World Teacher Day was
celebrated in Australia on Friday (October 26th).
This got me thinking about
the true value of teachers and about the attributes that distinguish a good
teacher from a really GREAT teacher.
Professor Robert Lee Madison,
Institute Founder of Western Carolina University believes that, ‘The true value
of a teacher is determined not by what he knows, nor his ability to impart what
he knows, but by his ability to stimulate in others a desire to know.’
This is true of all good
teachers. However, I believe that what makes teachers GREAT, is not only about what they
DO, it's about who they ARE.
GREAT teachers are BORN to teach. They have an innate passion and ability for drawing out the strengths
and talents of their students and inspiring them to WANT to learn.
Great teachers are dedicated
to enabling their students to be the best that they can be, and have a way of
making each student feel valued and that someone BELIEVES in them.
Astronaut, Sally Ride, shares
this story, ‘ When I was a girl, I had a teacher who encouraged my interest in
science. She challenged me to be curious, to ask questions, and to think about
things for myself. She helped build my self-confidence. All of these things
helped me to become a scientist and an astronaut.’
What a wonderful tribute to
an inspirational teacher!
IMAGE: bing.com
If I were
to name ONE truly inspirational teacher who influenced the course of my own
life, I would say, without a moment’s hesitation, that I would look no further
than my own father, Francis Joseph O'Hanlon.
As with all great teachers,
he taught by example.
Dad was kind, patient and
loving. A humble academic, in possession of a fine mind and rapier-sharp wit,
he instilled in me a life-long love for singing, writing, and the beauty of the
English language.
A man of simple means, he
shared everything he had - his time, his knowledge, and his love of learning.
As with all great teachers, he inspired his students to settle for nothing less
than his/her best.
Image: Facebook/Thought For Teachers
Great teachers CARE, and it
shows. The impact and influence of their caring extends far beyond the
classroom.
Each year, when the School
Leaving Certificates rolled around, our house would become a veritable drop-in
classroom for Dad's high school students (for whom he provided – gratis- last
minute coaching lessons).
The love and gratitude of
his students was evidenced by the smiling, triumphant faces that would roll up
to our door on exam results day, excitedly waving their bits of paper – proof
that their extra work had, indeed, paid off.
The student guard of honour at his Irish funeral, to celebrate his 64 year life, was a very moving and
fitting tribute to a truly great teacher.
He loved his work and his
students, and, even though he cautioned his 5 children against entering the
teaching profession (3 of us did), he was the first one at school every
morning, and the last one to leave in the afternoon!
Image: Facebook/Marie Suk Body Mind Spirit
Integration and Healing
My daughter, TNT (The New
Teacher) has now taken up the mantle. A born teacher, she wants to make a
difference. Having recently returned from volunteer work in a South American
orphanage, something tells me she already is.
Here's to all teachers, everywhere! Ours is a privileged profession, and let's never forget that (to borrow a quote from 'The Education Of Henry Adams', U.S. author, autobiographer, & historian, Henry Adams (1838-1918):
Here's to all teachers, everywhere! Ours is a privileged profession, and let's never forget that (to borrow a quote from 'The Education Of Henry Adams', U.S. author, autobiographer, & historian, Henry Adams (1838-1918):
‘A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his
influence stops.’
Insert image: Facebook/Ripple Kindness Cards
Yours in Teaching,
Nuala
Q: What do you consider to be
traits of a GREAT teacher?
LINKS:
HEART OF A TEACHER by Paula Fox: A short, inspirational movie from Simple
Truths:
An Inspirational Teacher Quote Presentation:
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