The Day I Became a GOOD TEACHER

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The day I failed as a teacher was the day I truly became a good teacher.

[thejackhalls]

I don’t know how often you read comments on a 1 year old video, but I just had to say I needed this today. With student loan payments coming due next month, and a bunch of other standard teacher stresses going on, I was questioning my choices a bit. It doesn’t happen often, but occasionally I wonder why I do this. It’s almost always money related, which I hate. The thing that gets me through it is that I absolutely love teaching. Then a week comes along where I feel like I’m not a “good” teacher anyway, and doubt starts to creep in. The algorithm did me a solid sending me this recommendation today. You gave me what I needed. Thank you for your passion, your humor, and your wisdom.

[bradleypeters]

Yep! I have always found in my 32 years, the unscripted honest "conversations" are the most powerful. And they always happen when we least expect it!

[slighfox]

I’ve been teaching history (World and US) for the better part of a decade. I cannot tell you how much I connected with your story; being overwhelmed, teaching as a performer, wanting the best for my students, but feeling as though I’m going to fail them. Right down to the moment that you closed the laptop and decided to connect with them as human beings. Your story is one that I wish every teacher/person heard. That while we might want to “be the best”, we are our best when we are true and authentic with those around us. I cried when I heard this, because I realized, “I’m not alone!” This feeling that I have to act in order for my students to learn, I realize, like you, that I can just be myself and care for my students; and that authentic presentation, that is what makes me a great teacher. That is when they tell me, “This was the best class I’ve ever had.” Thank you for sharing this, brother.

[RedemptiveKing]

YOU ARE A LEGEND. THIS KIND OF HONESTY IS THE ONLY THING WITH THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD AND WAKE US ALL UP.

[amuginho]

My man! Just found this video after a "bad" lecture. Even though students gave me the feedback that I am doing well, I still somehow thought that I failed them. This story carries the essence of teaching and learning. You have to talk to your students, you have to LEARN first to be able to teach. Otherwise you are just the best student in the class, carried away by your own performance. Thank you!!

[terryadams]

As a retired teacher who has "gone back to middle school", thank you for your honesty. More teachers need to hear your messages. We are indeed, people who have the passion to inspire our students despite the pathway we choose to reach them. Good job, Keep up the good work.
Terry from Texas.

[heathsteele]

Man, it's seriously like with every upload you have on this channel you cover or say something that I just REALLY need to hear. 3 preps and coaching has my grading backlog measured in weeks not days...went to school with barely any rest or any prep today just trying to figure it out. I guess sometimes students just need to see that side of their teachers. Thanks for the video, it was very inspiring and impactful.

[robbielawson]

Needed this. I’m retiring from the military in about 5-10 years and switching to teaching history

[omgbaiser]

This video is exactly what makes me want to teach. Connecting with the youth and genuinely helping them while showing I am there for them. Exactly as you said I want to show I care and love all of my students beyond a grade or test marks. You're awesome.

[ChadOconnor-kqsf]

Great stuff... your authenticity in sharing is real and comes through. Without a doubt you're a great "teacher" because you're an honest adult who shares the truth, even when it makes you look like you're not perfect. I'm assuming you came to that realization because of district-aligned PDs...
Keep rockin' brother

[Plasmafox]

I searched "what makes a good curriculum" because I'm trying to learn how to use AI to help me organize my solo online learning and this was the second result. I'm not sure I got any smarter about that. But I did learn a lesson. Thanks.

[craigbagwarn]

It is about the challenges of our own EXPECTATIONS of what must be and what actually turns up. Young people knowing that you care is so important and the no.1 and in your lessons, vulnerability and HUMANITY, you probably gave them more than they had ever experienced in your diligently-planned lessons combine. Thanks for sharing.

[TheCoolestPetinTown]

Thank you for everything. I, a senior student, have been struggling to remember anything I learned from my classes and upcoming semester exams do not help my stress and anxiety. I'm in really bad brain fog. Can't get out of it, but when I'm out of brain fog, I remember it all. I'm just struggling really hard right now and want to cry because I feel like I'm not going to remember everything or anything small. I'm smarter than I know, but it's hard to see that right now. This video taught me that maybe I just need to put my focus off of trying to study all the time and over commit because it's clearly not doing me any good and to just enjoy myself especially since I've been as sick as a dog for the last 4 days. I'm tired of all the pressure time getting shorter and shorter everyday, so the best I can do is push through and know I'll at least make it out alive.

[Oscar.Vasquezzz]

By and far my favorite perspective I’ve seen from a teacher on YouTube. There is so much ch magical Goodness about letting kids be themselves in this strange world

[justinbedell]

Our students flourish and engage when they see the human side of us. You’re right, we can and do perform and plan and execute…but it doesn’t always work out. Sometimes taking that “pause” and just being plain human and vulnerable with our students and engaging them at that level is just the break and inspiration needed. Well done, sir. I agree with some of the other comments. You just keep posting homerun videos. I’m a first year AP US History teacher. I’m in my 21st year of teaching. I’m a rigorous student of my profession and practice and I’m a first year teacher all over again. You’ve helped so much. Thank you.

[sarahlawrence]

Thank you for this reminder. It’s been quite a few years and our students (and we) are struggling. Listening to each other and creating space for real conversations are needed more than ever. Also, my students and I think you’re kinda special ✌🏼

[monicajones]

You are a true Rockstar Mr. Heimler. I can't thank you enough for inspiring me to be a better educator! Keep on, keeping on!

[frankwright]

I have been utilizing your APUSH Heimler's History for a long time and I just now found Heimler's History Teachers! Thanks so much for creating this channel. I look forward to using this to help make me a better teacher. I love this story and have always felt that if you can touch their hearts, their minds will follow.

[rebeccatyndall]

Okay now—that hit me square in the heart. I think I’ll be pondering this for a while. ♥️🎯

[TriPham-jb]

The past can never repeat and the best way to teach history is the humor in how we were that ignorance the way we peaked through curtain of time. No one should be teaching for safety because we can get blamed