A Teacher's Reflection

Though I teach with skill of the finest teachers and have not love,

I am only a clever speaker and a charming entertainer,

and though I understand all techniques

and try many methods

and although I have much training,

so that I feel competent, but have no understanding

of the way my students think and feel, it is not enough.

And if I spend many hours in preparation

and become tense and nervous with the strain,

but have no love and understanding

of the personal problems of my students, it still not enough.

The loving teacher is very patient, very kind;

is not shocked when people bring him or her their confidences;

does not gossip; is not easily discouraged;

does not behave in ways that are unworthy,

but is at all times a living example to his or her students

of the good way of life of which he or she speaks.

Love never fails--

But whether there be materials,

they shall become obsolete; whether there be methods,

they shall become outmoded' whether there be techniques,

they shall be abandoned; for we know only a little,

and can pass on to our students only a little;

but when we have love then all our effort will become creative,

and our influence will live forever in the lives of our students...

And now abide skill, methods, love, these three,

but the greatest of these is LOVE.

(anonymous adaptation of 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13)