How Much "Life Proof" Does Someone Need to Qualify as a Teacher? (When Is Someone Experienced Enough to Lead Others?)

[seoulsearch]

Hey Everyone,

I wrote this thread idea down a few weeks ago while listening to videos criticizing the "Body Positivity Movement."

I've had friends in all shapes and sizes, and as someone who grew up with the models Kate Moss as being "ideal" and Cindy Crawford being "curvy" (fashion speak for borderline fat,) I'm glad to see many more body types represented.

The videos I was listening to were criticizing the branch of "Body Positivity" that tells people that being obese is healthy, perfectly fine to maintain, and goes on to give diet, exercise, and lifestyle tips revolving around staying that size and "learning to love it." The videos criticizing this always seem to be hosted by people who are thin -- or who were once obese themselves, lost a ton of weight, and now they think, "If I lost 200 pounds, so can everyone else!"

* Who has more authority to "teach" and "lead" people in situations like this?

With social media, everyone and anyone can set themselves up as a teacher, "guru", or some kind of "authority" on any possible subject.

* How much "Life Proof" -- success, or adherence to their own advice -- does someone have to have in order to make them credible?

For example, would you:

* Take advice on how to lose weight from someone who was obese?

* Learn how to save and invest from someone who was broke?

* Buy skincare products recommended by someone with severe acne?

* Follow tips about organization from someone with a messy house?

* Listen to instructions on how to be celibate from someone struggling with sex addiction?

* Take advice on how to live a holy life -- from a sinner?

The list of scenarios is endless, and of course, we can't expect anyone to be perfect.

* But how "perfect," "successful," or "transformed" does someone need to be to be seen as worth taking serioiusly?

* How do we decide who "qualifies" as someone to listen to, and whose advice is actually worth its salt?

 

[JohnDB]

Here's the life secret they don't want you to know:

"You Can do it in three easy steps."

Come take your part in the growing revolution today.

You too can have the life you have always wanted.

 

[HopeinHim98]

Hmm I think I'd have a hard time taking advice or instruction from someone who isn't practicing what they preach. Kinda like the Pharisees in Jesus' time who were hypocritical...but then Jesus did say "do what they say, not what they do". So maybe I should be humble enough to take a someone's advice for what it's worth...or at the least consider it.

Talking about qualifications for teaching, I've thought of that a lot lately since starting my sewing class. Before the first lesson I struggled with inferiority, like what if I'm not actually ready to teach? But it's gone so well and they're learning so I'm glad I didn't give in to the fears.

It's aIso made me think of anything else I'd be qualified to teach. I have so many interests, hobbies, and things I've dabbled in but haven't become proficient in many of them. For example: piano, guitar, painting, writing. Even things people have told me im good at like singing, piano, cooking, etc, I wouldn't qualified to hold a class on most of them.

In another sense, there's always someone better at something than we are, and we are probably better at something than someone else and we can share what we know and has worked for us without the label "teacher".

Interesting thread, seoul!

 

[JohnDB]

Hmm I think I'd have a hard time taking advice or instruction from someone who isn't practicing what they preach. Kinda like the Pharisees in Jesus' time who were hypocritical...but then Jesus did say "do what they say, not what they do". So maybe I should be humble enough to take a someone's advice for what it's worth...or at the least consider it.

Talking about qualifications for teaching, I've thought of that a lot lately since starting my sewing class. Before the first lesson I struggled with inferiority, like what if I'm not actually ready to teach? But it's gone so well and they're learning so I'm glad I didn't give in to the fears.

It's aIso made me think of anything else I'd be qualified to teach. I have so many interests, hobbies, and things I've dabbled in but haven't become proficient in many of them. For example: piano, guitar, painting, writing. Even things people have told me im good at like singing, piano, cooking, etc, I wouldn't qualified to hold a class on most of them.

In another sense, there's always someone better at something than we are, and we are probably better at something than someone else and we can share what we know and has worked for us without the label "teacher".

Interesting thread, seoul!

Ummmm
You are not really teaching....that's the part that nobody really wants to hear but you might find relief in that as you explain basics of sewing.

You are there to help foster interest and self learning. Inspiring the students to explore sewing and creating things with cloth, leather, vinyl and etc. Sure, you show them how to wind up a bobbin....how to cut a pattern and keep a seam straight. But the real learning is taught by the students as they evaluate what they have done and figure out how to achieve the results they want. Sure, you suggest....but they either want it or not.

 

[Mem]

I've been a member of the FTA, Future Teachers of America, since I was 16. But I've yet to get a hold of the future.

 

[Lynx]

Hey Everyone,

I wrote this thread idea down a few weeks ago while listening to videos criticizing the "Body Positivity Movement."

I've had friends in all shapes and sizes, and as someone who grew up with the models Kate Moss as being "ideal" and Cindy Crawford being "curvy" (fashion speak for borderline fat,) I'm glad to see many more body types represented.

