Do Teachers Change Their Beliefs After Becoming Educators?

It is a common observation that as individuals age and mature, their beliefs about certain things inevitably evolve. This is true for teachers as well. If teachers remain open-minded and willing to follow the truth, they will continually refine and adapt their beliefs throughout their careers.

The Role of Lifelong Learning in Teaching

Teaching is indeed a continuous learning experience. Much like any other profession, if a teacher sticks to the same routine year after year without seeking new knowledge, there is a risk of becoming complacent and losing touch with evolving educational practices.

A teacher's mindset and attitudes can become entrenched if they never explore new ideas or methods. However, this is a risk that can be mitigated by maintaining an open and curious posture towards learning new things in the field of education.

Becoming a teacher does not mean the end of personal and professional development. The role of continuous improvement and adaptation remains critical for teachers to stay relevant and effective in the classroom.

Core Beliefs That Remain

Reflecting on my own journey as a teacher, I can confidently say that while my worldview and understanding of education have evolved significantly, certain core beliefs have remained constant. Some of the beliefs that persist include:

Opposition to Cheating: I firmly believe that cheating is morally and ethically wrong. Promoting honesty and integrity in students is a cornerstone of my teaching philosophy. Importance of Truth: Teaching students the importance of telling the truth and living with honesty is a priority for me. Empathy and Understanding: My experience as a parent has profoundly changed my view on students. Witnessing the student perspective has deepened my empathy and understanding of their needs and challenges. Commitment to Others: Helping others and being a supportive presence for students are integral to my role as an educator. Deep Belief in Human Worth: Every person, regardless of their background or beliefs, has inherent value and deserves respect and support. Childhood Imagination: Part of my belief in the worth of every human also includes valuing the imagination and playfulness that defines childhood, and even maintaining a touch of ridiculousness in life. Support for Fairies: While this may seem whimsical, believing in the possibility and wonder of the unknown keeps the spirit of childhood alive in me, reminding me to approach every student with a sense of the extraordinary.

As a teacher with over 40 years of experience, these core beliefs have guided my actions and decisions throughout my career. They serve as a foundation that has not been significantly altered by my experiences as a teacher.

The Influence of Age and Experience

While core beliefs may remain stable, the overall perspective on teaching can certainly evolve. My view on world and education has changed dramatically since my early days as a 23-year-old teacher. However, this is not due to becoming a teacher; it is a result of maintaining an open mind and embracing new knowledge throughout my career.

Age and experience have played a significant role in shaping my beliefs, but they have not fundamentally altered my core values. Instead, they have enriched my understanding and approach to teaching.

Conclusion

In summary, while the specific beliefs of an individual teacher may change over time, the role of teaching as a dynamic and evolving profession encourages continuous learning and adaptation. By staying open to new ideas and experiences, teachers can maintain a commitment to their core values while continually refining their approach to education.