The famous French essayist Joseph Joubert wrote, "To teach is to learn twice." I have found it to be the absolute truth. Not only does the teacher learn it once for herself and again when she teaches, she remembers the truths longer and perhaps more accurately after she’s served them up to her … [Read more...] about Learn THRICE at VBS
Teachers
How to Thank a Teacher
Did you know May 2-6 is Teacher Appreciation Week? For six years I’ve been an occasional substitute teacher in our local elementary schools. During one of those years, I subbed long-term for three different teachers on maternity leave. To say it was an “eye-opening experience” would be a vast … [Read more...] about How to Thank a Teacher
The Unseen Work of a Teacher
A few years ago I heard a call-in radio show honoring teachers. A Michigan man with a slight Arab accent told a story I can’t forget. In the 1970s, when he was in elementary, his family moved from Iraq to Michigan. Can. You. Imagine? One day at school his teacher had pulled down the world … [Read more...] about The Unseen Work of a Teacher
Are You a Teacher?
Maybe it's been a long day, or a long week, or a long 8 months. And you know you've been going to work every day, but you're not sure if you're a zookeeper, a prison warden or a teacher. I understand how that can happen. I spent a few days in the classroom last year as a substitute teacher, and I … [Read more...] about Are You a Teacher?
Teachers: We Salute You!!
After spending approximately 20 weeks as a substitute teacher in my local school district, my participation in Teacher Appreciation Week is not optional. I've had an extended close-up view of this little community called a classroom, and I’m amazed there are humans (I might argue they are … [Read more...] about Teachers: We Salute You!!
Growing Gratitude and Generosity
The students were completing on a series of their own yearbook pages, a school scrapbook of sorts. There were pages detailing their likes and dislikes, goals and fears, handwriting samples and illustrations. And sprinkled throughout the pages were thought provoking questions like this one: What … [Read more...] about Growing Gratitude and Generosity