Asking For Help

“I’m never afraid to ask questions.  I figure if I have a question lots of other people have the same one.  I just have the courage to ask it.”-Robin Gallagher, middle school teacher

Have you ever been sitting in a workshop where the presenter is talking about something of interest to you, and you suddenly find yourself wanting to ask for some clarification, but you’re afraid to raise your hand?  Have you ever walked by a classroom, seen work displayed, and wondered how the teacher was able to get her students to understand that concept but were too embarrassed to ask?

If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, then you are like the majority of teachers.  For years teachers were thought to know all the answers, so it can be difficult for us to ask for help.  Just like our students we don’t want to appear dumb or helpless.

What we need to find is the courage to ask.  John Wayne said, “Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway.”  So what we have to do is saddle up anyway.  We know that asking questions is the key to making improvements.  We constantly encourage our students to ask in order to learn new things.  We must do the same.

Actually asking questions does more than just give us answers.  It begins to create a bond with another person.  When you ask questions of another person it is a sign of respect.  It shows you value that person’s knowledge and opinion.  Think what it would feel like to have a colleague ask you, “Your students really understand multiplying fractions.  How did you go about teaching them that concept?”  Questions like this begin or strengthen a professional relationship.

A few years ago after completing her two years of required meetings with her mentor, a young teacher decided to continue these meetings every week.  These times together gave each teacher a chance to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from each other.  Why did this young teacher choose to meet and discuss issues every week?  “I wanted to meet because I learned so much from my mentor.  She shared her wisdom, and it was invaluable.  As time went on she asked me for ideas.  We created a community of learners.  That’s what we do when we feel free to question.”

Next time the occasion arises where you need help, have the courage to ask for it.  Claude Levi-Strauss said, “The scientist is not a person who gives the right answers; he’s one who asks the right questions.”  He could have just as easily been talking about teachers!