In the article "How to Get a Job at Google," Thomas L Friedman discusses the five characteristics that Google looks for when discerning who they should and should not hire. Friedman discovers that although degrees are important, they are not the only thing that matter when it comes to getting a job.
Friedman asserts that it is a matter of character over academics. He gathers that it really comes down to 5 main attributes:
1. Cognitive Ability
2. Leadership (Stepping Up AND Stepping Back)
3. Sense of Ownership
4. Humility, but Fierce Position
5. Expertise (Last, but also least)
These are the skills that are prioritized at Google. When it comes to the profession of teaching, I believe that there is a similar set of prerequisites that administrators should look for when they begin the hiring process. Things such as leadership, humility, collaboration, adaptability/flexibility, and loving to learn/relearn are essential in order to be and grow as a professional educator. Often, a person's degree does not dictate his or her character and ability to perform in a professional setting. Therefore, it is important to continue to cultivate some additional skills that reflect my character.
Especially in the field of education, the ability to learn and relearn is essential in order to evolve as an effective teacher. As creatures of habit, teachers often refer to the same lessons each year. However, we do not have the same students each year. Therefore, being able to learn new strategies, brainstorm new ideas, and adapt previous lessons is essential in order to ensure student academic success.
Teaching is much more than having a good resume and credential program certification of completion. Although both are reflections of hard work and determination, they do not define a person's character by any means. Like Friedman says, "your degree is not a proxy for your ability." Like Google, school districts are looking for a depth of character that a degree does not show for.
Furthermore, I think that this is something that we should transcend to our students. It is important that our students know that grades are important, but not everything. I firmly believe that we should be cultivating students who are not only thriving academically, but also emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. I would much rather inspire a student to be a compassionate welder than a cruel philosopher. Therefore, I want my students to know that it is strength of character that matters just as much as passing grades.
Friedman, Thomas L. "How to Get a Job at Google." The New York Times. The New York Times, 22 Feb. 2014. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.
Friedman asserts that it is a matter of character over academics. He gathers that it really comes down to 5 main attributes:
1. Cognitive Ability
2. Leadership (Stepping Up AND Stepping Back)
3. Sense of Ownership
4. Humility, but Fierce Position
5. Expertise (Last, but also least)
These are the skills that are prioritized at Google. When it comes to the profession of teaching, I believe that there is a similar set of prerequisites that administrators should look for when they begin the hiring process. Things such as leadership, humility, collaboration, adaptability/flexibility, and loving to learn/relearn are essential in order to be and grow as a professional educator. Often, a person's degree does not dictate his or her character and ability to perform in a professional setting. Therefore, it is important to continue to cultivate some additional skills that reflect my character.
Especially in the field of education, the ability to learn and relearn is essential in order to evolve as an effective teacher. As creatures of habit, teachers often refer to the same lessons each year. However, we do not have the same students each year. Therefore, being able to learn new strategies, brainstorm new ideas, and adapt previous lessons is essential in order to ensure student academic success.
Teaching is much more than having a good resume and credential program certification of completion. Although both are reflections of hard work and determination, they do not define a person's character by any means. Like Friedman says, "your degree is not a proxy for your ability." Like Google, school districts are looking for a depth of character that a degree does not show for.
Furthermore, I think that this is something that we should transcend to our students. It is important that our students know that grades are important, but not everything. I firmly believe that we should be cultivating students who are not only thriving academically, but also emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. I would much rather inspire a student to be a compassionate welder than a cruel philosopher. Therefore, I want my students to know that it is strength of character that matters just as much as passing grades.
Friedman, Thomas L. "How to Get a Job at Google." The New York Times. The New York Times, 22 Feb. 2014. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.