Teaching is an art. Before I went into teaching, I would look at teachers with a mixture of admiration and confusion. How could they like what they do? Telling kids (or adults) how to do things all day long?

After going into teaching myself, I found out that there is certain satisfaction gained from teaching, that can only be explained if you are a teacher yourself. Watching someone “get it” for the first time, or seeing a student work hard at something that doesn’t come naturally, but months later can look back and see steady progress, is a great reward in itself.

However, like any job, it has its challenges, and can become mentally exhausting. I have learned several strategies that have helped me stay focused, and helps prevent burnout.

Stay engaged. This has been an important lesson for me in teaching. While it seems to be a no-brainer, it does take some concentration to stay “with” the student for the whole lesson. If I am constantly thinking about the next lesson I have to teach, or the long week ahead, or even what I want for dinner, it distracts me from the task at hand. I have to stay in tune to what is going on with the student. I have learned to observe the student, and see their reactions, or what is working, or what is not. It is not enough to lay out a formula and wait for them to attempt it, I have to be right there alongside them. Empathy plays a part in this – I have to understand see the lesson though the students eyes and feelings.

Try new things. I love organization. I love a schedule and knowing what comes next. This is essential to running a successful lessons studio. Lesson planning can be a pain, but is key to keep from floundering. While this is what makes me thrive, it can also be what holds me back. If I am so set on “keeping things moving,” I can easily miss an opportunity for learning. No one thing is going to work for every student. This strategy  has not only been extremely important with my work with special needs students, but has opened many opportunities with all my students . Finding new approaches to learning is essential to staying engaged with my student.

Keep learning. As a teacher I learn just as much (if not more!) as my students. Teaching keeps me sharp if I don’t let myself get in a rut. Just like with any job, it can get mundane, and I can start just “going through the motions.” This is a signal to me to challenge myself. I keep studying, reading books, reading blogs and listening to podcasts* (those I trust!), and practicing. I’m not just a teacher, I’m as musician, and in order to be able to have something to give others, I have to be investing in myself. I have not “arrived” just because I teach, I teach because I am always learning.

Teach, and you will learn how.

“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.”

–Mark Van Doren

*One of my favorite blogs/podcasts is http://www.thenakedvocalist.com/ Check them out!