"FOR TEACHERS & EDUCATORS"
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"Teaching is the profession that creates all others.
I teach. It's kinda like having a love affair with a rhinoceros."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Liz --- Singapore
"Once children learn how to learn, nothing is going to narrow their mind.
The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious,
To have one idea spark another."
Marva Collins --- Sent in by Nora Magnus --- Singapore
"I am a Teacher. I was born the first moment that a question leaped from the mouth of achild. I have been many people in many places.
I am Socrates exciting the youth of Athens to discover new ideas through theuse of questions.
I am Anne Sullivan tapping out the secrets of the universe into theoutstretched hand of Helen Keller.
I am Aesop and Hans Christian Andersen revealing truth through countlessstories.
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, usingorange 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 famefor humanity...Booker T. Washington, Buddha, Confucius, Ralph WaldoEmerson, Leo Buscaglia, Moses and Jesus.
I am also those whose names and faces have long been forgotten but whoselessons and character will always be remembered in the accomplishments oftheir students.
I have wept for joy at the weddings of former students, laughed with glee atthe birth of their children and stood with head bowed in grief and confusionby 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, taxidriver, psychologist, substitute parent, salesman, politician and a keeper ofthe faith.
Despite the maps, charts, formulas, verbs, stories and books, I have reallyhad 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 giftsare in what I am willing to appreciatively receive from my students.
Material wealth is not one of my goals, but I am a full-time treasure seekerin my quest for new opportunities for my students to use their talents and inmy constant search for those talents that sometimes lie buried inself-defeat.
I am the most fortunate of all who labor.
A doctor is allowed to usher life into the world in one magic moment. I amallowed to see that life is reborn each day with new questions, ideas andfriendships.
An architect knows that if he builds with care, his structure may stand forcenturies. A teacher knows that if he builds with love and truth, what hebuilds 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 toexperience, but you the public, the parents. For you have done me the greathonor to entrust to me your greatest contribution to eternity, yourchildren.
And so I have a past that is rich in memories. I have a present that ischallenging, adventurous and fun because I am allowed to spend my days withthe future.
I am a teacher...and I thank God for it every day."
Copyright © John W. Schlatter --- Submitted by Kathryn Sahagun ---Ontario, Canada
"Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one."
Malcolm S. Forbes --- Sent in by Jennifer Y., Age 19 --- Florida
"We worry about what a child will be tomorrow,
Yet we forget that he or she is someone today."
Stacia Tausher --- Sent in by Jan Schumacher --- Pennsylvania
"I've never been popular. I was never a cheerleader or even on a sports team. I had a little group of friends and hardly ever had a boyfriend. So when I got the phone call that my best friend, all the way in New York, had taken his own life it hit me as hard as it possibly could have.
It was the start of a downward spiral that lasted for six months. I thought, wasn't it enough I lived in Illinois and my best friend, the only friend I could confide in, lived in New York? I couldn't see how someone who was so special could do something so wrong.
For weeks I didn't tell anyone, I just walked through life like a zombie. My grades slipped, not that they were all thatgreat, but they still suffered. None of my so-called friends knew what had happened and I guess no one really cared because no one asked me what was wrong.
But then one day my gym teacher, Mrs. Verbeck, asked me if somethingwas bothering me and I asked her if she really cared. She responded byputting her arm over my shoulders and replied of course I do.
The tears burst out. It felt so good to know someone cared. She took me to her office and I spilled everything that I was bottling up. Somehow she put it all together through my sobs. We talked for the rest of the school day on why people take their lives and how important it is to let people know how you feel.
She made me glad I was alive which was a feeling I hadn't felt in so long. As we all know miracles don't happen over night. I didn't come to school the next day and all of a sudden have friends that cared and good grades and everything I wanted. But as the weeks and even months went by a group of people I have grown to know as friends accepted me as their friend.
At times still, I feel they don't know the real me on the inside but I stick through it and I'm always glad they're there for me. When I'm going through bad times they're always there. Someone always asks me how I'm doing.
So if ever this gets out publicly, and Mrs. Verbeck happens to read it, I want to thankher because I never have before.
I want to thank you, Mrs. Verbeck, for changingthe life of the tear-stained, heart-broken child. You literally may have savedmy life.
Anonymous --- Age 16 --- Illinois
A TEACHER'S SURVIVAL KIT FOR EVERYDAY LIVING
"TOOTHPICK-reminds us to look for the good qualities in our students.
You may be the only teacher who says something positive to them that day.
RUBBER BAND-reminds the teacher that they have to be flexible.
Things don't always go the way we plan,
But flexibility will help to work it out.
BAND AID-reminds the teacher that sometimes we do more than teach,
That we help heal hurt feelings, broken dreams,
And lend an ear to a problem.
PENCIL-reminds us to be thankful and we should list our blessings daily,
But also encourage our students to list their blessings
And to be proud of their accomplishments.
ERASER-reminds us to allow students to know we are human
And make mistakes just like they do, and it's ok.
We must all be able to learn from our mistakes.
