By Dr. Frank Kline
Parker Palmer reminds us that “Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher.” This simple statement includes several important points.
One of the main ones is that it implies that teaching is about relationships. It is in the connection between the teacher and student that the learning occurs. The teacher’s job is to build a connection that will foster and sustain learning.
Just last week I was sitting in my office interviewing a candidate for our new Bachelor of Applied Science in Teaching and Early Learning. As I talked to this young man, I thought of the wonderful assets he would bring to his own classroom — assets of language, shared ethnic background and common experience that would help him connect with his students. And those kinds of assets are important to students’ learning. …
This article was originally published in the print edition of the Federal Way Mirror on July 7, 2017.
About the Author
Frank Kline is the Program Manager for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Teaching and Early Learning at Highline College. He earned a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Kansas. He grew up in a very small town in central Kansas in a family of educators. Over the last 20 years, he has worked in Washington as an administrator in teacher education. He is celebrating the wedding of the younger of two daughters and his 43rd wedding anniversary this summer. He and his wife, Rhonda, are enjoying their first grandchild who is about 18 months old.
About Highline Voices
Highline Voices brings a range of diverse perspectives to our community, featuring the expertise of Highline College staff and faculty. Read other articles in the Highline Voices series that began in 2016. All Highline employees are welcome to contribute to the series. Email Tanya Powers or Kari Coglon Cantey for guidelines.