Teacher Teach Thyself

Being a teacher, especially the kind that doesn’t teach what’s trending or what’s Google-able or ChatGPT-able, is a lot like being a physician.

The same tools you use to help others grow and find clarity are often the same tools you need to use for yourself.

But when you’ve wired yourself to prepare lesson notes and teachings for others, you’re the one who receives the message last. If you receive it at all. 

It’s even more delicate when what you teach is not textbook things.

I’m talking about those moments when you’re speaking or writing or teaching, and you know that what’s coming out of you wasn’t fully processed through thought.

It’s coming as a download. A sharp, clear, and layered download.

Some teachers who do this don’t even know that’s what they’re doing, when they’re doing it. 

It is spiritual. 

My logical explanation is that, over time, your system has learned how to process insight and pattern-match in minutes.

It’s a unique talent. And I say it is a talent because even though it has been honed over time, it can’t be taught.

You must have a genuine passion for it, such that curiosity drives you to look beyond the surface, in almost everything.

Still, it comes with a caution.

Not everything you receive is meant for the public. Everything should not be a post. 

Some of these downloads are not for your students. They are for you.

There are moments I’ve sat down to write something I thought was content, and halfway through, I’m like, Wait. Eberchukwu, this is your answer, this is your instruction. This one is for you and not your audience or students. 

This is the trap for people whose work spills out of their calling. In this case, teaching is not just a career you set out for, but one that you do better than people who studied for it. 

The danger is that you start giving out your own answers as if they’re general teachings for your students who need to learn, and you don’t pay attention to it. 

And for this type of teaching, it’s not about the money you could’ve made if you sold the instructions. It’s also not about hoarding ideas. 

It’s that the instruction was for you.

For your growth, clarity, healing, strategy, next step, etc.

But you don’t pay attention because you’ve not identified as a student of your own teachings. 

To avoid getting caught in the trap, I’ve learned to pause. To wait, and listen to my own thoughts, read my writings and framework, from the view of the student. So I don’t miss my own lessons. 

When I write an article or even a line, or develop a framework that feels powerful, I don’t rush to post it.

After a few hours or days, I realize this one is for them.

Other times, I can instantly decipher that it’s me I’m talking to.

My ability to decipher has improved as I practice the pause. 

And the more I practice, the easier it becomes to tell the difference.

If you’re a teacher who teaches uncommon knowledge, whether professionally or just by nature, know that your lesson notes are not just for your students, they’re also for you. 

Physician, heal thyself. 

Teacher, teach thyself.

I’m rooting for you!

— Ebere Lisa