CHEWING GUM-reminds us to stick with it
And encourage our students to do like wise.
Even the impossible task or assignment can be accomplished
By sticking to it.
MINT-reminds us and our students we are worth a mint.
(We may not be paid a mint, but are worth one.)
CANDY KISS-reminds us that everyone needs a hug,
Kiss, or warm fuzzy everyday.
(All teachers, students, parents, and even administrators)
TEA BAG-reminds us we need time to relax,
Go over our blessing, and take time for others.
Family, husbands, wives, friends, children need quality time together.
A teacher must be willing to show their students how much they care!!!"
Original Author Unknown
--- Adaptation for teachers by Charles Nelson and his fellow teachers
--- South Carolina
"There are three kinds of teachers in the world:
Those who make things happen,
Those who watch things happen,
Those who wonder what happened.
Which do you want to be?"
Original Author Unknown
--- Adaptation by Robert Gervais --- Quebec, Canada
"At the beginning of grade seven, I got a new teacher. Mrs. Hedican. I thought, she's pretty nice. That was only the first day. If you have a teacher pegged as nice the first day, they are super.
But Mrs.Hedican wasn't just a wonderful teacher. She quickly became a friend. I found myself going in early some days to gab, if she was in the class.
When you talked, she listened. She was always there for you when you needed a shoulder, or someone to laugh with. She didn't hide personal information like her age or anything. She treated us like the mature kids we were trying to be.
One day, we went to an Art Gallery. The trip was nice enough, and she liked taking us. After, we went for a nature walk, and she decided to footrace the fastest kid in the class!
We all figured we knew who would win, and we were right. The kid did. But Mrs. Hedican almost beat him, and she wasn't even out of breath!
At my Confirmation, I asked my favorite teacher to be my sponsor. Just in case you don't know, a sponsor is someone who guides you in the Catholic faith. She agreed, and I had the time of my life at my Confirmation.
When my parents separated, she was there to listen, and comfort me in a way only a dear friend could. I know she would have done no less for any other student. That was just her way. She even gave up recess when I really needed someone to listen.
The last time I saw her was a year and a half ago, at the end of grade seven. She was moving to North Bay. But she didn't give up even then.
She gave her new address to anyone who wanted it! She was and is still one of the best teachers I have had the pleasure of knowing. That's why this story is inspirational to me. We are still pen-pals, and every time I get a letter, she is touching my life again."
Copyright © 1999 Laura Butler --- Ontario, Canada
"Education costs money, but so does ignorance."
Sir Claude Moser --- Submitted by Jackie Gray --- California
"A teacher who is attempting to teach,
Without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn,
Is hammering on a cold iron."
Horace Mann (1796-1859) --- Submitted by Sharon Ogden --- Kentucky
"The teacher who is indeed wise
Does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom
But rather leads you to the threshold of your mind."
Kahlil Gibran --- Sent in by Nora Magnus --- Singapore
"The direction in which education starts a man
Will determine his future life."
Plato --- Sent in by Jennifer Y., Age 19 --- Florida
The Miracle of the Beginning Reader
"I wriggle and I jiggle
And I rock upon my chair.
I wiggle my loose tooth,
And I twirl a strand of hair.
I chew on several fingers
And I sometimes suck my thumb.
I tap the reading table,
Like I'd play upon a drum.
I kick my foot with rhythm
Lose the place where I should look
I rub my nose and clear my throat
And sometimes drop my book.
I look outside the window
And I look down at the floor.
I pay very close attention
When someone's at the door.
I close my eyes and rest my head:
My teacher's heart must bleed.
But is spite of all of this
I'm learning how to read!"
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Deanna Gaeta --- California
"The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles,
But to irrigate ditches."
C.S. Lewis --- Compliments of Robert McLain --- Texas
"Inspired teachers...cannot be ordered by the gross from the factory.
They must be discovered one by one,
And brought home from the woods and swamps like orchids.
They must be placed in a conservatory, not in a carpenter shop;
And they must be honored and trusted."
John Jay Chapman --- Compliments of Nora Magnus --- Singapore
"Through enthusiasm, attitudes and ideas, or lack of these attributes,
A teacher communicates messages that are sometimes more important
Than the subject matter itself. "
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Liz --- Singapore
"We accept responsibility for children
who like to be tickled,
who stomp in puddles and ruin their new pants,
who sneak Popsicles before supper,
who can never find their shoes.
And we accept responsibility for those
who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,
who are born in places we wouldn't be caught dead,
who never go to the circus,
who live in an x-rated world.
We accept responsibility for children
who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money,
who cover themselves with Band-Aids and sing off key,
who squeezes toothpaste all over the sink,
who slurp their soup.
And we accept responsibility for those
who never get dessert,
who don't have any room to clean up,
whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser,
whose monsters are real.
We accept responsibility for children
who spend all their allowance before Tuesday,
who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food,
who squirm in church and scream in the phone,
whose tears we sometimes laugh at and whose smiles make us cry.
