Welcome back to another round of Plinky Prompts Thursday! If you’re just tuning in for the first time, each week I will select a writing prompt from www.plinky.com and post it every Thursday for your viewing pleasure.
This week’s prompt, however, is surprisingly not from Plinky.
THAT'S not a Plinky Prompt!
Yes, Denny…that’s right. This week’s prompt is from another source, outside of Plinky. It’s short, it’s brief, and it’s to the point. Please don’t keep me from watching reruns of Boston Legal, okay?
I’m currently in the process of applying for substitute teaching jobs in the area. With any application process, there will inevitably be a few questions which require writing samples from the applicants. My teaching application is no different. The paperwork requires three different “essays” to be answered, and I completed one yesterday, just in time for Plinky Prompts Thursday. So, with no further delay, I present to you…the prompt:
Describe the skills or attributes you believe are necessary to be an outstanding teacher.
In life, when you are passionate about an endeavor, you pursue a course of action which directly leads you closer to that interest. To become a professional in any type of venture, constant practice is required to hone your skills and become a master at your craft. To excel, you must be willing to accept advice and constantly yearn to learn more. One cannot be a source of inspiration to others without experience and true passion.
Teachers, like any other skilled artists, must combine their experiences with passion to foster an outstanding classroom environment. They must serve as eager encyclopedias to their students, willing to share knowledge on a specific content area with enthusiasm and spirit. They must act as optimistic fortune tellers, constantly encouraging students onward to success through realization their own potential.
Educators must also be active practitioners in their field of study. Students are extremely accurate esteem barometers; they offer respect when respect is due. Young mind are more inspired to learn when their instructors exude a professional work ethic, constantly sharpen their skills, and continue to cultivate their talents.
To teach, you must inspire…but to inspire, you must teach with enthusiasm, which is an attribute all outstanding educators must possess. Students thrive off of ardent mentors who embody excitement and zest. Of all the hats a teacher must wear, the role of “inspiration advocate” is one of the most important. You must be willing to proudly share your love of learning with your students, who will undoubtedly recognize a teacher with true passion and devotion for what they do.
Well, what do you think? I’m very open to suggestions on how to improve my response, since this will be my official “Hi-there-and-hello” to my perspective employers. What could I add? What could I subtract? And should I insert a portfolio of my Stick Figure Movie Reviews along with it?!? What say you, William Shatner?
DENNY CRANE!
That’s what I thought you’d say…
Miracle on 32nd Street 