentor a teacher to create more dynamic lessons.
I can support a teacher who is seeking new ways to engage
students and promote their critical thinking skills.
But you
can’t teach joy. And if a teacher isn’t prepared to think about what it
means to help students find and experience joy in his/her class EVERY DAY, then
that might not be the teacher I want to hire.
Start asking, “What will you do to bring joy to your
classroom?” You will know quickly if you have found a teacher who confuses
joy with fun. And you will know immediately if this is a teacher who truly
knows what it means to help students find joy.
I think this question can be a game changer. It was for me.
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