Train the Trainer part 4

On the same day of the class schedule for train the trainer, I was given the same date to present a class on Perspective 2. If i were to change the date of the perspective class the next date would of been in January of 09. First of all I did not want to prolong the time due to anxiety nor did I want to present a class after the TTP classes. So I felt that the timing was good. I e-mailed my mentor with the lesson plans, I then received a date to make an appointment and talk.


Well I made the call and we spoke about my lesson plans and instructing the class. My lesson plans were too vague. I was a bit nervous on the call (I wanted to do a very good job) so my thoughts were not flowing. That is when my mentor suggested that I did not have to do this particular class and if i felt that I was not ready that was OK. More panic set in all I kept thinking of was when am I going to fit this in my schedule! So as we talk a little Joanne was very helpful in directing me. She asked if I had any previous experience teaching. I told her about my adult education classes and my teaching there, so she suggested that I use that knowledge for my class. I knew at that point that she would of rather ed me change the date. She had just as much confidence in me as I had in me. Which was little to none. I told her that by the next day she have my new revised lesson plans.


After the call I became even more aware of my thoughts and I realized that I was giving myself disempowering thoughts, and fear became my focus. Wasn't that what the class is all about, perspective. Who was the best example? me. So as soon as I got home that night I re-arraigned my schedule and I went right to the computer. My thoughts became very empowering and my lesson plans reflected that feeling. I then e-mailed to Joanne. When I read her e-mail the next day I could feel her confidence in me had changed. She knew that I was ready, and she acknowledged me for taking immediate action. I looked forward to the call now feeling enthused. As I began to work on the revised lesson plans my reframing played an important role, but the key element was that I was now focused on helping the other students, what is in it for them to take away. I was no longer focused on me. The class went extremely well. I received great feed back from the students as well as from my mentor. Joanne played an important part in guiding me to create a good set of plans and to present a great class, her feedback after the class has help me to become a more effective trainer. I appreciated her help and guidance. From that class I learned to accept myself for who I am. I also learned that questions are very important in receiving class participation. The one question that I did get a great deal of feedback from was "what are you able to take away with you today from this class." My self awareness guided me to listen to the reaction of the students.

After listening to the class audio on leadership I discovered that I have most of the qualities of being a good leader. By using these qualities as my strenghts and turning my weaknesses to strentghs I have the ability to becoming a great leader. I am always interested in learning more about my profession and ways that I can improve my skills.
In class we were asked to draw our worst teacher. My third grade teacher immediately came to mind. She was always putting me down, making me feel not good enough and she always used me as bad example. When when son started school she was his first teacher. My wife and I argued about not sending him to that school because that teacher. She soon found out that I was not making the stuff up. This teacher did the same things to my son. Talking to others we found out that we were not alone there were other children treated the same. My best teachers were two professors that I had in college. They brought out the qualities of the students, they had passion for their work, and they wanted to see us succeed.
My vision as a teacher is educate and inform as many people as I can reach. To them the skills they have for the endless possibilities that they have to be happy, healthy, and prosperous. To acknowledge people for who they are. To be the best that I can.