Just Because You Teach Doesn’t Mean You Should

Everyone has an opinion these days. Some far more polarizing than others, but needless to say, we’re living in a world where everyone not only has an opinion, but is vocal about their opinions. On one hand, that’s a fabulous reality because people are able to express themselves; in different ways, to different extents, feeling safe enough to allow a sense of vulnerability to shine through. On the other hand however, that’s a dangerous reality because a lot of people (excuse my French), talk sh*t for the sake of talking. To them, it’s better to say something than nothing at all. It’s better to make any sort of noise than none at all; than disappearing quietly into the night. Overcompensating to make up for a lifetime of not being seen, heard, acknowledged, and validated. It’s a spectrum really, just like any other aspect of this human experience.

As stated above, some people talk sh*t for the sake of talking sh*t. But there are those who talk that sh*t because they actually believe whatever it is they’re saying. Which brings me to my point: at what point is what they’re spewing actually considered sh*t vs. an opinion to which we can respond with “to each their own”? Do people practice what they preach? Or do they behave in one way and preach in a completely different direction? And most importantly, to what extent are we willing to turn a blind eye to the mismatch between their words and actions?

I’ve been in the fitness industry — as a student — for around 15 years. In and out of strength, CrossFit, calisthenics, spinning, yoga, and pilates classes. So I’ve been exposed to enough teachers to feel confident in my standards of what I look for in a teacher. I feel confident in identifying which teachers I resonate, click, or vibe with and which feel off (for lack of a better word) to me.

Which brings me to today’s topic, one I’ve navigated for quite a while, even more so now that I’ve stepped into the role of a teacher. If you don’t resonate with a teacher, but enjoy the level of the classes they teach, could you put that dislike aside?

Are you able to separate the art from the artist?

I’ve struggled with this question myself, because there have been teachers whose class designs I thoroughly enjoy, but whose personality, character, and behaviours I cannot seem to wrap my head around. Their classes are creative, challenging, and refreshing in terms of skills and drills. BUT, and it’s a big but, their presence during their classes is a whole other topic. They make the most judgemental, arrogant, insensitive, tone-deaf, and non-inclusive comments while teaching their classes. I cannot for the life of me separate them (the artist) from their art (their classes). As hard as I try to ignore what they say for the sake of what they teach, except what they say is part of what they’re teaching. How they’re showing up, what they’re perpetuating, what they’re allowing, the type of behaviour, thought, and speech they’re demonstrating as acceptable, is an instrumental part of their role as a teacher.

According to my standards at least. Not just as a teacher, but as a student. I’m not attending a class so I can be made to feel incompetent, weak, inferior, or plain stupid because the teacher is calling people out as “lazy”, “not wanting it enough”, or “not enlightened”. Where’s the room for grace? For compassion? For listening to your body? For non attachment? Some classes rely on tough love to push students through and when I attend those kinds of classes, I know what I’m getting myself into. I want to be called lazy because I know it’s the push I need to get angry and do what needs to be done; to get the reps or lift the weights I need to (safely) lift. But when I’m attending a yoga class, I want to feel welcome. I want to feel safe. I want to feel comfortable. I don’t want to feel judged or criticized by the teacher. No matter how good they are at their physical practice. Just because you have a practice does not necessarily mean you can teach a practice and I will stand firmly on this.

I’ve asked others their thoughts on this and it’s never been a black or white answer, which pleases me because it really is quite a nuanced experience. Some have said that their priority is the time of the class, even if the teacher isn’t one they like, but if the class aligns with their schedule, it’s a compromise they’re willing to make. Others have said that as long as it’s not a hard line that’s been crossed; if there’s no a clash between their values and the teacher’s behaviour, then they’ll compromise their dislike and attend the class if it’s convenient for them. Others have said they’re able to separate the art from the artist because they care less about who’s teaching them and more about what specific skills, drills, challenging and creative flows they’re being taught.

I believe there’s a difference between knowing your sh*t and using it to help bridge a gap for your students and knowing your sh*t and using it to put yourself up on a pedestal and creating a divide between you and your students (feeding your spiritual ego as an enlightened one).

I believe a teacher’s presence in the room isn’t merely a physical one. It’s okay if it is, but I believe a teacher has more responsibility in their role than they think they do. And this based off my experience with bad teachers who have traumatized me and with wonderful teachers who have supported me in finding my strength, potential, light, and ultimately, my self, through the mental noise.

Can you separate the art from the artist?

I think it depends on the situation. But in the context provided above, in the realm of teaching and the responsibilities that come with it, if it’s a clear misalignment of values, I can’t separate the artist from the art. No matter how good their art is, it’s tainted in my eyes.

But that’s just me. And that’s how I feel at this point in time. Maybe a few years from now, I’ll feel differently or I’ll be even more convinced of my opinion.

Can YOU separate the two?