"When we learn how to teach, we must also consider what it will feel like to teach."
Chapter 2: Illusion of Control
Clarifying a misperception in teaching, Chapter 2 teaches that control is an illusion in our teaching lives and explains how teachers have been positioned to be “in charge,” which gives the perception that they are also in control. In reality, teachers are not in full control of their teaching experiences, from courses taught to administration support to parent involvement to student behaviors. Teachers are in control of their preparedness and responses, but they are not in control of all aspects of classroom management and outcomes, despite the common teacher perception. While control exists to protect us from outcomes that may be unfavorable, this can cause teachers to tirelessly work—and re-work—lesson plans, instead of being the piece that forces engaging all parties in urgent conversations that will make bigger shifts.
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As stated in the book, there is a perception that teachers should be able to fix or control all parts of their classroom. This sets up an "Illusion of Control" with some teachers falling into the control trap, working tirelessly to improve all parts of their classroom that rests under their leadership. In your career, have you experienced the "Illusion of Control"? When did this occur and how did it make you feel?
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Have you ever experienced a conversation in which someone warned you not to become a teacher? Why do you think they said this to you? How do you feel about their statement now that you are a teacher?
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Reflect on how you handle emotional stress, or when things do not go the way you wanted them to go. What are your reactions? What are your solutions to these problems? Do your solutions serve you in the best and most emotionally healthy way?
ReflectionQuestions
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The author shares that she knew from a young age she wanted to be a teacher, even pretending to teach as a child. Can you relate to this? Reflect on what initially inspired you to pursue a career in teaching.
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What did it feel like when you were sitting in your final round interview or when you started your first-ever class on your first-ever day of teaching?
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If you could sum up your teaching experience in a single word or phrase, what would it be?
QUOTES
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“It is important to understand that teachers may be ‘in charge,’ but that they have limited control.”
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“The teacher cannot accomplish her job, which is to teach, without the cooperation and willingness from her students to learn.”
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“We must evaluate teaching from a broader lens—as a content profession and as an emotional profession.”
