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It’s been said “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.” I call bullshit on that. Consider that in order to show someone how to do something, you need to know how to do it yourself, otherwise it will fall flat and ring hollow. I have also discovered that if I want to learn more about the intricacies of certain skills, the best way is to explain it or demonstrate it to someone who might otherwise have no clue about it. The more I practice, the more adept I get at it.
Education is essential. Teachers are my s/heroes. It is something my family valued. From an early age, my parents read to us and took us to the library. Books were like teddy bears that I toted around and showed anyone who would look and listen to me read to them. Public school and Hebrew school were part of my upbringing. I was proud of myself when I could grasp a concept that had made no sense a moment before. Flashcards accompanied me to doc appointments where I would sit with my mother while awaiting allergy shots.
My favorite teacher was Richard Serfling who in 6th grade, at Pennypacker Park Elementary School in Willingboro, New Jersey imparted both information and wisdom. His playful, outside the box thinking and teaching style, led the way to my becoming a professional writer and induced further love of learning. He would fall into that category that Robert Frost referred to as an awakener. He taught alongside Christie Richards (or Richardson…my middle age brain has that one stored in a back closet and I can’t quite retrieve it at the moment) in a classroom that consisted of 4th, 5th and 6th graders. It was experimental and I believe lasted only one year. The older kids mentored the younger kids and commentary replaced letter grades on our report cards. Music and art were large parts of the curriculum. Many years later, I reached out and found him as he had just retired as a school administrator. I was able to speak with him on the phone and told him how much he meant to me. He was amazed, not that I had been inspired by him, but because other students had contacted him after high school or even college graduation, but not 30 some years after the fact. He had that lasting impact. I treasure our time together.
I read a piece today, not for the first time, but it inspired me to write this article. A rich man was putting a teacher down because her income was nowhere near his own. In addition to what she said to him, I would have asked where he would be without teachers.
I love teaching and my students have ranged from tiny humans in daycare centers to elders in nursing homes. They honor me by allowing me to offer ideas and guidance that could make life more fun and fulfilling. I learn from them as well. I am willing to be teachable.
I have many teachers in my life, including my daughter-in-law, friends, and co-workers. They spend far more time than just that in the classroom. Prep time, post-school day time, even vacation time. They invest their money in classroom design and supplies. They invest their hearts in their students. They are priceless.
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