Not for the first time as an educator, 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, and as I watch them 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 opens 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 goes, but rather encourages a student to welcome the new and unknown, to accept differneces, to tolerate ambiguity, and to embrace paradox. It is about reflecting and elucidating the inner sources of both teaching and learning, opening our hearts and minds as teacher and student to find ourselves in and with each other. It originates in knowledge as compassion and as love. Teachers live into a commitment to care for learners. They teach minds, touch hearts and transform lives by encouraging an authentic and spontaneous experience with the world.
Under the tutelage of those who care, school becomes a joyous learning community. I feel a sense of wonder in the face of this prevailing sense of promise all around me. I recognize human simplicity, human love and I embrace the humility we share in being our authentic selves.
