The latest episode of the Conscious Classroom podcast is all about the quality of transmission or influence as a role model and how teachers are key in building moral or inner fortitude among youth. This fortitude, and the connection that teachers can provide can do much to combat the epidemic of loneliness and alienation that plagues so many of our young people.
Drawing from a passage in Plato’s Republic, host Amy Edelstein shares the logic. Just as we want guards to be keen sighted and not blind, we want those in key positions of influence to have virtue and not to be lacking in that key element. This is especially true for teachers who go on to shape young minds.
Because students absorb who their teachers are in addition to the subjects they teach, schools and teachers are well advised to support teachers own mental, emotional wellbeing, their ability to communicate and connect, and their interest in their students, in learning, and in life. The concept of transmission is explored, emphasizing the importance of a direct, personal imparting of wisdom to create supportive learning environments.
One of the most touching parts of the episode is the recounting of a fifth-grade classroom at Linden Elementary School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Amy shares the story of Mrs. McVeigh, a teacher whose interest in her students left a lasting impact. This narrative underscores the enduring significance of human connection and mentorship in education, highlighting how the behavior and attitudes of teachers can profoundly shape the futures of their students.
The episode goes on to explore the concept of transmission in the educational context. Transmission, when coupled with a spiritual context, often means directly imparting knowledge or wisdom from one person to another. In education, this translates to a transfer of a living connection, inspiring and transforming the recipient. Teachers impart secular ethics and values, teaching young students how to share, listen, and express themselves. As students grow older, this role becomes more subtle and profound, yet remains an essential element of education.
The podcast also addresses the issue of adult mentorship in postmodern culture. Amy argues that adults often seem unwilling to take responsibility for themselves, which can lead to a lack of mentorship for young people. She emphasizes the importance of humility and courage in teachers, guiding students to be open, curious about life, and be willing to recognize their own responsibility.
As we move further into a digital age, the human role model in the classroom becomes even more critical. The podcast argues that the cultivation of wisdom and virtue, what Plato referred to as the good, the true, and the beautiful, is essential for true mentorship. This personal connection and transmission of values make human teachers irreplaceable. Trusting and respectful relationships between teachers and students help students feel that they matter and are worthy. By being available, present, and noticing the cares of their students, teachers can create a conscious classroom.
The episode closes with a mindfulness practice, encouraging educators to focus on their own vitality and purpose, making their classrooms spaces of value and meaning. Tune in to the Conscious Classroom podcast to explore these themes and more. Discover how educators can play a transformative role in addressing adolescent loneliness and nurturing wisdom and virtue in their students.
