It’s been quite some time since I’ve written on this blog. I’ve been quite busy. I’ve been learning, not teaching.
The market here in Michigan is not a very good one with the economy as it is and the state of education. I imagine it is hard everywhere for educators and aspiring educators alike. After an intensive search for employment and many interviews for a teaching position, I took a job in state employment. I was disappointed at first because I really wanted to teach. I was told that I interviewed exceptionally well but they wanted more classroom experience. This confused me a great deal. I was interviewing for Business Teacher positions with over 15 years of experience working with young adults, as well as in the workforce, 2 years as a substitute teacher and vocationally certified. You would think that the classroom experience would come as the value of relevant work experience for application in the classroom was priceless. Especially in a time when there is a cry for 21st century skills and relevant experience for students to be ready for the workforce upon graduation. Okay, back to the point. I really want to teach because I love the interaction with students. I love to see the aha! look when they get a concept. I enjoyed the “I don’t get it”, or “I disagree” looks too. This meant I had a challenge on my hands. However, I have come to realize it’s not my turn yet.
While at this job in state government, I deal with customers daily. In my dealings I have learned a lot. I have determined that these are things that I will pen and incorporate in my classroom and interactions with youth. After all, they are our future right?
1. Reading is Fundamental. In my line of work I can’t tell you how many customers call with questions about their situation because they received some correspondence in the mail. They want to know why they received it and what does it have to do with them. After listening to them read the correspondence I realize in the first two paragraphs that these questions are answered, but I still have to explain the exact same information to them verbally that they received in the written form. A great deal of their frustration of waiting on hold for several hours to speak to someone could have been alleviated had they read the correspondence or even listened to the messages playing while on hold for an agent.
2. Comprehension is a MUST! I have learned that most people read but only a few comprehend. When something is read, comprehension leads to action. If you cannot comprehend what is being read you cannot tell in my line of work if a customer is entitled to money, owes money, or money must be paid back to the government.
These 2 points make me think of Chris Tovani’s I read It But I just Don’t Get it.
3. Listening is Essential. You cannot gain knowledge if you do not listen to what you are told. In my situation a customer cannot get the info they need if they are not listening.
