Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion gifted teaching others.

I agree with everything that Kriston says, especially in the regular "traditional" classroom, where a student teaching is not the norm.

However, I've seen positive examples in Montessori, multi-age classrooms. Most Montessori classrooms have children of up to a three-year span grouped together. As the students get older, they are expected to lead the younger students in some activities. This may coincide with the older/advanced student learning another aspect of the activity from the teacher. In this way, they are formally reviewing (when they teach the younger child) and learning something new.

Because it happens in addition to learning new material (including leadership skills) it doesn't seem to hinder growth at all. Certified Montessori teachers are also trained in observing student needs and differentiating work for each student. Because the classroom contains children of multiple age groups, differences from the age/grade lock-step are not as obvious.

The teaching profession is truly blessed to have you Kerry.



I have often wondered about this as people frequently ask what DS is going to do when he finishes university. I have no idea but have always assumed that high school maths wouldn't be challenging/satisfying enough for him, plus I don't see him as a true teacher.

During the holidays he purchased a postgraduate university guide and is looking into doing his masters and doctorate, so I still have no idea what he will end up doing but then again he probably doesn't either....

(Mind you, I often have visions of him in the bowels of some university lecturing, researching and scribbling down formulae on scrap pieces of paper.LOL)

I think another problem is that if you do end up going the professional route, and learning a lot of good real-world application of the ideas, it is nearly impossible to go back into teaching. I have been looking into this a lot, because I would like to have summers with my children. But, I cannot take a semester and teach half-time without pay. I understand why they do this, but at the same time, it makes it hard for someone who relies on a salary to make the transition.

I think about this too, teaching in technology or computer science, but couldn't do it now for $ reasons. I console myself with the idea that I'd probably only be a b+ teacher at best!

This is not always the case. I left the professional world to pursue my teaching credential. I went to a "night" school for my credential and was allowed to do my student teaching in a paid position at a public charter school. I went from one profession to the other in about 6 weeks.