I think the most significant thing I learned from her was that she took the time out to know each student personally, and encouraged their positive strengths. Little children are sometimes difficult to be around, but Ms. Steinhardt was patient, nurturing, and understanding. The children respected her fully, but at the same time, they were not intimidated by her stature. I learned to be more patient and less anxious about arising problems. Even though the field work lasted for only a semester, I still use the knowledge I'll always take with me from that experience.
People act according to different levels of empowerment.
Education can cause people to feel disempowered if they feel helpless in a learning situation. For example, if students were not allowed to ask questions, then a sense of disempowerment would probably wash over them. I have felt empowered, both, as a teacher and a learner. In the first instance, whenever I see learning taking place, my response is a self-fulfilled empowered feeling knowing that students have gained knowledge. As a learner, I have felt the most empowered when a teacher seems willing to help, and explains material in a clear and uncomplicated manner.