Unit 1: To be an expert or not to be an expert

In this unit there was a lot of discussion about the teacher as an 'expert' in grammar. The term expert, as defined by Webster, is : "One with the special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject". At the heart of the matter teachers need to be knowledgeable enough about their content to be able to provide information to their students so that the student can be successful. Generally when one becomes a teacher they have a 'passion' or a 'love' for a particular subject or topic that they teach. The enthusiasm that they bring to that subject is usually demonstrated in the way that they impart their knowledge to their students. This passion might be overarching to teaching in general but I don't think it applies, nor does it need to, to every subject a teacher teaches, especially at a time when assignments may be 'given' to the teacher rather than 'chosen' by them. As a teacher I do, however, need to know where to find information when I am not as knowledgeable about a subject and I need to give accurate answers to my students in a timely manner. I then perhaps become an expert on being the best teacher I can be by searching out sources, referring to student's knowledge(especially when they are adult learners) and ensuring that my students know if I don't have an answer I will find it and bring it back to them so they can continue their learning.