The BIG reveal comes at the END of this short announcement.
Not only is Deadpool joining to the “Marvel Cinematic Universe.” Appearing with him is Wolverine, played by long-time Logan, Hugh Jackman (when he’s done brushing his teeth).
Fans were so excited by the news, the two actors quickly posted a second video (“Part Hugh”) to share more details (?). Mostly, they acknowledge potential snags due to prior storylines (spoiler alerts). And they stir up more speculation, obscured by the best ’80s pop song ever:
With Deadpool 3 not scheduled to arrive until September 2024, we all have plenty of time to predict how everything will work out. (My bet is any mix-ups get an easy pass thanks to the blooming “Multiverse.”)
Until then, TEACHERS should take a moment to consider the following question:
“Who is YOUR Hugh?”
We’ve talked before about sidekicks in schools, in particular, finding fellow teachers to mentor and lead. Who is your “Robin?”
Likewise, every teacher should also find a colleague that can mentor them. Such mentorships can function through structured programs or professional development. Or, they may occur in a more organic, or informal manner. Who is your “Batman?”
In addition to mentors and mentees, teachers can form powerful relationships with colleagues they regard as “equals.” These pairings don’t have to be the same rank or expertise, or have identical job descriptions. In fact, such partnerships are most beneficial when each party brings different strengths and personalities.
Sort of like Wolverine and Deadpool.
Over decades of comics (and lore), these two anti-heroes haven’t always gotten along. In fact, they try to kill each other quite often. You can read an interesting history of their “prickly relationship,” summarized by the folks at Den of Geek.
Teachers, do you have a “prickly relationship” with any of your colleagues? Don’t dismiss them due to a handful of disagreements. Instead, consider how you can work together–or at least work off of each other–to both become better.
Every teacher needs a Robin to mentor. And every teacher needs a Batman to mentor them.
We also need a Hugh to keep us sharp. Who’s yours?
If you pay attention to sports, you may know about basketball super-star LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
If you don’t pay attention to sports, here’s a recap of “King James” highlights:
After recent struggles with player morale, LeBron’s Cavaliers team underwent a massive personnel shift, trading away 6 of their current players and 2 future draft picks in exchange for 4 new players and 1 different draft pick. To put this into context, these changes involved 3 separate deals with 4 different teams, resulting in a turnover of nearly half the entire Cavaliers team.
Teams typically don’t make changes this big so late in a season, but since the trades Cleveland has handily won two games against tough teams. Now, many experts have already pegged the Cavaliers as the “team to beat” in their conference.
One of the new Cavaliers players, George Hill, recently assessed his team this way:
“We have one of the best players in the history of the game, I’m sure he’s going to dictate the tempo and things like that. We just got to do our job, be the best role players we can possibly be. He’s the Batman, and we got to be all Robins. We got to figure it out.”
What about all of us teachers? Are you Batman? Or are you a Robin? I would argue that teachers should be BOTH.
First, you are Batman.
Consider how you can mentor and guide a younger teacher also working in the crusade for education. You can provide lesson ideas, management suggestions, and an exemplary model of a caring and competent professional educator.
Need some ideas on how you can be a Batman for other teachers? Take a look at these articles (and excerpts) about being a teacher leader and mentor:
“Becoming a teacher leader” (Edutopia.org) — “[T]ry all the opportunities presented, listen up for colleagues who are nudging you along, and don’t be afraid to take risks — that’s what it’s all about.”
“Leading change from the classroom: Teachers as leaders” (American Institutes for Research) — “Today, leadership roles have begun to emerge and promise real opportunities for teachers to impact educational change-without necessarily leaving the classroom. Teachers are now serving as research colleagues, working as advisor-mentors to new teachers, and facilitating professional development activities as master teachers.”
“Eight qualities of a great teacher mentor” (Education Week) — “Great mentors push your thinking and help you grow in new ways. They alert you to new teaching methods and provide tips for how to handle various situations throughout the year. Most importantly, though, these “tips” are often posed as questions. Questions require new teachers to discover and learn for themselves.”
So in some ways, being a teacher is like being Batman. (Just don’t let it go to your head–and eat a Snickers when necessary.)