The videos I was listening to were criticizing the branch of "Body Positivity" that tells people that being obese is healthy, perfectly fine to maintain, and goes on to give diet, exercise, and lifestyle tips revolving around staying that size and "learning to love it." The videos criticizing this always seem to be hosted by people who are thin -- or who were once obese themselves, lost a ton of weight, and now they think, "If I lost 200 pounds, so can everyone else!"

* Who has more authority to "teach" and "lead" people in situations like this?

With social media, everyone and anyone can set themselves up as a teacher, "guru", or some kind of "authority" on any possible subject.

* How much "Life Proof" -- success, or adherence to their own advice -- does someone have to have in order to make them credible?

For example, would you:

* Take advice on how to lose weight from someone who was obese?

* Learn how to save and invest from someone who was broke?

* Buy skincare products recommended by someone with severe acne?

* Follow tips about organization from someone with a messy house?

* Listen to instructions on how to be celibate from someone struggling with sex addiction?

* Take advice on how to live a holy life -- from a sinner?

The list of scenarios is endless, and of course, we can't expect anyone to be perfect.

* But how "perfect," "successful," or "transformed" does someone need to be to be seen as worth taking serioiusly?

* How do we decide who "qualifies" as someone to listen to, and whose advice is actually worth its salt?

I dunno... I would take skin care advice from you. You have tons of experience. Mostly because you have tons of skin problems. If I wanted to cover up a skin blemish and you couldn't help, I would give it up as a hopeless task.

 

[Cameron143]

Everyone who possesses any knowledge can be a teacher, and, in one sense, we all are. Some have natural gifts that make them better prepared to be teachers as well as knowledge gained through experience. There are also supernatural gifts that qualify people to teach on behalf of God. This generally comes with a calling.
There are also different administrations in teaching. Someone may not be gifted to teach adults but teach children or adolescents quite well. The reverse is also true.

 

[JohnDB]

Everyone who possesses any knowledge can be a teacher, and, in one sense, we all are. Some have natural gifts that make them better prepared to be teachers as well as knowledge gained through experience. There are also supernatural gifts that qualify people to teach on behalf of God. This generally comes with a calling.
There are also different administrations in teaching. Someone may not be gifted to teach adults but teach children or adolescents quite well. The reverse is also true.

Only a FEW people are noted in scripture with having skills directly attributed by God's direct teaching and providence.

The guy who built the Ark of the Covenant and his apprentice. (I'm forgetting their names but I remember their story)

The 12 Apostles.

Notwithstanding those who wrote the various prophecies concerning future events.

 

[Cameron143]

Only a FEW people are noted in scripture with having skills directly attributed by God's direct teaching and providence.

The guy who built the Ark of the Covenant and his apprentice. (I'm forgetting their names but I remember their story)

The 12 Apostles.

Notwithstanding those who wrote the various prophecies concerning future events.

Those who built the temple I believe received knowledge in endeavors they had not previously known. Me...usually my knowledge came through the school of hard knocks.

 

[seoulsearch]

Hmm I think I'd have a hard time taking advice or instruction from someone who isn't practicing what they preach. Kinda like the Pharisees in Jesus' time who were hypocritical...but then Jesus did say "do what they say, not what they do". So maybe I should be humble enough to take a someone's advice for what it's worth...or at the least consider it.

Talking about qualifications for teaching, I've thought of that a lot lately since starting my sewing class. Before the first lesson I struggled with inferiority, like what if I'm not actually ready to teach? But it's gone so well and they're learning so I'm glad I didn't give in to the fears.

It's aIso made me think of anything else I'd be qualified to teach. I have so many interests, hobbies, and things I've dabbled in but haven't become proficient in many of them. For example: piano, guitar, painting, writing. Even things people have told me im good at like singing, piano, cooking, etc, I wouldn't qualified to hold a class on most of them.

In another sense, there's always someone better at something than we are, and we are probably better at something than someone else and we can share what we know and has worked for us without the label "teacher".

Interesting thread, seoul!

Great point about it being hard to take advice from those who aren't practicing what they preach.

And God has taught me some humbling points about judging whether someone is doing so. Years ago, I was working out at a gym and saw a very heavy lady trying her best. Well, stupid me, I thought, "Aw, poor thing, maybe she's not trying enough." And then I found out this woman had already lost 50 pounds!

Talk about eating both my feet (plus my arms and legs...) I never said any of this out loud -- it was all in my head -- but God made sure someone else mentioned this woman's amazing progress in front of me. I try to always keep that in mind when thinking I can gauge someone's experience.

And I love what you're doing as a sewing teacher!! I personally consider anyone of any age, and of any skill set, to have been a teacher to me when they helped me learn something new. If I were in the area, I would sign up for your class because it sounds like fun!

