Teaching is like…herding cats! By: Michelle Gladstone

The teacher must show knowledge of content and how to teach that content through becoming knowledgeable of the students. Like the herder, the teacher must know where the students are going and how to get there through designing assessments and planning effective, differentiated lessons. The teacher must also be a problem solver and be prepared if the “cats” get lost by providing a map with various resources so that the “cats” can get back on track.

The herder must establish authority by organizing the cats, such as the teacher organizes a classroom for learning. There are a lot of different kinds of “cats” to be considered, so the classroom environment must focus on respect for all people, regardless of differences. The students should be allowed to have their own opinion and personalities, much like cats. The herder must also provide space for the cats to move about, in addition to food and water. The teacher must provide the students with the food and water of life: knowledge. This cannot happen in an environment not set up for movement, respect of all people, and positivity.

The herder must have a “call” that all of the cats respond to, as the teacher must have effective communication with students and families of the classroom. The herder must be able to push the cats together and often toward a goal they do not think is possible, much like the teacher with her students. The “cats” in the classroom are bound to get off topic and often not understand how material relates to them. It is the herder’s responsibility to gather the cats and move them toward a common goal in an engaging manner, often with the promise of something they enjoy, such as a treat. Teachers need to remember to celebrate children’s successes in order to keep them motivated to work hard and achieve their goals, thus achieving the goal of education by creating effective, knowledgeable, and problem-solving citizens.

After a long day of herding, the herder can become tired and unmotivated to go on. This is where a group of fellow herders comes in, just as teachers rely upon Professional Learning Communities and Critical Friends. One herder cannot possibility herd all of the cats, just as one teacher cannot effectively teach all of the students. Collaboration is key and often leads to doing things in a different way, which makes you a better teacher, or herder.

1. Students cannot be forced to do anything. Teachers can only plant the seed of knowledge; it is the student’s responsibility to make sure it grows. 2. Teachers need to remember to learn from their students. Often the best teacher is a colleague, which, in the student case, is a fellow student. 3. Students have the ability to think for themselves and this should be encouraged rather than stifled. 4. Treat each child as an individual. Just because you have had experiences in the past with children of that “kind” doesn’t mean this time will be the same as the last. 5. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Be kind and you will be received and treated with kindness.

Teaching is like herding cats because often the cats do not want to be there, but you must motivate them. Often the cats have different ideas and can need nurturing to see positive attitudes. Like teaching, herding cats is a difficult task to do well, but it can and must be done. Our society depends on it!