A passion for teaching
Saturday, April 5th, 2008 at 4:50 pmIn the past month, I have had the wonderful experience of teaching classes at the local Borders bookstores. Today, I taught one call Living Fearlessly based on the tools and strategies that I learned in my coaching certification with the Fearless Living Institute. I also teach a class called Manage Your Energy; Get Results. Between the two classes, I’ve taught a total of 7 times in the past 5 weeks.
Since I have been a high school French teacher for the past 16 years, it might seem that teaching these courses wouldn’t be much of a stretch for me, but actually it has really allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. Not only are these classes geared to a different audience (adults instead of adolescents), they are also focused on very different material than what I teach my high school students (manifestation tools versus French). For both of these reasons, this teaching experience is allowing me to grow in amazing ways.
Because I have done it for so long, teaching French has stopped being really challenging for me. I’d like to think that I continue to find ways to improve myself as a classroom teacher, but even with the changes that I make every year, I am confident in my ability, so I never really feel much apprehension about the adjustments that I make. Since I am also very familiar with the age group, I have a high level of comfort there as well.
These courses at Borders on the other hand are requiring me to move beyond that comfort zone and allowing me to grow as a teacher in very exciting ways. I have never taught adults before, and I am finding it extremely rewarding. I appreciate the insights and wisdom that come from a more mature audience, as well as their enthusiasm and desire to learn. It is fun to hear how excited they are about putting into practice the simple tools that I am sharing with them. This enthusiasm is why I went into teaching to begin with.
Even more thrilling for me though is the fact that I am able to share material with my classes which I feel is truly in alignment with my purpose in this life. I have the honor of helping people to manifest results in their lives that will open them up to their ever expanding potential, and that’s the kind of work that feeds my soul. For me, the blessings and gifts in this situation are that in helping others to expand their world of possibilities I am actually expanding my own. I am redefining myself as a teacher and as a person, and in doing so I have reignited my passion and my desire to live my purpose.
What a gift!
I am grateful!
P.S. If you would like to know when I am teaching again, please see my calendar of events on this page or on my services page.
