We were talking recently about teachers who just walk away from the profession for their mental health, citing that situation in Utah where Paul left and Amy fights on. Brian Olive – only those who were reading here five years ago or so will remember – was a TPRS/CI rising star in those days but got away. Just sharing here that it happens and that there can be life after teaching. Here is a nice note that I just got from him:
Hi Ben,
I can’t imagine there is any way for you to remember me. I was (!) a Spanish teacher in Orlando, FL. I was active for a while as a member on your site. Your teaching was (now looking back) my last great inspiration as a teacher. The year that I decided to give it my all to your approach was a bit scary starting, and although the momentum didn’t carry through to the end of the academic year, I know that was the closest I got to getting on the right track to language teaching.
During that time (probably during some moment of difficulty in the first nine weeks, I laid out to you my challenge: teaching large classes that had natives, heritage learners and non natives all mixed in. If I remember correctly, you predicted, very directly, that it would not work. After awhile, it didn’t. Deeper analysis could pick apart the what and why, but that is now behind me.
At that time (maybe 2013?), I could never have predicted that I would stop teaching, but in January 2015, after 12 years, I left the profession, and went back to get my master’s degree in Computer Science (!!). A complete change! I finished in two years (after lots of hard work) and went immediately into full time software engineering. I am loving every bit of what I am doing now.
Which perhaps is the point. I loved the art of teaching, and the challenge that that implies. I loved seeking to better my craft. I now do that in a different domain. Your teaching embodied that: communicating a love of learning and languages to your students. I hope many teachers will continue taking your challenge of approaching teaching in a different, passionate light.
So, a long-winded thanks! I appreciate your influence. May it continue to spread.
Brian