I just had a teacher ask me, "What do you think is the most
important part of being a teacher."
To be honest, I don't have an answer. I don't know what THE most
important part of being a teacher might be. I do know what the most
important part of being a teacher is for me. It is keeping ablaze that
burning desire to learn.
I don't mean learning about my subject. That's the least of it,
and the easiest part of being a teacher. I mean learning about myself,
about each student whom I serve, about others around me. In this age of
high speed access to information, we must be wary that we don't get swept
up in undervaluing the need for the skills of reflection, pondering, and
rumination. I am my own raw ore and I am my own smeltering plant. As I
challenge my prejudices, as I question my preconceptions, as I ruminate on
my perceptions, as I ponder my biases, as I reflect on my fears, as I
think about my negatives, as I destroy my idols, I can help
others help themselves do the same.
Make it a good day.
--Louis--
Louis Schmier www.therandomthoughts.com
Department of History www.halcyon.com/arborhts/louis.html
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, Georgia 31698 /~\ /\ /\
(229-333-5947) /^\ / \ / /~ \ /~\__/\
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-_~ / "If you want to climb mountains, \ /^\
_ _ / don't practice on mole hills" -\____
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