Fall back in love with being a Teacher of Students with Orientation and Mobility
Apr 14, 2023
Education has been through a whirlwind in recent years. The challenges feel heavier, the gaps wider, and for many of us in specialized fields—like working with students with visual impairments—the strain is palpable. Why? Well, there are some critical reasons we can pinpoint, and addressing these head-on might just help us rediscover why we chose this path in the first place.
The Tough Reality: A Scrunch for Teachers
In the field of visual impairments, we’re facing a crisis that feels unique compared to other teaching professions. The numbers tell the story: for every certified orientation and mobility (O&M) specialist in the U.S., there are roughly 247 students with visual impairments. Not every student needs O&M services, but that disparity is staggering. Couple this with an aging workforce, fewer university grants, and lackluster recruitment efforts, and the shortage becomes glaringly obvious.
It’s no wonder so many educators feel stretched thin. But here’s the thing—what we’re experiencing isn’t just a problem; it’s an opportunity for reinvention.
The Concept of Thingness: Rethinking Education’s Purpose
I recently learned about the concept of "thingness" (or "thing theory") during a conversation that made me reflect on the current state of education. Thingness explores the relationship between humans and objects—how we view, use, and define their purpose in our lives. When an object stops functioning as intended (like a drill breaking), we’re forced to reimagine its value. Does it become a paperweight? A doorstop? Something else entirely?
Education, in many ways, is our broken drill. It was designed during the Industrial Revolution to churn out factory workers. But today, we need something radically different. We’re preparing learners to be critical thinkers, creators, and contributors who are valued for their ideas, not just their labor. This disassociation between education’s original purpose and its modern needs is where the breakdown lies—and it’s not a bad thing. Broken systems can be rebuilt.
Rekindling the Love for Teaching
So how do we, as educators, navigate this breakdown? How do we rebuild while staying true to our purpose? Here are some steps to consider:
1. Turn Towards Your Thingness
Think about the aspects of teaching or life that light you up. For me, it was a surprise to discover how much I enjoy cooking—an activity I once dismissed. By leaning into this, I found joy and creativity I hadn’t tapped into before. What’s your equivalent? Is there something you’ve neglected or overlooked that could reignite your passion?
2. Bring Your Passions Into the Classroom
When you’re excited about something, your learners pick up on that energy. Whether it’s technology, storytelling, or a love for maps, find ways to integrate your interests into your teaching. Not only will this make your lessons more engaging, but it also fosters authentic connections with your students.
3. Step Into Leadership
Leadership doesn’t have to mean running an entire school. It could be starting a small initiative, leading a professional development session, or advocating for change in your district. Being in spaces where your voice is heard can be incredibly empowering and help you feel less like a cog in a broken system.
4. Find Joy in the Small Wins
In a profession as challenging as ours, it’s easy to focus on what’s not working. But taking a moment to celebrate small victories—a breakthrough with a student, a supportive conversation with a colleague—can remind you why you started this journey.
5. Prioritize Rest and Self-Care
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is step back and recharge. Whether it’s taking a day off, spending time on hobbies, or just doing nothing, giving yourself permission to rest is crucial. Productivity isn’t the only measure of success—your well-being matters too.
The Power of Getting Happy First
There’s a saying by Brooke Castillo: "Get happy and then leave." While this might sound counterintuitive, the idea is simple—when you make decisions from a place of happiness and clarity, they’re more likely to be aligned with your true self. If you’re feeling stuck in your relationship with teaching, focus first on rekindling your joy. From there, decide your next steps.
Building a Better Future
The education system is in flux, and while that’s daunting, it’s also an opportunity. By leaning into our strengths, embracing change, and finding ways to bring joy back into our work, we can help shape the future of teaching from the ground up.
As educators, we’re the ones who will drive this change. It starts with us—with our passions, our leadership, and our commitment to showing up as our best selves. Let’s not wait for the system to fix itself. Let’s take the first step toward falling back in love with teaching and making it a space where both educators and students can thrive.
So, what’s your next step? What’s the one thing you’re going to do this week to bring a little more sparkle into your teaching and your life? Let’s start there.
