With deep ties to athletics, I feel it is only natural that I would want to coach where ever I end up teaching, whether it be for soccer, cross country or track and field. But remembering some of the relationships that students had with their coaches, I've got to wonder what kind of barrier can I create to ensure that I'm Coach Power on the track or field and Miss Power in the classroom?
I recall one soccer coach from my high school who had an unnaturally close relationship with his girl athletes. They were all in love with him, and no doubt this translated into his classroom, there didn't seem to be a separation. Worst of all, he was so close in age to his athletes it was hard to keep a line, and rumors started swarming about a relationship with one of his former athletes following her graduation. Though no one can say with certainty besides himself and the girl, the suspicion likely got back to the administration and he wasn't back at my school the following year.
I know that I plan to create a clear division between my coaching and teaching, with the understanding that I am the same person in either arena, but just because I know my athletes on a more personal basis, I will treat them the same way in the classroom that I treat every other student. Through coaching, inevitably, I will learn a lot about my student-athletes on a personal level, that simply being their teacher I probably wouldn't. However, I cannot allow my knowledge of their personal lives deviate my teaching style or treatment of the individual student.
Another point on the subject is the clear violation of rules when it come to elite athletes and poor grades. Regardless of what team I coach for, the first day of practice, they will all hear my speech on the importance of academics. There is a reason the word student preceeds the word athlete. I have never forgotten that important lesson through all of my years of schooling to this very day.
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4 comments:
I totally know what you mean about making boundaries between your students and your athletes. I, too, plan on coaching wherever I end up teaching, but never really had to deal with having one of my coaches in the classroom (my field hockey coach wasn't a teacher, my basketball coach was my guidance counselor, not a teacher, and my softball coach worked in the middle school). I noticed in high school, however, how some of the coaches who had their athletes in class either seemed to be harder on them to make a point, or were easier on them because maybe they liked them better. Its got to be a hard thing to do, but you still can't play favorites in the classroom, even with the students you may know better than others.
Great points, Deirdre and Jackie.
Certainly, these are issues you will have to face if you choose to coach and teach at the same school.
well said, in every way. i was in the band (yeah band geek whatever) and i loved it. im already talking to serge (band director)about helping out around the band room and field. i was a drill tech in hs and id love to be a drill instructor again, so awesome. but i agree with you, there has to be a boundary between student and coach and academics and activity.
Wearing two hats in front of the same people is always a challenge. I think you'll be fine, and you definitely seem to know how to effectively do both. I can't imagine the kiddies taking advantage of you, Deirdre :)
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