By: Jensa Anderson
One of my favorite movies of all time has to be the iconic 80s flick, “The Karate Kid”. Since becoming a teacher myself, my love for this film has become even more pronounced. Why you ask? Two words: Mister Miyagi. He is the quintessential teacher. He’s wise, calm, and uses very few words to get his point across.
In re-watching this movie recently, I’ve picked out a few quotes that are very poignant to us teachers. Allow me to share some with you.
Daniel: When do I learn how to punch?
Miyagi: Better learn balance. Balance is key. Balance good, karate good. Everything good. Balance bad, better pack up, go home. Understand?
This is such an important concept to grasp as a substitute teacher. It really is all about balance. You can’t be a pure authoritarian or totally fun-loving…you must be somewhere in between to be effective. If you are too extreme one way or another, you may as well pack up and go home, am I right?
Miyagi: Your friend, all karate student, eh?
Daniel: Friend? Oh, yeah, those guys.
Miyagi: Problem: attitude.
Daniel: No the problem is, I’m getting my [butt] kicked every other day, that’s the problem.
Miyagi: Hai, because boys have bad attitude. Karate for defense only.
Daniel: That’s not what these guys are taught.
Miyagi: Hai – can see. No such thing as bad student, only bad teacher. Teacher say, student do.
There does come a point when a substitute teacher must take responsibility for the tone of the class. Of course there are exceptions, but as a general rule the teacher sets the tone. Even a one-time substitute teacher has a great amount of authority in the classroom. Students will act according to your guidelines. If those guidelines are not established or enforced, then we only have ourselves to blame. Students will not do it if we don’t ask.
Daniel: Wouldn’t a fly swatter be easier?
Miyagi: Man who catch fly with chopstick accomplish anything.
Daniel: Ever catch one?
Miyagi: Not yet.
The path of least resistance isn’t always the wisest when it comes to substitute teaching. If there’s a method you tried and it flopped, don’t give up. Eventually with practice you will become successful with it. Hopefully, though, your reward will be something better than a dead fly.
Daniel: [after seeing Miyagi practice the crane technique] Could you teach me?
Miyagi: First learn stand, then learn fly. Nature rule, Daniel-san, not mine.
Don’t forget that being a great substitute teacher is a process! If we have a bad day, we should be professional enough to try and learn from it. I’m sure there is no teacher who can claim they were perfect their first day of school. Or even their first year. Even a decade of teaching doesn’t mean you’ve hit your peak. Remember to take small steps toward progress and eventually you will become the teacher you want to be. Channel that Mr. Miyagi in you.