Chapter 1: Stoking the Fires Within Synthesis

Abstract:

The main theme of this opening chapter is centered on how a person’s attitude affects one’s ability to do their job to the greatest potential. This chapter is directed specifically towards education and how a teachers attitude influences the attitudes of their students, but it has a tone that speaks to all professions and what it takes to be the best. The author clearly presents that the starting point is to look at one’s self. The author presented a quote by, William Arthur Ward, "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." The author then states, "We all know people who seem to have retired on the job." This was very true of our class. Reflections written by my classmates stated that they remember how much more motivated they were to learn when the teacher presented material with enthusiasm and passion. Throughout this chapter the author continually talks about the importance of being a positive role model and how all educators should lead by example. We as teachers must model good behavior and explicitly show a positive attitude towards all students through mutual respect. One commonality between our classmates was the importance of developing relationships with our students. We agreed with the author, and stated how we enjoyed teachers who took the initiative in getting to know us and our needs. The author closes out the chapter by highlighting the need to develop good relationships; and one important factor in relationships is communication. Teachers are always the ones talking and become very good at it, we must always remember that is it just as important to be a good listener.

Reflection:

After reading the rest of the classes responses to the chapter I felt a little different about it myself. When I first read the chapter I couldn't help but focus on his title and opening thoughts about how we must motivate ourselves as teachers before we can become an effective educator. After looking over this chapter again I can clearly see that the author’s main idea is about having a positive attitude. A positive attitude about everything in life, but more importantly about teachers presenting themselves as positive role models and that starts with having a positive attitude. The opportunity that teachers have is incredible; they interact each and every day with young adolescents who are searching for their own identity and place in society. We as teachers must never let down our guard, no matter what. We must present ourselves as confident and positive role models, those who are there for the student’s needs and not that of our own.