Lessons from a first-year teacher
I have learned the meaning and value of humility.
And last, I have learned that I am only one person, but my power as a teacher will extend further than I could ever have guessed.
O the wisdom of new teachers. Yet most of us value teachers with more experience, because we know the challenges of the profession. Time provides perspective and helps improve practice. But the young remind us to look with fresh eyes.
Molly Ness’s wisdom shows her fresh eyes and heart––and with humility. She has found wisdom. She was willing to see her work for what it really is.
Some teachers, having taught for years, become jaded. Ness reminds them––and us––to see anew. We know that we will not see our work as we experienced it in our first year. Those moments come once and only once. But we would be wise to look back to remember and learn.
As Ness says, “I have learned that I am only one person, but my power as a teacher will extend further than I could ever have guessed.” She understands what being a teacher means and for all of us what being who we are on our path means. We would be wise to heed her words.
In these perilous times, we need all the wisdom we can get. Pay attention to it whenever you are in its presence. Use it to further good. And in Ness’s words, go further and “make personal sacrifices for the greater good.” We need to now more than ever.
