Though I teach in ways that are pleasing
to the administrators, but do not have
love for the children, I am no better than
a foghorn or a loud speaker.
And though I am proficient in the science of
padagogy, and hold certificates in all
advanced degrees, but do not love my pupils,
all of my degrees are worthless.
And even though I have studied child psychology
and know all about the id and about environmental
conditions, yet if I do not actively love my
children, it profits very little.
And though I know the subject inside and out,
and have a very good blackboard manner, if I
have not love in my heart, I achieve precisely nothing.
Love makes a teacher have infinite patience --
love searches out every avenue, during class or
on my own time, to be helpful to a backward child.
Love does not try to manipulate children -- does not
talk down to them, nor try to turn them into fan
clubs who will idolize their teacher.
Love does not insist that every child progress
at a uniform speed, pleasing to the teacher,
and makes allowances for individual endowments
and differences.
Love has good manners, and respects even a child
as a whole person in the sight of God and of men.
Love is not touchy or temperamental, and does
not take out the frustration of home on the
children in class.
Love teaches children to be forgiving by
showing that we as teachers do not hold
grudges against them.
Love does not point out or ridicule the
slow-learners but rejoices exceedingly
when they make progress.
Love knows no limit to its patience, no
end to its hope, and no fading of its
encouragement.
It is, in fact, the one quality that denotes
a Real teacher -- and a Real person.