Looking through saved items in my Google Reader account, I rediscovered a brief New York Times interview with teacher, Project Runway co-host, and fashion executive Tim Gunn of “Make It Work” fame. Some of the questions tickled me then and reminded me, on the brink of winter break, of the essays I’ve just written for my major review, in which we must articulate our own philosophies of teaching and mentoring.
Here’s Tim …
Did you always want to be a teacher?
If you told me when I was a teen that I would end up being a teacher, I would have said you’re out of your mind, because quite frankly I hated school. I loved learning, I was a big bookworm, I was a classic nerd — hated anything social…
What drew you in the end to education?
… I’ll tell you what was at the core: for my entire life, I felt like the answer was in the back of the book, like the riddle of the Sphinx. But in this case, every student in the class had a different point of view, and that was celebrated…
How would you describe your teaching style, on “Project Runway” and in the classroom?
I always say I have a Socratic approach to most things that I do. I pummel people with questions, because I need to know what they’re thinking, what they’re trying to achieve, what they believe the final outcome is going to be. And then I try to examine their work with them, and articulate as well as I can how well they are actually achieving those goals, or whether they are in fact delusional.
What makes someone a good mentor?
Someone who challenges students to do the best work they’re capable of, and a truth-teller about when that work simply isn’t good enough. I’m here to guide, I’m here to support, I’m here to be the cheerleader, but you’re doing the heavy lifting. If you’re thinking you’re going to be a little bird in a nest and I’m going to drop worms in your mouth, you’re wrong…
How do you go about giving negative feedback to students?
I’m just very matter of fact about it. But I will add, there’s one thing I will not do, ever: I will never talk to you about things you cannot change. It plants a negativity in the head of a designer or the student, and it’s a distraction.
What advice would you give to other teachers?
Be a keen listener. I learned quickly that if the student’s perception is that you’re not listening to them, and not understanding them, they discredit you. We’re in this together. I want you to ascend.
Enjoy!
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