You are also a Robin.
As an exemplary teacher, hopefully you are also modeling the commendable habits of a lifelong learner. You are supportive, a sounding board, eager to help, and even provide corny jokes when the opportunity arises.
The neat thing about Robin is that there are multiple versions. Each individual has his or her own personality, backgrounds, strengths, weaknesses, and more.
In fact, DC Comics featured a whole host of “Robins” in the yearlong series We Are Robin. As explained by series writer Lee Bermejo in a USA Today article, “Maybe there could possibly be many of these kids out there on the streets who have different talents and different capabilities that could be useful to Batman.”
Likewise, teachers can fulfill the supportive, helpful, humor role in many ways and at many times. This includes having a “mentee attitude” throughout your career. Lifelong learning means there’s always more to learn. (The best teachers always strive to get better.)
Here’s a neat article at WeAreTeachers.com about “How to be (or find) a truly great teaching mentor,” and it includes a section titled “How to make the most of your mentor,” including the following strategies:
“Ask specific questions . . . The more specific your questions, the more helpful your mentor can be.”
“Know when to say ‘I don’t know’ . . . The point of mentoring is to improve, so resist the temptation to say everything is fine when it’s not.”
Teachers, are you more Batman or more Robin at this point in your career?
Full disclosure: I took both quizzes and found out I’m “The Nurturing Nightwing.”
Learn more about yourself and reflect on your profession, personality, and current position. Then go out and be a great teammate, sidekick, teacher, and superhero.
Spoiler Alert! – Whether it’s a movie, a comic book, or the classroom, a spoiler can sabotage true enjoyment and engagement. So how do you teach students without spoiling them?
Secret Hideout – Where do you go for peace, quiet, and rejuvenation?
Word Balloons – Comic books use creative ways to convey voice tone. How does your voice sound in the classroom?
Silent Issues – How much do you communicate without making a sound?
Reboots and rebirths are all the rage this year in comic books. Use the summer to recharge for your students in the fall!
Back to school time is here, which means families are filling department stores to find the best bargains. But it’s not just students. Teachers are also looking to stock up on supplies and spruce up their wardrobes.
Take a look at a typical “Back To School” advertisement or website and you’ll see gobs of superhero clothing and accessories. Superheroes are famous for how they look just as much as they are for what they do.
Here are some helpful lessons teachers can learn from these lists:
#1 – Maintain Functionality
Many of the “Best” costumes work because they look like something you could actually see in real life. Rather than adhering too closely to garish comic book colors or styles, the designers keep things grounded and user-friendly.
Teachers should consider their daily tasks and possible actions, then dress appropriately. Fabric that breathes, stretches, andcovers is a must, along with some comfortable footwear.
Comfortable shoes, yes, but NO SNEAKERS (unless you teach gym). Strapping on a pair of Asics Gel Virage 4 shoes is the quickest way to ruin an otherwise perfect teacher outfit.
(It’s called “business casual,” NOT “business triathlon.”)
If you need super-supportive shoes that are also subtle, take a look at this list provided by We Are Teachers (although I squirm at the sight of #10). This focus on footwear leads us to another lesson from live-action superheroes.
#2 – Focus on Simplicity
A quick comparison of the “Best” and “Worst” film costumes reveals a glaring difference in details. In many cases, the outfits in the “Worst” category are just TOO MUCH.
Resisting the impulse to add another buckle here or kneepad there, the “best” outfits keep it simple. By doing so, these film versions highlight key elements that evoke iconic imagery. In some cases, this means ditching the costume and favoring functional garb (see #1 above) with hints of style and symbolism.
Teachers are iconic, and their choice of clothing should reflect their critical role in society. Instead of chasing the latest fashion (floral vs. geometric print, fat tie vs. skinny tie, boot-cut vs. skinny jeans), focus on conveying an image that is classy and timeless–just like good teaching.
In case you think it’s passé to stick with the basics, take a look at two USA Todayarticles about teacher attire. One is from 2003, the other from 2012.
Despite being nearly a decade apart, both articles list some of the same “Should’s” and “Should Not’s” for teacher apparel and appearance. Neat and clean are always “in.” Spaghetti straps, tight tops, short bottoms, excessive piercings and tattoos should stay out of the classroom.
