The Changing Role of the Teacher

Paul’s role as a teacher to Timothy significantly impacts the discussion regarding the best role of teachers and the best relational qualities between teachers and students in the 21^st century.  Amazingly, looking back to this Biblical time and example informs the way forward for modern educators.  In fact, Paul’s Biblical leadership, instruction and mentorship of his student, Timothy, serves as an example of true student - centric instruction and learning.  Student - centric learning requires that 21^st century educators reexamine and reform the role of the teacher to more closely reflect the instructional role that Paul had in Timothy’s life.  Paul demonstrates the role of the teacher as a mentor who was intimately involved in the unique individual learning process of his student.  “Mentorship is a demonstration of Sonship – in heaven and earth.  It is a cry to the son to listen to the instructions of a Father . . .  It is an ancient pattern of a teacher – student that can be seen throughout the scriptures and even our society today” (Johnson, 2017, p. x).         

When teachers function in the role of a mentor, they implement student - centric learning that empowers students to be “self-directed” by trusting them to make “decisions about their learning process” (Liberty, 2014).  In the Biblical book of II Timothy, the apostle Paul foresaw that he had finished the course of his earthly life, and he relayed tremendous wisdom to Timothy through this letter to prepare him for the inevitable separation between them that would transpire at the time of Paul’s death (II Timothy 4:7).  Ultimately, the aim of education is to teach students how to become self – directed in their learning process (Liberty University, 2014), so that they can continue to learn as lifelong learners long after graduation.  Unfortunately, the current monolithic trend of whole group standardized direct instruction and standardized testing greatly hinders students’ ability to self – direct their own learning process.  Standardization inhibits differentiation of students’ learning according to unique individualized learning preferences and methods. 

Whereas, the apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy was an example of differentiation and customization of instruction through one – on – one discourse specifically designed to empower Timothy to self-actualize the very Kingdom purpose and assignment for which God had created him and sent him into the Earth.  Likewise, Paul encouraged Timothy to self – direct his learning by striving to study the Word of God in order to accurately interpret, teach and live its truth (II Timothy 2:15).  Paul’s demonstration of the role of Timothy’s teacher as a mentor is comparable to treating education as a “solution shop” that “employs experienced, intuitively trained experts whose job is to diagnose problems and recommend solutions” (Christensen, Horn and Johnson, 2011, p. 126).  This shift away from standardization in education and the transformation of the role of the teacher and relationship between teacher and student is revolutionary and ideal for 21^st century education. 

In fact, from a specifically Kingdom education perspective, the role of the 21^st century teacher is to serve as a mentor, whose aim is “multiplying sons who are sold out for Christ and whose trajectory is tied to theirs . . . (Such) alignment is life giving to all in its path or influence by its path” (Johnson, 2017, p. 123).  Through this changing of teacher roles in 21^st century education, learning will become more truly student – centric and students will become more equipped to meet the demands of living in a 21^st century world and society.         

References

Christensen, C. M., Horn, M. B., & Johnson, C. W. (2011). Disrupting class: How disruptive innovation will change the way the world learns (2nd ed.). New York

Johnson, T. H. (2017). Apostolic Mentorship: Critical Tools to Help Artisans Identify Their God
Ordained Mentor. (1^st ed.). (n.p.): Author. ISBN: 9781976319938.

Liberty University (2014). Student – Centric Learning (Video file).  Retrieved from https://learn.liberty.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_408699_1&content_id=_21828456_1