This post is directed to those of you who are teachers. As we all feel the sadness about the death of Steve Jobs, his story can offer all of us so much insight not just about computers and bullying but about learning and teachers.
Steve Jobs’ mother said about her son that he didn’t care about school until he reached fourth grade. His fourth grade teacher was Imogene “Teddy” Hill.
According to Steve, “She was one of the saints in my life. She taught an advanced fourth grade class and it took her about a month to get hip to my situation. She bribed me into learning.”
Basically, this amazing woman knew what it would take to win Steve over to to the side of learning. Whether you agree with her tactics or not, doesn’t matter. What matters is that she figured out young Jobs and did what she had to do in order to get him interested in learning. She bribed him with candy and five dollar bills out of her own money.
She succeeded to such a degree that Steve Jobs skipped a grade and went directly to middle school the next year.
When you
greet your students each day, try to think about changing some of your methods in order to engage students who are adrift on their own seas of disinterest. Remember Steve Jobs and Imogene Hill who created desire in him and turned his won’t into will.
Another Steve Jobs might be sitting in your classroom. Are you going to make a difference for that child? The sky’s the limit!
Photo: Sean Mac Entee
Yes, Imogene ‘Teddy’ Hill was an amazing teacher who touched many lives.