The Teacher as a Whole (Holistic) Being

Overcoming personal fragmentation

There is a widespread belief that suggests that the professional should leave his or her problems and "personal self" at the door of the school to enter the classroom assuming an aseptic role.

However, the educational coaching approach proposes that this division is artificial and counterproductive. We cannot enter half-heartedly; we are whole beings.

When we try to hide a part of ourselves, we lose authenticity and power in connecting with our students.

Entering "whole" means accepting our humanity, including our vulnerability and our spirituality (understood not as religion, but as connection to a vital purpose).

Spiritual and human connection in the classroom

When the teacher allows himself to be a whole person, he brings a spiritual dimension that transcends mere instruction.

It is that vital "spark" that allows connection with the other human being sitting at the desk. This connection is what transforms an ordinary class into a life experience.

Practical Example: Consider an educator who is going through a personal bereavement.

Instead of feigning fake joy (which students will detect as incongruous), he might choose to briefly share that he is feeling a little lower in energy today, but is glad to be there sharing the class.

This controlled honesty humanizes the teacher, validates sad emotions as part of life, and often generates an empathetic and collaborative response from the group, strengthening the pedagogical bond.

Summary

Educational coaching proposes that the division between the personal and professional self is artificial. The teacher must enter the classroom as a whole self in order to be authentic.

Accepting one's humanity and vulnerability allows for a spiritual connection that transcends simple instruction. This vital "spark" transforms an ordinary classroom into a shared life experience.

Controlled emotional honesty humanizes the teacher and generates empathetic responses in the group. Showing legitimate feelings validates students' emotions and strengthens the essential pedagogical bond.