Do students consider teachers to have talents unrelated to their classes? Many teachers possess hidden talents beyond the classroom, skills often inspire students’ creativity.
Few students know that beyond the school context, their teachers have a lot of hidden talents: playing in bands, graphic artwork, and other skills that usually amaze and motivate students. By showing our creative skills, students catch a glimpse of a different light from teachers, which sparks creativity and connection outside of conventional learning.
“I encourage my students to be entrepreneurs and never to let an obstacle prevent them from achieving what they want to achieve,” Andrew Jordan Shainker, Journalism teacher, said.
Seemingly, Juan Carlos Ledezma applies his gardening talent to his teaching in one of the projects for his class, Pensar Nuestro Tiempo. From these experiences, Ledezma connected the activity of gardening to values such as sustainability, patience, and responsibility to show how lessons from nature may help shape personal growth.
“Here in Pensar Nuestro Tiempo, We take care of nature from… pots made with recycled material. And cultivated them, through the growing process, they learned about perseverance, dedication, discipline, and staying firm,” Ledesma said.
Furthermore, teacher Andrew Shainker loves to travel, relating his many travels to the lessons. By integrating their passions. Teachers like Shainker make learning more dynamic and personal for their students.
“If I were to travel to Nicaragua, we might be learning about Nicaragua in the news. If I’m interested in Japanese culture, some of the news clips we listen to might be about Japan,” Shainker said.
In fact, Teachers like Jorge Mario Angel, the High School band teacher, mentioned that it is all about giving freedom to students to pursue whatever inspires them. According to Angel, following this principle will leave room for creativity. Thus, students will become more successful and willing to continue forward with their endeavors.
“I recommend they always do what they like and never do anything they feel forced to, even if that is what their parents want, so when they are older, they can do what they want and do it with discipline,” Angel advises.
These examples show that teachers’ personal talents can inspire students even outside the classroom environment. By sharing their passions, teachers like Ledezma, Shainker, and Angel give life lessons that fuel creativity ensuring students will pursue their goals with great enthusiasm and determination.
“Traveling opens your mind and teaches you to see the world differently. It’s not just about the destination, but about the experiences and perspectives you bring back to the classroom,” Shainker said.