Glorify the Storytellers

As a headteacher I once experienced a few issues with a member of our support team who held views about the future of our academy that were at odds with the accepted, shared vision. Surprisingly, at the heart of the problem was his general contempt for teachers. There was a lack of understanding about the importance of the teaching role and quite possibly a hint of frustration in that he perceived his own contribution as perhaps not being fully appreciated. In honesty he may even have had a point about his own role. Whatever the reason for his views it was an unhealthy situation and one that I had no option but to challenge.

There were many discussions between us and while they remained generally friendly and professional it was difficult to make headway. In the middle of one exchange, he stopped and said, “you do know what I think of teachers don’t you, they are just glorified storytellers!”

It was a throw-away line, but it was said with derision. By comparing teaching to something that he regarded as a simple, low-level task he was scoffing at the profession and while he appeared very happy with his ‘humorous’ reference what he didn’t understand was that I interpreted his remark completely differently. We really were at opposite ends of the spectrum and 180 degrees apart. While to him the term was mocking and bordering on insulting, to me it was quite simply, hugely complimentary.

Throughout my career I have had the privilege of witnessing the performance of exceptional teachers. All the expert practitioners I have ever seen have been highly skilled storytellers. Their ability allowed them to bring together enjoyment, excitement and expectation in a powerful cocktail that never failed to produce the highest standards and the most rounded individuals.

They have an inherent ability to engage with children and, ‘weave their magic’. A description that was so eloquently captured by the renowned educationalist Sir John Jones. These fantastic teachers establish positive, caring relationships with each and everyone of their pupils. They share experiences, share humour and share a love of the school. Pupils are expertly led by these individuals through the minefield that is learning. They guide and prompt in a calm, determined manner that ensures they all make it safely to the other side.

These magic weavers follow in the finest oral traditions of storytelling that have been passed down from generation to generation. Storytelling is indeed as old as culture. All societies have long-established storytelling traditions with a function to entertain and educate. Isn’t that exactly what great teaching is all about!

I have always believed that the best teachers have an intrinsic skill set that is totally natural to them. Their ability to communicate with pupils is found deep inside them. This stance may not rhyme with the Government White Paper of April 2022 which included the bold statement that “excellent teachers are made not born,” but I know which side of the argument my money is on.

Yes of course teachers can develop and improve through effective and transformational Continued Professional Development but if they really want to be exceptional then it would do them no harm to revisit the ancient art of storytelling.  Through this medium the power to elicit, explore and explain emotions is extremely apparent and don’t we want our pupils to be three dimensional, living, breathing, caring people? Stories when delivered with passion make us stop and think and shouldn’t our pupils be reflective and able to consider different viewpoints? And finally, stories can inspire us through their message and moral. Surely, no one can argue that we don’t want our pupils to look forward with enthusiasm, energy and a wide array of dreams.

Everyone recognises that storytelling by word of mouth still takes place whenever a group of people get together to socialize. It is authentically human. Unfortunately, the ability to capture the imagination of a group and take them to a different place may not carry the status it once held in our history, but wow what a talent to have.

 “Glorified storytellers.” I will take that description all day long!