Not for the first time as a school head I find occasion to appreciate and savor the profound levels of care and nurturing that unfold all around me through teachers in their excellent and I think, loving work with students. It is a gift to value and, as many of my peers reflect, a unique and genuine aspect of a good teacher – rooted in character and personal integrity. Not I sense, something that can be imparted in a teacher training process and more perhaps, the palpable surfacing of a vocation for teaching. I am aware of the striking joy, impressive certainty, unremitting faith and high standards for the self and compassion toward others that is lovingly practiced on a daily basis. Most beautiful to me is the sense that teachers are inspired by a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill their own human and spiritual potential.
As I listen to teachers speaking about students, as I watch teachers in action with learners, I notice a true spirit of respect and companionship in the learning process that gently holds and furthers the promise of each child. The potency of seeing the world in a child and the value of contributing to our world through our most precious resource – our children – once again emerges and moves to the forefront of our collective consciousness. Of course, we endeavor to imbue all we do with a profound respect born of this awareness of the difference each of us makes in this world.
Authentic teaching wants to open us to truth - whatever it is, however we find it, wherever it may take us. Teaching in this way does not mandate where the learner must go, but rather encourages a student to welcome diversity, to accept conflict, to tolerate ambiguity, and to embrace paradox. It is about examining and clarifying the inner sources of teaching and learning, opening our hearts and minds – teacher and student- as we find ourselves in and with each other. It originates in knowledge as compassion and as love. Talented faculty and staff live into a commitment to care for learners by teaching minds, touching hearts and transforming lives, encouraging authentic and spontaneous relations with the world.
Under the tutelage of those who care school becomes a magical learning community. I am filled with a sense of wonder in the face of this prevailing sense of good all around me as we recognize something new in ourselves and each other - human simplicity, human love and the humility to be ourselves.
