Dear Creative Educator: Until They Love Learning

N'golo Kanté

Amongst the Igbos, there's a common saying used to refer to someone when they mean to say that such a person knows what is expected of them: 

"Ó mara ihe óru nye."

He understands the assignment. 

She understands the assignment. 

N'Golo Kanté, the 30 year old French professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Chelsea goes into every match knowing what is expected of him. 

He has been widely praised by fans and colleagues alike for his work rate, defensive contributions, and ability to read the game.

With a face set as a flint, he runs round the pitch with just one objective in his mind, to provide a link between the attack and the defence. 

With 197 appearances in the premier league, Kanté has netted a total of 10 goals with 12 assists. 

To me, the young man understands his assignment. 

Ó mara ihe óru nye!

In this same vein Creative Educator,

Do you know what is expected of you?

Do you know what your job description is and what it entails?

Do you give up just before you see results?

Have you given up too soon?

Beyond standing in front of your learners or making your presentation, do you know what else to do to ensure a successful learning experience?

Have you understood the assignment?

While it is true that the educator's primary duty is to teach, it is also true that teaching encompasses much more than just presenting.

I remember once listening to a woman I respect so much say that the job of a teacher isn't complete until the learner learns.

And until then, until the learner falls in love with learning, the educator shouldn't say that they have taught.

Do your due diligence. 

Search out your assignment.

Put in the corresponding actions.

One learner at a time till the end.

I'm rooting for you.