Teaching as an acting gig

“Diderot’s paradox of the actor” As a teacher I knew I had a very similar job description to that of an actor and the classroom was my stage. I had no reservations when it was my time to perform because holding the attention of my audience was a challenge that I looked forward to at all times. “The actor creates on the stage infinite sensations, feelings, or emotions that become the emotions of the whole theatrical audience” and for those “members of the audience” whose eyes strayed away from my acting during a great performance I quickly got them involved and adjusted to their needs as my performance had to impact their lives in every way possible. However Diderot’s paradox of the actor matched my leaving the classroom and wanting a break from my acting duties. I was the total opposite at home and in grad school as this actor just wanted to like everyone else (hiding at the back of the class) and while restoring my energy and enthusiasm for the next acting gig tomorrow starting at 7:45am. There were even many times when I would hear “come on, you are the teacher in the group take charge” and yes  I did so though I really wished I didn’t have to because as humans we are complex beings and each have many sides and faces especially us teachers.

“must the actor experience what he portrays” I though wonder how convincing my acting skills were as there were many times I taught topics I disliked or never saw the relevance for (especially with regards to our exam culture) and I did it with much grace and confidence (but if there was a question I did not know I would say "ohhhhhhh good one let me get back to you") and students would never know my dislike of the topic. My lessons were still engaging and my attitude made them want to learn but now I wonder how other teachers such as those who teach topics they have no experience in such as a finance teacher teaching about the stock market when all of his/her knowledge is theoretical. From my point of view I know about the stock market so I could give a detailed lesson but the teacher who knows it theoretically is always at a disadvantage as how detailed/convincing can they go even with their flawless acting skills.

The same goes for the education legislator who has never taught before or even those removed from the classroom for so many years (where classes/students have changed) and we wonder the true value of their suggestions and their laws created to “improve a system” they have no ideas about. The same goes for the nurse teacher or the law teacher who has never practiced the field a day in their life. Can their acting skills be as convincing as we think?

“Psychology teaches that emotions are not an exception different from other manifestations of our mental life.” Emotions are molded initially by the biological organization of the mind and our experiences and play a critical role in how our acting comes off to our audience who can read into any doubts or questions we have. It is funny how we think we are so convincing and hiding our emotions from those around us yet students seem to read us like an open book as they know when something is wrong or when anything changes. Teaching is a complex profession and like actors we must be convincing to get our jobs done regardless of what is going on in our daily lives. I look forward to returning to the teaching stage!