What you're doing reminds me of my 4-H teachers -- this was ages ago, but they were just regular people showing us how to do something they loved. I would go to my 4-H sewing teacher's home every Friday and she wasn't the kind to have lessons, but had me read the pattern instructions, try things out for myself, and gave necessary guidance. I will always see her as my sewing teacher, because without her, I would have never gotten off the ground.

One year I won 2nd place at the County Fair, but it didn't mean diddly squat! Lol. The winner got a new sewing machine, gift certificates to local sewing places, I think a new pair of Gingher scissors (once you go Ginger, you'll never go back!), and a whole bunch of other goodies.

I got a ribbon and I think maybe $10? Lol! If you're not the winner, you're just another loser, I guess. But it was fun, and that was years before everyone had sergers to make everything look professional on the inside. I did all the seam finishes on just a measly old regular sewing machine. I was never interested in quilts or bags as is popular now, only garments, but the fitting has become so complex that I haven't done much work in a very long time. And with JoAnn Fabrics closing, le sigh.

Anyway, you obviously have a very giving heart, a lot of talent, and the passion to share that with others.

I think this definitely qualifies you as having valuable things to teach other, and I'm so glad you are getting that chance!

 

[seoulsearch]

I dunno... I would take skin care advice from you. You have tons of experience. Mostly because you have tons of skin problems. If I wanted to cover up a skin blemish and you couldn't help, I would give it up as a hopeless task.

I've been very lucky in that I've had minimal problems this year (winter is always the worst.) My face has been almost completely clear with just a few stubborn irritated spots on my forehead.

Anyone who struggles with rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis will understand, because the dermatologists seem to think I have all 3 at once. And when I was younger, it was problems with acne.

The funny thing is that in public, I'm often complimented on my skin -- because I've spent years learning to camouflage it. I'm certainly no expert and some days, if you get a close-up, you can definitely tell I've had to do a little spackling. But it's better than walking outside with red, angry skin for everyone to see.

I've always felt sorry for guys with skin problems because we ladies can at least try to cover ours up. (I know some will say, if you didn't wear makeup, you wouldn't have skin problems. Not in my case, as during The World Event That Shall Not Be Named I worked at home and very rarely wore it.)

I've always thought it would be interesting to take makeup artistry classes and then specialize in helping others cover up anything blemishes or redness they are self-conscious about, too.

Side note/rant -- I know they always recommend green color correcting cream under your concealer to counteract redness. People at Sephora have tried to give me this advice for years, but even with the best flesh-colored concealer, it makes my skin look gray. Rather, someone finally suggested yellow and I found it's MUCH more effective for me, even though I have cool pink undertones, which are seen as the opposite of needing yellow.

Moral of the story -- don't be afraid to experiment outside the "color box" "they" recommend for "your" skin tone. Your hidden gem just might be among the colors they try to say would never work on you!

 

[seoulsearch]

I've been a member of the FTA, Future Teachers of America, since I was 16. But I've yet to get a hold of the future.

@Mem, you're so smart and have such an eloquent way of expressing what you know, I'm SURE you are at least an everyday teacher to many in your everyday life.

I know you've taught me many things through your posts here on CC.

This reminds me of the story of a guy who, through others in his church, kept hearing God say, "You are a my pastor." Well the guy denied it up and down, saying, "I'm just an everyday guy, and most definitely not a pastor!" His idea of a pastor was going to seminary and leading a church, which was something he definitely didn't think he was cut out for, and had no interest in.

But God showed him through a fellow church member that this man was regularly hosting cookouts on the weekends for the guys he worked with, having snacks and talking about their marriages, lives, and problems. He was a listening ear who would talk with them, give comfort and advice, and if the door was open (many were unbelievers,) share the Gospel.

The church member told the man, "God is saying that you are His Casual Pastor."

I truly believe that the way God defines roles like pastor and teacher is a much wider scope than what we mere humans might think.

But that's just me.

 

[Magenta]

Proverbs 19 verse 21 Jeremiah 10 verse 23b ~ Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. No one who walks directs his own steps.

 

[Mem]

@Mem, you're so smart and have such an eloquent way of expressing what you know, I'm SURE you are at least an everyday teacher to many in your everyday life.

I know you've taught me many things through your posts here on CC.

This reminds me of the story of a guy who, through others in his church, kept hearing God say, "You are a my pastor." Well the guy denied it up and down, saying, "I'm just an everyday guy, and most definitely not a pastor!" His idea of a pastor was going to seminary and leading a church, which was something he definitely didn't think he was cut out for, and had no interest in.

But God showed him through a fellow church member that this man was regularly hosting cookouts on the weekends for the guys he worked with, having snacks and talking about their marriages, lives, and problems. He was a listening ear who would talk with them, give comfort and advice, and if the door was open (many were unbelievers,) share the Gospel.

