The metaphor for teaching and learning I have chosen for 2024 is CURLING represented by a curling rock ornament. Curling is a sport I’ve played competitively as a high school students and played leisurely (and somewhat competitively) in my adulthood. I’ve played on and off over the last few decades and found my love for the sport over the last few years. There is nothing better than the serendipity of a team forming and getting along on and off the ice. We were a “meatball” team, meaning, we formed as a team not knowing each other but individually wanted to play and join a team. I am so grateful for the last few years.
I chose curling as my metaphor for teaching and learning because curling is team sport but individual skill and performance also matters. I think about the “perfect curling shot” and what’s entailed in making that shot happen. Everyone on the team knows their role on the team, they know their strengths, and we share a common goal of doing our best collectively in the moment to make the shot (and win the game). Factors that contribute to the team’s success is clear communication, mutual respect, and teamwork. Other factors include sitting in the hack, visualizing the shot, and executing the shot with the technical skills needed to make it happen. What I love about curling is, it’s both an art and a science. You need both.
On the team, my position is skip. Yes, I get to scream “hurry hard” and make the last shot, but what I love about that position is the strategy. You don’t know what will happen from moment to moment (or shot to shot), so you have to make the best with what you are given while keeping to the common goal of winning. Teaching is like this. Meet where the students are, design learning experiences that
are inclusive and engaging, and helps students acquire the skills and knowledge they need to be the “educated citizen.” There is love and care, but also professionalism and etiquette. It’s a civil game and in the end, we always shake hands with the opponent. The work is collegial, collaborative, creative, and competitive. A winning combination. Much like teaching, the sport of curling is complex, but if done well, it looks easy to do.
