You know the research.
You know that grammar drills and talking about a language in English do not lead to acquisition.
You see every day that students love being in your class and that they have no fear to speak the language you teach.
Like me, you may have students who already make more money than adults at their jobs because they can communicate in their second language.
You see both baby steps and giant leaps in language usage gains.
You are fighting the good fight.
However, others may not see this. Seeing and hearing the laughter that comes from your classroom, rather than understanding that you are making connections with compelling content, joy is mistaken for goofing off. Hearing the music you introduce to your students being played at track meets, dances, and prom is interpreted as you showing videos all day and not teaching. There is a complete lack of understanding about how language is acquired so the wonderful results your students earn on proficiency tests can only mean that you and they are cheating.
But remember, you are fighting the good fight, those who are out to tear you down don’t have the courage to try what you are trying. Jumping into the ring, putting yourself out there, and trying new things mean you are opening yourself up to vulnerability. Making connections with your students makes you vulnerable. Not everyone can open themselves up to this vulnerability.
They fear the ring.
They don’t have the courage to put themselves out there.
They are too scared and too embedded in their ways to try something new.
Their words and personal attacks are a reflection of who THEY are, not of who YOU are.
Those who are out there, conquering new landscapes, following research, well – their words mean something. And you know what? They won’t attack you. Because they know what it’s like to be in the ring. They, too, have courage.
