Twixtujons Reflection
In reading Richard Leonard’s, Twixtujons, I have come to the conclusion that his book is a guide directed to new teachers, who may learn from his mistakes, and for veteran teachers to identify with his experiences and apply his methods in their classrooms. It presents a point of view from the other side of the educational system. He presents excellent situations in which teachers and students can relate and learn from the situations Leonard experienced throughout his thirty-two years in the Yonkers and Eastchester Public School Districts in Westchester County, New York.
Leonard tends to focus on the underlying theme that emphasizes the teacher’s responsibility for the emotional and physical well being of all the students inside and outside the classroom. He discusses how he was impressed at a teacher conference in 1972 where Dr. Frank Driscoll, Eastchester Superintendant, states that, “every child should feel good about their day at school and remember something about their day that makes them feel special.” I was inspired by how he applied this memorable quote into his daily life especially when teaching. I believe that Richard Leonard could possibly be one of the best well rounded teachers due to what he learned from experience that lead him to be an effective and involved teacher to not only his students but also their families. It seems that he truly cares about his students.
Leonard also emphasizes the importance of the administrations’ role of being a good mentor and being supportive of all teachers especially new and inexperienced teachers as well. He believes that a teachers effectiveness lies on the ability to arouse his/her students’ interest in the course material. I believe that this is a crucial factor in learning about anything because most students do not have the motivation to learn the material when the teacher shows that he/she doesn’t really care about. It’s the teachers’ responsibility to make sure that the...