"The Richmond Way” The Art of Exceptional Teaching in Ted Lasso

In the world of education, we often ponder the question, "What makes a good teacher great?" The answer, unsurprising to its viewers, can be found in the popular television series, "Ted Lasso."

For those living under a rock or otherwise unconnected to pop culture, "Ted Lasso" is a critically acclaimed sports comedy-drama series that centers on an American college football coach, Ted Lasso, who is unexpectedly recruited to coach an English Premier League soccer team, AFC Richmond​​. If you’re unfamiliar with the world of “futbal,” that’s the top tier, like the NFL. Despite having no previous experience coaching soccer, Ted's folksy optimism, humor, and compassionate approach to coaching gradually win over those who were initially skeptical about his appointment​​.

The Good Teacher vs. The Great Teacher

The distinction between a good teacher and a great teacher is often a matter of depth. A good teacher imparts knowledge effectively, manages the classroom well, and treats students respectfully. A great teacher, on the other hand, does all these things and more. They inspire, challenge, and connect with their students personally. They see potential in every student and work tirelessly to help them achieve it.

As depicted in the series, Ted Lasso embodies the qualities of a great teacher. His unerring positivity and compassion, despite his initial inexperience, inspire his team and help them improve. He understands that teaching (or coaching, in his case) is not merely about imparting knowledge or skills but also about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to do their best​​.

Becoming a Better Teacher Every Day

Becoming a better teacher every day involves continuous learning, self-reflection, and adaptation. It's about identifying areas of improvement, setting goals, and taking steps toward achieving them. As Ted Lasso shows us, it's also about maintaining a positive attitude and being open to new experiences and challenges.

Teaching is a dynamic profession, and it's important to stay updated with the latest educational research and strategies. It's equally crucial to learn from one's experiences in the classroom. Reflect on your teaching practices regularly: what worked well? What could be improved? How can you better meet the needs of your students?

Embrace Growth and Change

As we journey through the seasons of "Ted Lasso," a beautiful transformation unfolds before our eyes. This transformation isn't just about the team, but about the individuals, the community, the fans, and even the viewers themselves. It's about growth and change.

Take Nathan Shelley, for example. Once a timid kit man (think “water boy”), Nathan evolves into a confident assistant coach, eventually becoming a rival team's head coach. This journey wasn't always easy; at times, it was fraught with challenges and setbacks. Yet, Nathan's growth signifies an essential lesson for teachers: embrace change, seek growth, and not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. And for those who have completed season three, stick with it even when negativity overpowers people.

We see a similar transformation in Ted Lasso himself. Despite his lack of experience with soccer, Ted takes on the challenge headfirst, demonstrating a growth mindset. He's not afraid to admit his ignorance and seek help when needed, and he's always willing to learn new things. This willingness to learn and grow is a hallmark of excellent teaching. As educators, we should strive to cultivate this growth mindset in ourselves and our students.

Foster Collaboration and Community

Ted Lasso's leadership style is not about dictating from the top but about fostering a sense of community and collaboration. This is particularly evident in how he encourages the team to work together, highlighting that everyone has a role to play and every role is important. This is a vital lesson for teachers. In a classroom, every student has something valuable to contribute, and it's the teacher's job to facilitate this collaboration and create a community where everyone feels valued and heard. And, as the seasons continue, we learn that those roles aren’t fixed; everyone has roles to play, and they aren’t always what they’ve been first designed to be.

Moreover, Ted's approach to leadership is not about power or control but about empathy and understanding. He genuinely cares for his team members and works hard to understand their individual needs and perspectives. Similarly, teachers strive to understand their students as individuals, recognizing their unique strengths and challenges and tailoring their approach to meet these individual needs.

Conclusion

Ultimately, "Ted Lasso" teaches us that being a great teacher isn't just about academic knowledge or pedagogical skills. It's also about empathy, growth, and community. It's about believing in your students and helping them believe in themselves. And most importantly, it's about always striving to improve, because Ted Lasso reminds us, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It's the courage to continue that counts."

Remember, becoming a better teacher daily involves maintaining an openness to learning, growth, and collaboration. It requires a dedication to understanding your students as individuals and fostering a sense of community within your classroom. Through these practices, not only can you become a better teacher, but you can also help your students to become the best versions of themselves.

If you’re interested in this topic, don’t miss a soon-to-be-released podcast episode of “What Teachers Have to Say”