Many times since then I have tried to use this equation as a metaphor elsewhere because it seemed like such a good one, but I never seemed to find exactly the right opportunity. Today, however, it really struck....
One of my teacher candidates came to see me about an assignment he had received a less than stellar mark on. This particular TC and I have not always seen eye to eye, and when he came to see me today, my guard immediately went up. Interestingly, he worked up the courage to tell me that he often feels anxious around me, that he wasn't sure how to approach me, and that he finds it difficult to complete work in my class to the best of his ability because of this anxiety.
I was stunned!
Obviously it is never my intention to create fear in my students! And yet, it suddenly hit me that there is a power differential. In being their teacher, their university professor, their potential mentor and their guide, I am an authority figure. If my attitude comes across as anything less than professional, compassionate and unconditionally supportive, it can be devastating to them -- because of this power position.
The expectations I have of my teacher candidates are great, because I want them to be the best. And now I know that to achieve that performance, I need to balance my position of power with my attitude!!!