Yes, You Can Teach, Too!

Sulaf teaching baking from her home kitchen as part of Pono’s virtual class offerings.

Hello reader! Nice to meet you. If you don’t mind, I would like you to join me in a sort of thought experiment. I mean, you really have no reason to say no: You’re probably stuck at home just like the rest of us (And if you are not, then God bless you, ’cause you’re saving our lives), so I’m sure you have time for a few seconds of imagining things with me. So, without further ado, close your eyes and imagine a classroom. And really dive into the details too. Imagine the smell of the floor cleaner that the janitor used the day before, the sound of pencils scratching on paper. Imagine the colors of the chalk resting by the chalkboard, the kinds of wood or plastic the tables and chairs are made of, the model of the pencil sharpener in the back of the room. Imagine the students, every single one of them — their personality, their interests, every minuscule detail of their appearance. Now imagine the teacher. You could make the teacher have any kind of personality, and combine any number of features, but what you probably will not do is imagine yourself. But now, that’s about to change.

So many aspects of our lives have changed since COVID-19 entered the world, but teaching has probably changed the most. If you think you’re having a hard time adjusting to all this, think about all the teachers out there! They have to figure out Zoom, put together lessons that work with virtual learning, and so much more. But there is a silver lining to this extreme classroom reform. Now, with so many people doing virtual learning and more people than ever taking online courses, there are way more opportunities for people to step into the role of teacher.

We all have something we’re passionate about. For me, it’s baking, writing and rock music. For you, it might be Greek mythology, video games, boy bands, arts and crafts, tacos, public transportation systems, playing an instrument, singing, unicorns, or literally anything else. Everyone who has a passion might also have a desire to share it with the world. This is where online learning really comes in handy. Teaching an online class means reaching thousands of people all over the world with ease and meeting people who share your interests. And almost every passion can be applied to a class. Love cooking? Teach a cooking class and share your favorite recipes. Obsessed with the works of Agatha Christie? Start an online book club with fellow mystery fans. Have a favorite game? Host virtual game nights and teach people how to play.

Zoë Deshmukh, a 10-year-old student at Pono, making lemon cookies as part of Sulaf’s online baking class.

As a person who is teaching her own online baking class, I know firsthand that when it comes to teaching virtual courses, the journey really is the destination. One of my favorite activities is planning, so planning classes comes naturally to me. However, I’m sure that is not the case for everyone, and that for some, the planning is the hardest part. That’s why one of my most-used pieces of advice is this: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Putting in that extra effort to find someone and say “I need help” will help you so much. Also, having someone to discuss your ideas with can help you get your mind in order, especially, if you have a bazillion ideas zooming around your head (For me, this person is my mom). You may ask someone who’s quite close to you, like a family member or a friend, or you might find someone who has the skill set to help you but who you have never met before. But either way, having a helping hand, or even just a second pair of eyes, will be a big help.

Finally, I just want to tell you all that no matter your age or level of experience, you can be a teacher. So go on, write that syllabus, record that intro, host that Zoom meeting, and get ready to touch people’s hearts and minds with passion, because that’s what teaching is all about.

Sulaf Hatab is a 12-year-old student at Pono, NYC’s only democratic, outdoor, urban educational program. She loves rock music, movies, baking, writing, and chocolate in every way, shape and form. She is currently surviving the COVID-19 crisis by taking pleasure in the little treasures that bring so much joy.

More Resources To learn more about Pono’s online programs for children ages 2–15, including a baking class taught by Sulaf Hatab visit us here.