John 8:2
At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them.
I am fortunate during my school years to sit in the classrooms of not just good teachers, but great ones.
What separates a great teacher from a good one?
Passion!
For the subject. For learning.
For life!
She goes beyond the call of duty to support and encourage her students. Setting the bar high, yet giving to all the confidence needed to reach above and beyond the goal.
Her words inspire.
No question is a stupid one.
Concepts are patiently repeated.
Lively illustrations and anecdotes are used to help students remember the lessons.
No one is made to feel special. Or, not special.
Students know they are equally loved. Equally respected. Genuinely cared about.
She takes time with them. Makes time for them.
Shares her knowledge with enthusiasm.
A radiant smile on her face. A contagious twinkle in her eyes.
That spark. That flame.
Mirrored in the eyes of her students.
Ablaze!
With passion!
~
When you read scripture, can you envision yourself learning at the feet of the Greatest Teacher?
Will you pray with me?
Open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts, Father, to hear the voice of Jesus in Your Word. Let us sit humbly at His feet and listen to Him. Fill us with a passion and desire to know You, and Your will for us, through Your beloved Son. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 78:1-39 or 78:40-72
Genesis 26:1-6, 12-33
Hebrews 13:17-25
John 7:53-8:11
Hi Martha:
ReplyDeleteLike you I've been fortunate to have had a number of teachers influence my education:
My 4th grade teacher Mrs. Jooss lives in Madison, CT and I still see her from time to time.
My HS Science Teacher Mr Gaskell was a huge influence. We became more than student/teacher during my time in High School. We were good friends. We talked for hours outside of class about anything that came up. He helped me w/several Science Projects and like my 4th Grade Teacher I still see him on occasion as well.
In college at Southern CT State University, there was one professor who made a lasting impact. Dr Purmont was a History professor and I believe I wound up taking just about every class he offered; having minored in History this wasn't a difficult task to undertake. As with my two previous examples, Dr Purmont and I stay in touch a bit.
Wonderful post, Martha!
--
Chris
Wow, Chris, you sure had a passel of great teachers. How blessed you are! And, I think it's wonderful you have stayed in touch with the ones you mentioned.
DeleteThanks so much for taking the time to comment today.
Blessings to you!
Teachers often underestimate their influence. You are so good at what you do, Martha. I can imagine what a wonderful teacher you were.
ReplyDeleteHi, Corinne, and thanks so much for commenting here.
DeleteI don't know about "wonderful", but I did try to model myself after the great teachers I had growing up. I always tried to remember, too, that I WAS having an impact, for better or worse, on these young people. Very humbling . . .
Thanks, too, for the lovely compliments. :)
Blessings, my friend!
Martha, you are an amazing teacher but I have to say... you make me feel special;)
ReplyDeleteI believe that our teachers are under-appreciated and under-paid.
I'm still grateful to my kindergarden teacher Mrs. O'connel (sp?) for finding the patience to coax me into the wonderful classroom. I was a painfully shy kid. I can still remember the taste of that white paste we used. LOL!!
Hugs,
Leah
Thanks so much, Leah, for stopping by today!
DeleteGlad I make you feel special. :)
What a great memory you have shared here. Somehow, because your words are so bright, bold and vibrant when you write, it's hard to see you as ever being shy. And, no, I never did go the white paste route, but inhaling ink from the mimeograph machines? That's where it was at! LOL!
Blessings to you!
I loved what you just wrote here. When I was younger I didn't like school :P I had fear over my teachers because they reminded me of my 'then' strict mother. I began to love school when we started having classes in literature. They are the passionate ones ;) I could still remember Mrs. Obusan in my third year in HS. She brought out the best in me.
ReplyDeleteI guess this is what makes Jesus a great teacher, He teaches with authority. And His teachings are embodied in His life with us.
He brings out the best in everyone. I could see how capable I am of doing many beautiful things.
I pray with you... may we also be teachers to each other...truly listening to God's voice within each one of us.
Thank you for stopping by, Melissa; it's always so refreshing for me to read your comments. :)
DeleteOh, I agree - I LOVED my lit. classes and actually majored in English in college. They are truly the passionate ones!
Jesus is, indeed, the Great Teacher who shows us the way and does, as you said, bring out the very best in us all.
And, rest assured, my dear, you are doing some extraordinarily beautiful things in your life every day!
Thank you for praying with me!
Blessings always!
Martha, I've had some teachers such as that. What a wonderful post! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHow blessed you were to have such teachers. I remember very few of mine, but then that was me not them. I sure most of them tried and thought they got through. <3 Great post.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful thouhts .I am grateful to all my teachers ever for they helped me shape my mind and life .I still carry them in my heart.
ReplyDelete*thoughts.
Delete