By Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Gilliard
Training to become a Marine takes mental and physical strength only a few can achieve. It demands rigorous training, a deep commitment, and the support of those around you. Marines never give up on themselves or each other. These authentic characteristics have shaped my teaching philosophy, which is rooted in fairness, openness, and transparency. These are the principles that guide me every time I step in front of a group of Marines.
FROM COMBAT TO THE CLASSROOM
My teaching philosophy has most certainly changed over the years, evolving to suit the setting in which I teach. I began my career as a Martial Arts instructor, where my focus was more about teaching Marines how to respond to threats by using hand-to-hand combat. During this period, I was more formal. This was an environment where precision, discipline, and safety were paramount; therefore, my teaching method was straightforward: “Like this. Do that.”
When I transitioned to a more professional military setting as a Faculty Advisor, I knew I had to change my approach. Instead of commanding techniques, I was connecting with my students. It was less about physical memorization and more about providing information that applied to their lives as Marines and even beyond the frontlines. My students were a lot more open to sharing their own experiences and opinions, and they were highly receptive to what I had to teach.
FOCUS ON WHAT’S IMPORTANT
The way I teach has had a tremendous impact on how I coach, and vice versa. Being a coach has really opened my eyes and helped me grow as a person and as a Marine. We all see the game differently on the field. That’s why it’s so imperative to understand the different perspectives of each of my players. I might observe something they missed, and they might catch something I overlooked. As a coach, it’s not my job to impose my decisions on others. Understanding where someone else is coming from leads to better performance and, ultimately, more victories.
These same principles can be applied in the classroom. During a lesson, if a Marine takes the conversation in a different direction, I don’t dismiss their contribution. Instead, I’ll find ways to incorporate it into the discussion as a way to expand upon the lesson before coaching them back to the main objective.
ADVICE FOR NEW EDUCATORS
For those who are just beginning their teaching journey, I can’t stress how important it is to be your authentic self. Players and students can see right through a teacher who doesn’t respect them and who isn’t fully committed to the work. Authenticity builds trust. And when your students trust you, that’s when they’re open to genuine learning.
LEADERSHIP LESSONS TO TAKE WITH YOU
A Marine never leaves another Marine behind. I believe this principle should carry over into teaching. Surround yourself with those who inspire you to succeed. By encouraging each other to be the best versions of ourselves and to continue learning and growing, we can strengthen one another, resulting in more effective leaders.
This post is promoted content by the United States Marine Corps. It was written by Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Gilliard, USMC. Through our partnership with SHAPE America, Marines are dedicated to changing the lives of coaches and athletes and are eager to assist you. Semper Fi!
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