Teach Talk Thursdays: What Your Job Means

Marcia Haydee

"It is more important who they are as people and only then is it important who they are as dancers." - Marcia Haydee

 
This quote rings loudly in my teaching as I yearn for the betterment of my students.

My job as a dance instructor is more than preparing my students for a history of dance achievements. It is more than giving them little stamps on their hands after class to let them know they did well. It means growing them for all their current and future life events.


photo by officeworks

Little do they know that their hard work through the ups and downs of dance class pays off in their future ups and downs of life. They learn persistence and endurance. They understand that mistakes are part of the process. They become confident as they learn how to shine in their unique abilities.

I have realized how my actions greatly impact the students within and outside of dance. I am constantly a role model through my attitude, even on my bad days (let's face it, some days are just plain tough - and we have that one student who tests your grace). As a role model we must put on a good attitude no matter what is happening inside.


photo by wordpress

It is important to me to combine these elements in order for my students to learn effectively. I need to continually strive to be a good role model and an encourager to students using their strengths. I have learned that they also need to be coached on their behavior in class and know how to apply it in life outside, too.

Thanks for joining "Teach Talk Thursdays" and reading about my thoughts and experience. Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts on what your job means to you as a dance instructor.