And we accept responsibility for those
whose nightmares come in the daytime,
who will eat anything,
who have never seen a dentist,
who aren't spoiled by anybody,
who go to be hungry and cry themselves to sleep.
We accept responsibility for children
who want to be carried and for those who must,
for those we never give up on and for those
who don't get a second chance.
For those we smother...
And for those who will grab the hand
Of anybody kind enough to take it."
Copyright © Ina Hughes --- Sent in by Deanna Gaeta --- California
"A good teacher remembers what it was like to be taught
By their favorite teacher."
Copyright © Robert McLain --- Texas
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."
Henry Adams, The Education of Henry Adams
--- Sent in by Jennifer Y., Age 19 --- Florida
"Not many of you should presume to be teacher, my brothers, my sister,because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."
James 3:1 --- Sent in by Veronica, Age 14 --- New Jersey
"Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire."
William Yeats
Teachers
"Teachers are full of patience
Teacher never give up,
And won't let you give up either.
Teachers take students seriously.
Teachers care in their sleep
Teachers see the genius
In every drawing, poem and essay.
Teachers make you feel important.
Teachers also help others.
Teachers never grow old.
Teachers stay famous in their student minds,
Forever."
Author Unknown
"Teaching should be full of ideas, not stuffed with facts."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Jennifer Y., Age 19 --- Florida
"There are no hands so small
That they cannot make a difference in the world."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Gail Paul --- New Hampshire
"You can teach a lesson for a day, but if you teach curiosity,
You teach for a lifetime."
Anonymous --- Sent in by Robert McLain --- Texas
"It is the supreme art of the teacher
To awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge."
Albert Einstein --- Sent in by Nora Magnus --- Singapore
"It is better to build children than repair adults."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Kerrie --- Australia
"In a completely rational society, the best of us would aspire to beteachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something less,because passing civilization along from one generation to the next ought tobe the highest honor and highest responsibility anyone could have."
Lee Iacocca --- Submitted by Deanna Gaeta --- California
A Teacher...
"Inspires love for Singapore
Keeps the sense of wonder alive
Cares deeply about morals and character
Urges enterprise, innovation,
Curiosity and creativity,
Seeks to learn continuously
Knowing that life never stands still
Challenges students and helps them
Find the potential within themselves
Believes there is no greater calling for
Influencing the young than being a teacher."
Ministry of Education --- Submitted by Eunice Tan Y.L. --- Singapore
"You can pay people to teach,
But you can't pay them to care."
Marva Collins --- Sent in by Liz --- Singapore
"A Teacher
Takes a hand
Opens a mind
Touches a heart
Shapes the future"
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Veronica, Age 14 --- New Jersey
"The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values."
William Ralph Inge --- Sent in by Jennifer Y., Age 19 --- Florida
"In years to come a child may forget what you taught them,
But will always remember how you made them feel."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Carol Massengale --- South Carolina
"Those who can laugh . . . last."
Stacy Lynn Skinner
"I am a teacher! What I do and say is being absorbed by young minds whowill echo these images across the ages. My lessons will be immortal,affecting people yet unborn, people I will never see or know. The futureof the world is in my classroom today and this future has potential forboth good and bad. The pliable minds of tomorrow's leaders will be moldedeither artistically or grotesquely by what I do.
Several future presidents are learning from me today; so are the greatwriters of the next decades and so are all the so called ordinary peoplewho will make the decisions in a democracy. I must never forget these sameyoung people could be the thieves and murderers of the future.
Just a teacher? Thank God I have a calling to the greatest profession ofall! I must be vigilant every day lest I lose one fragile opportunity toimprove tomorrow."
Dr. Ivan Fitzwater --- Submitted by Deanna Gaeta --- California
What Is a Teacher?
" A teacher is someone
who sees each child
as a unique person
and encourages individual
talents and strengths.
A teacher looks beyond
each child's face
and sees inside their souls.
A teacher is someone
with a special touch
and a ready smile,
who takes the time
to listen
to both sides
and always tries to be fair.
A teacher has a caring heart
that respects and understands.
A teacher is someone
who can look past disruption
and rebellion,
and recognize hurt and pain.
A teacher teaches the entire child,
and helps to build confidence
and raise self-esteem.
A teacher makes a difference
in each child's life,
and affects each family
and the future of us all."
Copyright © Barbara Cage
--- Compliments of Cynthia Ramírez --- San Germán, Puerto Rico
"To teach is to touch a life forever."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Jennifer Y., Age 19 --- Florida
"The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires."
William Arthur Ward --- Sent in by Robert McLain --- Texas
--- Author's name supplied by Jennifer Yontz --- Florida --- 9-3-99
"One of the beauties of teaching is that there is no limit
To one's growth as a teacher,
Just as there is no knowing beforehand
How much your students can learn."
Herbert Kohl --- Sent in by Nora Magnus --- Singapore
"Children, a great way to grow people."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Gail Paul --- New Hampshire
"What the great do, the small prattle about."
Author Unknown --- Sent in by Judith Richmond