Finding a passion for the subject

The best teachers I know are the ones still obsessed with their subject. For students that can be infectious.
— Carl Hendrick (@C_Hendrick) January 26, 2015

I came across this tweet recently. It's one I completely agree with. I don't know the context of the statement and maybe it's directed at secondary teachers.

But how could it relate to primary teachers? How can they show a passion for all of the subjects which they teach?

"Our very best teachers are those who have a real passion and enthusiasm for the

subject they teach. They are also deeply committed to the learning of their students

and use their enthusiasm for their subject to motivate them, to bring their subject

alive and make learning an exciting, vivid and enjoyable experience." Subject Specialism Consultatation, DfES, 2003 http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/9045/1/222_2.pdf

It's not easy, but it comes down to acquiring subject knowledge and using it to engage with pupils. You'll need to develop great subject knowledge. There is no excuse for poor subject knowledge. You'd be found out, not only by anyone observing you, but, more importantly, by the children. If you've got to teach it then you've got to make sure you know your stuff.

This is a great book for acquiring maths subject knowledge.

Use Twitter, Facebook and the internet in general to find ideas that inspire you. I know a lot of teachers use published schemes and sites like Hamilton Trust and that's fine; I'm not knocking them at all. But you've got to be inspired in order to inspire the children. Find the most engaging way to ensure the children learn. This means you may have to pick and choose from the schemes. It means that you might have to adapt resources. But if you aren't gripped by it then how can you expect the children to be.

Use technology - how can it enhance your lesson to make it more involving? How can it make the learning stick?

Work with your subject leader. What might they recommend?

Organise a educational visit. These don't half inspire the children and make the learning memorable. Would it inspire and excite you?

Find the passion for teaching the subject and you might just ignite the passion for learning in the children.