Teachers as Bridges

"Ideal teachers are those who use themselves

as bridges over which they invite

their students to cross,

then having facilitated their crossing,

joyfully collapse,

encouraging them to create

bridges of their own."

-- Nikos Kazantzakis

RUMI

"Mind does its fine-tuning hair-splitting,

but no craft or art begins

or can continue without a master

giving wisdom into it."

                                 -Rumi

A Basket of Fresh Bread- By Rumi

"... But tell me, can you do the good work without a teacher?

Can you even know what it is without the presence
of a Master? Notice how the lowest livelihood
requires some instruction.
                         First comes knowledge,
then the doing of the job. And much later,
perhaps after you're dead, something grows
from what you've done.
                        Look for help and guidance
in whatever craft you're learning. Look for a generous
teacher, one who has absorbed the tradition he's in.

Look for pearls in oyster shells.
Learn technical skill from a craftsman.

Whenever you meet genuine spiritual teachers,
be gentle and polite and fair with them.
Ask them questions, and be eager
for answers. Never condescend.

If a master tanner wears an old, threadbare smock,
that doesn't diminish his mastery.

If a fine blacksmith works at the bellows
in a patched apron, it doesn't affect
how he bends the iron.
                       Strip away your pride,
and put on humble clothes...."

                                                   -Rumi

Teaching and Learning

"A disciple can never imitate

the steps of his guide,

because each of us

has our own way of seeing life,

of coping with difficultiess

and with victories.

Teaching is merely showing

that something is possible.

Learning is making something

possible for yourself."

-Paulo Coelho in The Diary of  a Magus                         

I love this one:

"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."- Derek Bok

What Teachers Make... you don't want to miss this one.

I Am A Teacher- by John W. Schlatter

I was born the first moment that a question leaped from the mouth of a child. I have been many people in many places.

I am Socrates exciting the youth of Athens to discover new ideas through the use of questions.

I am Aesop and Hans Christian Andersen revealing truth through countless stories.

I am Marva Collins fighting for every child’s right to an education.

I am Mary McCleod Bethune building a great college for my people, using orange crates for desks.

And I am Bel Kaufman struggling to go Up The Down Staircase.

The names of those who have practiced my profession ring like a hall of fame for humanity... Booker T Washington, Buddha, Confucius, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Leo Buscaglia, Moses and Jesus.

I am also those whose names and faces have long been forgotten but whose lessons and character will always be remembered in the accomplishments of their students.

I have wept for joy at the weddings of former students, laughed with glee at the birth of their children and stood with head bowed in grief and confusion by graves dug too soon for bodies far too young.

Throughout the course of a day I have been called upon to be an actor, friend, nurse and doctor, coach, finder of lost articles, money lender, taxi driver, psychologist, substitute parent, salesman, politician and a keeper of the faith.

Despite the maps, charts, formulas, verbs, stories and books, I have really had nothing to teach, for my students really have only themselves to learn, and I know it takes the whole world to tell you who you are.

I am a paradox. I speak loudest when I listen the most. My greatest gifts are in what I am willing to appreciatively receive from my students.

Material wealth is not one of my goals, but I am full-time treasure seeker in my quest for new opportunities for my students to use their talents and in my constant search for those talents that sometimes lie buried in self-defeat. I am the most fortunate of all who labour. A doctor is allowed to usher life into the world in one magic moment. I am allowed to see that life is reborn each day with new questions, ideas and friendships.

An architect knows that if he builds with care, his structure may stand for centuries. A teacher knows that if he builds with love and truth, what he builds will last forever.

I am a warrior, daily doing battle against peer pressure, negativity, fear, conformity, prejudice, ignorance and apathy. But I have great allies: Intelligence, Curiosity, Parental Support, Individuality, Creativity, Faith, Love and Laughter all rush to my banner with indomitable support.

And who do I have to thank for this wonderful life I am so fortunate to experience, but you the public, the parents. For you have done me the great honour to entrust to me your greatest contribution to eternity, your children.

And so I have a past that is rich in memories. I have a present that is challenging, adventurous and fun because I am allowed to spend my days with the future. I am a teacher ... and I thank God for it every day.

-John W. Schlatter