Reading Response 3

As we read through the Freire articles, we are seeing the true message from the author. He speaks frequently on the purpose of teachers, and how we are not to be fickle creatures that fear change and challenge. In fact, it is only with that fear that we see the true meaning behind our actions. The following section in letter five speaks volumes: "That first day will hardly be devoid of insecurities, of shyness, or of inhibition, especially if the teacher in question does not just think he or she is insecure but is indeed so, if he or she fears not being able to perform the work or to work around difficulties. Deep down, all of a sudden, the concrete situation the teacher is faced with in the classroom seems to have nothing to do with the theories that have been taught." (Freire pg. 86) This quote speaks to me in a way I did not expect. I am a fairly outgoing person, I do well speaking with and for my peers. However, there is something entirely different standing in front of a classroom with eyes expectantly upon you for the first time. As prospective teachers, we have all pictured this moment, some with terror or dread, some with elation or victory. We do not know how we will truly respond to the moment until it arrives. All we can do in the meantime is keep that dream alive and prepare for the day of its arrival.