One of the most valuable ways to learn is by teaching others. It helps you hone your own craft by making you think through the process step-by-step. You learn new analogies to frame a certain point across to your student. And, not every student learns the same way which creates its own challenges. Some students are more hands-on and visual, while others more classroom learners and verbal. This can be the single most rewarding experience to many people.
Teaching as a Teen
I remember some of my earliest experiences with teaching. For me, it was an exciting experience where I could see the learning and growth take place. My first role as student-turned-teacher was in karate as a teenager. As a brown belt, I started to teach the lower belts more regularly while still striving for the next belt. When I received my black belt I dedicated my time at class to teaching others.
College Years
A few years later, my cousin taught me to ski. Even though I was a novice, the next year I tried out for the local ski school, Peek’n Peak, in western New York state to teach. I’ll admit, most of the people trying out were far better skiers than me. I rode the ski lift with one of the managers and she said she saw something in me that made me stand out. I believe that conversation was what won me a place among the other teachers. For the next three years during college I taught mostly at the kids school but I did teach some adult ski lessons in the evenings.
During my senior year of college, I left the ski school to focus on my education. I had a couple elective credits to fill so I asked one of the veteran instructors, Keith Brown, if I could join one of his classes that he taught for my school. He pushed my limits during those few months and showed me that I had the capacity to be a great skier. For that, I will always be grateful.
A Top Transferrable Skill
Years later, in my professional life I get to use those teaching skills frequently. I’ve given classroom lectures for paint and chemical processing accreditations, one-on-one coaching moments on the shop floor, and presenting to management various topics. While you’re in teaching mode, you will be surprised by the questions you get asked. Trust me, you will not always have the answer at that moment. These are the moments you, as the teacher, will learn the most. Sometimes, it may put you on your heels at first but if someone asks you the same question later on you will probably know the answer.
