Melissa Wheeler

Instructor, National Holistic Institute

2010 AMTA Teacher of the Year

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles

A Collection of Teacher Tips

From colleagues at the National Holistic Institute, California

2010

  • Inspire your students – walk your talk.
  • “Show Up” – this means that your authentic self is what draws in the students.
  • Make the lesson plan your own; when your enthusiasm & ownership of material shine through, students are more likely to resonate with the material.
  • The brain can absorb only what the butt can endure -- give physical activity breaks during lectures!
  • Talk to your students before class and on breaks; connect with them away from the podium.
  • Humor, Humor, Humor! Love and enjoy what you teach.
  • With difficult student situations, it may be that it isn’t about us teachers at all; the student could be upset about something totally removed from the classroom.
  • Tell the Truth with Compassion and Listen to the Truth with Compassion.
  • Look for the “teachable moment”.
  • We convey more by our tone than by our words.

Powerful statements to say to students:

  • Energy follows intent.
  • The short answer is…
  • Hear it with today’s ears. See it with today’s eyes!
  • Say what you can do, not what you cannot do.
  • There are no mistakes, only lessons.
  • If you can’t be on time, be early.
  • I understand that’s how you’ve done it before. Now, here’s how we’re doing it today.

From the Jerome Perlinski

Teacher of the Year Award

Nomination Form

Does your teacher fit the following descriptions?

  • Service/Leadership
  • Role Model
  • Teaching Skills
  • Bridge Builder
  • Inspirational

A Mentor’s Role

From

The word “Mentor” comes from the story about the legendary Greek King, Odysseus, (called Ulysses in Latin) leaving for the Trojan war. He put his older and trusted friend, named Mentor, in charge of his son’s education. That is what mentor has come to mean today: someone more experienced, a career guide for a new person, usually older and usually not a parent.

Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year Award

Recipients

“The teacher of the year nominee should manifest unquestionable dedication and commitment to the future and excellence of massage education.”

From the Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year Award – Nomination Form

Does your teacher fit the following descriptions?

  • Service/Leadership
  • Role Model
  • Teaching Skills
  • Bridge Builder
  • Inspirational

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