In todays tough economy excellence in whatever line of work you are in is more important than ever and mediocrity will not be tolerated. Your performance as an excellent dance teacher gives you a platform to be heard and followed. The way to gain respect from your coworkers and students is to develop your skills and excel in your classes and to conduct yourself impeccably on the job. Show your employer and coworkers that you can always be relied on not only to show up, but more importantly to be consistent in your work. Maintaining a great work ethic is not only important for you as a teacher, but only demonstrates to your students that you dont just talk the talk, but you also walk the walk.
Mostly students follow by example and there is no better way to show your students how to build character and be a person of your word than to constantly demonstrate that you have a positive attitude, are versatile in your knowledge and work and are willing to do whatever it takes to keep improving. If your students know that you are focused and disciplined enough to make them the very best dancers that they can be, they will not only respect you as a teacher but will be willing to run through walls for you. Even students who take class once or twice a week need to feel that same commitment from you because they will be encouraged by it despite any limitations.
I had a teacher once tell me that her students just didnt remember anything she taught them. That was an immediate red flag to me as I realized that this teacher had little idea of how to communicate and work with her students to make sure that they not only understood the material, but also were able to execute and remember it. Dont accept a child not knowing the work because that is a reflection on you as a teacher.
We all have come across a child who just does not apply herself, but I have found that if I lay out my expectations to the class at the beginning of the year and hold my students accountable from month to month, one way or the other they will have learned something at the end of the year. Of course, every student is different and many need a different set of tactics to spark enough interest in what they are doing to make them want to learn. In my experience I have found that by getting to know my students I am usually able to find a way to counter negativity and challenge them to not only think in a positive way, but also to develop their skills, not work half heartedly and be the best that they can be with the ability that they have. That is not to say that it isnt sometimes an uphill struggleit is simply a question of finding ways to get through to your students.
Today they almost all have a short attention span and so the information you give them needs to be quick, clear and generally have a fun aspect to it. I am not saying that discipline should not be used because, as we know, discipline is inherent in dance training and the teaching of self-discipline is one of the most important life lessons that we can give to our students. As I always tell my students, there is plenty of room in first class and so they need to make a choice, do they want to travel first class with excellence or in coach with mediocrity? To me, it is just another reason for us teachers to let our students know that we plan to be in first class and on the road of excellence with them at our sides. That spirit of excellence is contagious and will spread among your students, giving them a good sense of euphoria and making our job easier and more productive.
Here are some suggestions to broaden your scope and make yourself indispensable at your studio.
1) Talk to your studio or school owner, give suggestions, get involved. Show them that you are not just there for the paycheck, but that you are really interested in the students and their progress.
2) Remember that the quality of your work shows the quality of your character. Plan your classes and have overall goals monthly and for the season.
3) Excel in your classes and keep developing yourself by reading dance history and watching TV dance programs and movies. Register for teacher workshops and keep ahead of the competition.
4) Dont just do what you are asked to dogo that extra mile and find new ways to make your classes run more smoothly.
5) Look for new ways to grow. Resolve to get better at what you do.
6) Constantly seek ways to communicate more effectively with both students and coworkers.
7) Always be reliable and a person that can be counted on for results.
Teachers generally give their hearts and souls to help their students but we can all become less efficient and productive if we do not take care of ourselves and our needs and forget to invigorate ourselves when we have the moments to explore new territory. Take the time to plan ahead and invest in your future as a teacher.