#3 – Lean toward Conservative
We’re talking clothing here, not politics. (Vote your conscience.) In discussing attire, teachers should consider how to keep the focus on learning as opposed to fashion.
Whenever you struggle with what to wear, here are several mottos you can remember: “Dress older.” “Dress like your boss.” “Dress for the job you want.”
“Teacher” is not the first profession that comes to mind.
These sayings will help with decisions as you stand in front of your closet. Skewing conservative also works as you stand in front of the bathroom mirror. Just like excessive makeup on movie superheroes, teachers with too much mascara will likely turn off their students.
#4 – Tone down the CGI
‘Nuff said.
Hopefully these Hollywood examples will help teachers consider their choice of classroom attire. For anyone wanting more ideas, check out this Education World article discussing jeans and flip-flops, or this About Education blog with useful guidelines, especially for younger teachers.
It’s Back-to-School time, and hopefully everyone is off to a terrific start, implementing new district policies and applying Harry and Rosemary Wong’s wisdom about “the first days of school.” (Routines and procedures, practice, practice, practice.)
Batman is back in the news too, mainly the upcoming Ben Affleck movie version with Superman a la Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns miniseries (e.g. short pointy ears). I’m sure we’ll have more to talk about that topic and teaching connections in the future (e.g. short pointy ears).
Comparison courtesy of artist Dean Trippe @deantrippe
One title is Arkham Manor, in which Bruce Wayne (Batman’s nice face) decides to donate his Wayne Manor to house Gotham City’s criminally insane. The mansion that’s known for masking the underground Batcave has now become the new location for Arkham Asylum. There goes the neighborhood.
Another Bat-title from DC—Gotham Academy—focuses on the city’s private school for rich kids. Plaid skirt uniforms and everything.
(Side note: I’m curious about the depiction of Gotham’s public schools. If you are curious as well, the best we can do is watch the movie Dangerous Minds and assume that instead of being a former marine, Michelle Pfieffer’s character is Selena Kyle after giving up the Catwoman costume in Batman Returns. It almost works!)
As for the comics, we’ll see what happens as both series progress in the months to come. The reason I bring them up here is to encourage all of us teachers to consider our school environment.
Academy?
Does your school building feel like an academy? It’s a fancy word, coming from the Greek “grove of Akademos,” where Plato did his teaching. Good company, no? People nowadays use the term “academy” to refer to a special institution for scholarship or for the advancement of the arts or science.
You don’t have to teach in a special institution to advance the ideas of scholarship and appreciation for culture. Wherever and whatever you teach, consider how you can promote an “academic” attitude in your students. I’m not talking about being a snob or out of touch with reality. But we can still create an environment where learning is looked upon as a noble endeavor and great adventure.
Sometimes our schools have too much adventure, though, and may even feel like an insane asylum.
Asylum?
Does anyone in your school drink from a mug like this?
Or post this sign in their classroom or office?
Schools can often feel like a facility for the mentally unstable. Beyond the humor, though, there is some truth to that notion. Think about our students’ mental, emotional, and physical states. Most of them are, in fact, a little unstable. A little “shaky,” so to speak. They should be. They’re still growing up.
And that’s why we teach them. During a school year, teachers introduce students to hundreds of ideas and skills. Our students should investigate, reflect, and practice the content, all the while strengthening (and stabilizing) their foundations—intellectually, emotionally, and more. This learning process is often challenging and frustrating, even destabilizing at times, and ultimately rewarding.
Learning can create a sense of vulnerability, and students need a safe place to learn—no matter what kind of school or classroom.
We looked at the origin of the word “academy,” so let’s do the same for asylum. Although often associated with housing the mentally ill, the word “asylum” comes from the Latin word for “sanctuary,” a “safe or secure place.”
Fight the good fight with your trusted colleagues, mentors, and friends. (And pets.) You get to pick who wears the cape.
Good luck in the coming year in whatever classroom you teach. Wherever you are, it can be both an academy and an asylum for your students. And so much more.
Teach Like a Superhero! 
