One more small note in defense of having some sort of curriculum to guide the practice of teachers who are not yet quite as great as they might one day be. Many of the terrific ideas that creative teachers, like Susan Gaer, Loren McGrail, or Susan Finn have shared on this list, never make it into the minds and hands of other practitioners. And I know many a teacher who feels overwhelmed by the many great teaching ideas that are out there. But they don't know where to start or how to create learning experiences that build on each other and lead to somewhere. And even if they hear about these things, they wouldn't quite know how to set them up or how to keep the ball rolling or how to fit them into the rest of the class.
Teacher quality is the key to all learning.
I believe that most teachers, irregardless of their level of creativity and originality, entered this profession with the expressed purpose of helping people. Some may need guidance, some may need crewstive teaching materials, and some may need daily observation and direction. I think it has to be excellent materials, well thought out curriculum, and relevant training.