At the beginning of my formation as an educator at Illinois State University I wrote,

"The role of a teacher is one of great responsibility, for a teacher is given the responsibility of forming the minds of the next generation with the knowledge, character, and wonder of life which has been given to the one that teaches. This is most successfully carried out in an individual who excels in great virtue, both intellectual and moral. Humans learn best by imitating those they know. Therefore, a teacher is on display, teaching all knowledge and virtue by modeling the behavior most deeply desired to be passed on and shared with future generations."

Now, three years later I still believe that all students can learn and that it is the duty of the teacher to inspire each student to want to learn by modeling that learning. I believe that one's teaching should be permeated with behaviors and practices that one wants his or her students to demonstrate.

 

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the most bitter.” - Confucius

If an educator wants students to seek out learning on their own, the students must see their teachers seeking out ways to grow in knowledge. If an educator wants students to have respect for others and to make moral, responsible decisions, the students must see their teacher respecting them and making decisions based on sound judgment. If an educator wants students to develop creativity in responding to situations, the students must see their teachers presenting them with innovative ways of learning the material in class.

When the teacher models the behavior, the students will imitate it. We all learn best by imitating behaviors that we have seen to be successful.