Authenticity

Authenticity is one of the ways in which we demonstrate trustworthiness. Authenticity is a way of putting trust into action with integrity, sincerity, reliability and transparent, genuine intentions. We often talk about how trust and stability are key in a successful classroom, but it is often difficult to define how we as teachers bring these things into our classroom. I believe that authenticity is crucial to building a trusting, safe, stable environment to learn in. If a teacher is clear about their expectations and then follows through, they create reliability. Most importantly, if a teacher has a genuine interest in the success of their students then they will automatically display authenticity. If students learn by example, then give them an example worth emulating and learning from.

I have never considered the boundaries and lines that could or should be drawn for authenticity. It had never occurred to me that there could be such a thing as too authentic. Can a person be too genuine? Or have too much integrity? Can sincerity be overwhelming or reliability be detrimental? Personally I do not believe that you can be too authentic. I do not believe that there are boundaries that need to be placed on authenticity in the classroom. Many of the problems that occur in the classroom are based on a lack of trust, and genuine intentions, but those are both key components in being an authentic individual.

"Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.” - Mother Theresa

"No legacy is so rich as honesty.” - Shakespeare

“Authentic values are those by which a life can be lived, which form a people that produces great deeds and thoughts.” -Allan Bloom