Amateurs, Just Amateurs?

Oct 26 2008

Published by Skip Zalneraitis at 13:06 under Angst, Education, Existential, Professional Development and tagged: amateur, Education, professional

I do not believe that anyone is really, wholly a professional in what they do if he or she are not, too, an amateur.

An amateur is a person who does what they does what they do for the love of it. The word was coined toward the end of the 18th century in France.

Remember, as well, that a profession, in the sense commonly used in our culture is only the third or fourth definition, attributed to the word. The first have to do with making vows, keeping vows, and communities where such things are done.

If being an educator is a professional, no teacher is truly a professional unless they are an amateur, too.

I think of what brings true joy to me in my life as a teacher and it is all about being fulfilled, not paid. When there are dry times, a check does not bring rain. When there is a peak experience for my students and me, it is not because of what I earned or the scholarly article I’ll be able to write about it.

How about you?

3 responses so far

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3 Responses to “Amateurs, Just Amateurs?”

# Amateurs, Just Amateurs? | Schools onlineon 26 Oct 2008 at 13:44

[...] word. The first have to do with making vows, keeping vows, and communities where such things are Source Education – [...]
# Natasa Bozic Grojicon 30 Jan 2009 at 14:46

I agree completely. Being an amateur involves passion and it means that you are doing something for fun, not because you are getting paid.
Being and amateur involves taking risks, making mistakes and admitting that you are not perfect.
And I agree with: If being an educator is a professional, no teacher is truly a professional unless they are an amateur, too.”

Natasa
# Skip Zalneraitison 01 Feb 2009 at 09:52

Natasa-
Thank you for ratifying my opinion. I find that gratifying.
-Skip