What superpower would you most love to have? This question has circulated around parties for years, and usually results in some entertaining responses. Turning invisible, the ability to fly, and the power to convert anything into chocolate are some of the options I’ve heard. Just for now, let’s modify the question slightly. In your role as an educator, what superpower would you most love to have?

Here’s why we may need to ask that question. In the post-pandemic years ahead, education will become one of the most critical professions on the planet. While medical services right now are so necessary for us all, a sustainable future for young people will be shaped by extraordinary educators who profoundly believe in the worth of the profession. Let’s ponder some superpowers you may need in those times up ahead:

1. Invulnerability. Just imagine. No amount of poor behaviour or ill-founded criticism would ever affect you. The concept of Tough Love would apply to your Self as well as to others. Here’s one strategy that near-invulnerable teachers often implement. They use Teflon for the bad thoughts, and Velcro for the good thoughts about their daily practice. The opposite approach is not a good idea.

2. Techno-Knowledge. You would understand every recent techno-advance, and how to apply it in an optimum learning context. What a superpower this would be, given the overwhelming range of pending edtech applications. Consider: Virtual tutors who respond 24/7 to any student; Smart content platforms that adjust effectively to each learner’s needs; Translation systems that enhance multi-lingual and cross-cultural interactions. Hybridised techno-teachers are becoming increasingly likely.

3. Wisdom. Is this a superpower? Absolutely. It’s pretty rare, and yet it would enhance your teaching immeasurably. Imagine deeply knowing the best thing to say in the middle of a heated playground argument; or innately understanding why a parent is so upset. How do we develop this wisdom? By observing self; by empathically sensing the needs of others; by intuiting constantly; by responding with kindness in every circumstance.

4. Immortality. While your body may not live forever, your influence through your teaching will last long after you have gone. That’s the thing with this profession. From little things, big things manifest. A single focused 20-min conversation with a wayward 14-year-old can change her or his life for the better. This form of immortality is an honour and a service.

5. Teleportion. And if you can’t actually travel into the future, then at least develop some form of ‘future’ vision. You may not be able to accurately predict what’s up ahead (eg the work opportunities for your senior students), although you can make a significant effort to research the most likely scenarios. This future vision also allows you to see clearly the worth of quality education in the years ahead. And your own professional contribution will be an integral part of that service to the world.