The church member told the man, "God is saying that you are His Casual Pastor."

I truly believe that the way God defines roles like pastor and teacher is a much wider scope than what we mere humans might think.

But that's just me.

Following the thread, I had to find out that it was Bezalel, which means "in the shadow of God," although some interpretations suggest that the name can also mean "God's onion (betzal)," built the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant with the assistance of Aholiab. So, @JohnDB taught me something by forgetting their names, with God being aware of every idiosyncrasy. And even this has ministered following the progression even up to @Magenta's entry. I've often been perplexed that having so many different interests have seemed to 'bog me down' from going into any certain profession, specifically, portrait artist, interior or fashion designer, horticulturalist, accountant, ninja... I'm an onion!

 

[seoulsearch]

Following the thread, I had to find out that it was Bezalel, which means "in the shadow of God," although some interpretations suggest that the name can also mean "God's onion (betzal)," built the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant with the assistance of Aholiab. I've often been perplexed that having so many different interests have seemed to 'bog me down' from going into any certain profession, specifically, portrait artist, interior or fashion designer, horticulturalist, accountant, ninja... I'm an onion!

I love the story of Bezalel and Oholiab because God specifically pointed His finger and said, "THOSE two! I want THEM to work on My temple, because I Myself have given them special knowledge in these areas." (Exodus 31) Could you imagine being called out by God like that?!

Even as a kid, the fact that God named them and called them out gave me chills, and it still does today. He knew their skill level and He was calling the very BEST of the BEST.

And, what I always loved most was that in Exodus 39:6, it mentions them putting onyx stones into filigree settings.

Just the thought makes my heart flutter. I don't really have or wear jewelry, but I admire it and love to look at it. Filigree is one of my favorites:




Because I see it as the equivalent of weaving precious metals into lace, which I love.

I would love to meet Bezalel and Oholiab in heaven someday -- I can only imagine the wondrous projects they've been working on!!!

And, dear Mem, I love the fact that you are, indeed, a Ninja Onion!!

 

[RodB651]

Learn how to save and invest from someone who was broke?

Years ago, a guy gave me a card and told me he would show me how to make all the money I could ever want. My first thought was his product was probably illegal. I also took note of his car and the address on the card. If you know how to make a lot of money, I seriously doubt you would drive something that worn out. You also live in one of the worst trailer parks in the county. That happened about 35 to 40 years ago. I still remember it like it was now. I hope no one fell for his pitch.

 

[seoulsearch]

Years ago, a guy gave me a card and told me he would show me how to make all the money I could ever want. My first thought was his product was probably illegal. I also took note of his car and the address on the card. If you know how to make a lot of money, I seriously doubt you would drive something that worn out. You also live in one of the worst trailer parks in the county. That happened about 35 to 40 years ago. I still remember it like it was now. I hope no one fell for his pitch.

Lol.

I know there are books like "The Millionaire Next Door" and "The Everyday Millionaire," along with YouTube videos advising "Don't Tell Anyone When You Become Rich," but this guy was obviously overdoing it.

 

[RodB651]

However, I will also say that someone whose been there and experienced a lot of life's worst moments also will be able to tell you how NOT to go there. They will have the experience/guidance to lead you towards better decision making. Someone whose experienced failures can help show you what not to do.

This post didn't come out exactly the way I thought it, but I hope y'all understand what I mean by it.

 

[Omegatime]

In the times of Jesus to be qualified in the priesthood one must be 30 years of age. This is why the bible says Jesus was about 30 when he started his ministry.

 

[Lynx]

@Mem, you're so smart and have such an eloquent way of expressing what you know, I'm SURE you are at least an everyday teacher to many in your everyday life.

I know you've taught me many things through your posts here on CC.

This reminds me of the story of a guy who, through others in his church, kept hearing God say, "You are a my pastor." Well the guy denied it up and down, saying, "I'm just an everyday guy, and most definitely not a pastor!" His idea of a pastor was going to seminary and leading a church, which was something he definitely didn't think he was cut out for, and had no interest in.

But God showed him through a fellow church member that this man was regularly hosting cookouts on the weekends for the guys he worked with, having snacks and talking about their marriages, lives, and problems. He was a listening ear who would talk with them, give comfort and advice, and if the door was open (many were unbelievers,) share the Gospel.

The church member told the man, "God is saying that you are His Casual Pastor."

I truly believe that the way God defines roles like pastor and teacher is a much wider scope than what we mere humans might think.

But that's just me.

That reminds me of a story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the great stone face.

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1916/1916-h/1916-h.htm

It's a story about a village that grew within sight of a mountainside. On the mountainside was a rock formation that looked a lot like a face. Legend had it that a great leader would come and lead their village, and he would look like the stone face. The story follows this little boy who waited and watched his whole life for the great leader who would come someday.