Using my Teacher’s Voice

A running joke with Sung, of which there are many, is that when needed I could always use “my” Teacher’s Voice.  It is especially helpful on the bus when needed to speak out for the sake of the timid or soft spoken passenger waiting at the back door, when the bus operator forgets to release it. “Back Door,” I yell, above the muttering and get results.  We chuckle and I get to take my momentary place of pride, sitting among the riders a little straighter now with eyes fixed straight into nowhere in case anyone might be looking to see who this most recent hero for the soft spoken might be.   

What it boils down to though is that yes, after teaching for over 30 years, I lay claim to having a teacher’s voice.  And even though I would not consider myself to ever have been outspoken, verbose or, god forbid, loud  - I am able to project.  I’ve been audible without a microphone in lecture halls - some of it probably came from theater training from an even earlier life - coming first to New York City now over 40 years ago to be an actor.  

And, once again, teachers are in the news these days.  Kamala Harris chose a former high school teacher and coach as running mate, and I know the type of excellent and dedicated teacher and coach that Tim Walz has been. I taught and advised (not technically coaching, but close relations) for many years in the company of leaders like Tim who trained as teachers in the classroom.  In all modesty, I count myself among them.