Why Can't Those Who Can't Do Teach?

It is a widespread belief that individuals who are unable to succeed in their real-world careers are often found teaching in academic settings. This article explores the limitations and benefits of such a teaching approach, emphasizing the importance of practical experience in the skill being taught. We will also discuss self-love and its role in overcoming personal setbacks and imperfections.

The Limitations of Teaching Without Practice

The idea that someone can teach a subject without having practical experience is not entirely unfounded. In many cases, a teacher can have a basic understanding of the topic and convey its fundamentals to students. However, true mastery involves applying knowledge in real-world scenarios, which is a different beast altogether. Many teachers, like me, hold degrees in business but lack the hands-on experience in marketing. Despite having a rudimentary understanding of the subject matter, I could explain the 4P's of marketing (Product, Price, Place, Promotion), but I couldn't effectively implement marketing strategies in practice. A stark example of this was my work experience in telesales, where I was fired after a week because I wasn't able to sell anything.

The Benefits of Relating to Students

On the other hand, teaching with practical experience can bring a unique level of enthusiasm and relatability to a subject. I had the luxury of teaching specialized courses while also being a contractor/self-employed in the same field. My programming work required constant learning, and I enjoyed the practical application of my knowledge. This enthusiasm translated to my teaching, resulting in a high attendance rate among my students. Many of them stay in touch, sharing how they are doing and how they have improved in their careers. This experience emphasizes the importance of teachers having a genuine passion for the subject they are teaching.

The Gap Between Theory and Practice

Depending on the field, the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application can be significant. For instance, if someone teaches a subject they lack interest in, the quality of their teaching might suffer. However, in specialized fields requiring continuous learning, such as IT or programming, a practical approach can significantly enhance the learning experience. The comprehension of complex subjects, such as the Internal Revenue Code and its regulations, is greatly improved when the teacher has a deep, intuitive, and noncontradictory understanding of the topic.

Self-Love: A Foundation for Personal Growth

Self-love is not just a buzzword but a crucial aspect of personal development and resilience. In my personal experience, I have seen individuals affected deeply by childhood bullying and insecurities, such as my friend who struggled with his looks despite numerous attempts to change them. He felt that no amount of physical effort could make him feel truly happy and accepted. This emphasizes the importance of self-love, a fundamental step towards appreciating and enjoying oneself and others.

Self-love is not about perfection but about recognizing and accepting our imperfections. Miriam Armstrong Campa, in her book ‘Finding Your Joyful Self: 60 Radical Ways to Remember Who You Are, Do What You Love, and Find Deep Fulfillment’, emphasizes that self-love is the first step towards truly loving ourselves and others. It is a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. While it may be challenging to wake up one morning feeling good about oneself, we can adopt a positive outlook and believe in our potential to improve our lives.

So, when we impart knowledge, let's ensure that the subject matter aligns with our practical experience. And when we aim to help others, we must start by loving ourselves. As the old saying goes, “Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder”. With true self-love, we can find joy and beauty in ourselves and the world around us.