But, it is not enough for me to believe that students can achieve. It is not enough to believe that in each student, what an e-mail correspondent degradingly called human deserts, there somewhere lies a hidden, untapped well of refreshing, nourishing, cool, sweet water. It is not enough for me to say or write that students are sacred, valuable individuals who are entitled to be treated with trust, dignity, respect. The art of divining for that water is neither easy nor totally mastered. Teaching is not a static craft.
Teaching is a active ever-changing craft of becoming.
It's never perfect. It's never in a state of completion, but is forever developing. Like knowledge which it is supposed to impact, there is never an end to acquiring new concept and insights, but an ever-present and intense desire for more. But, there is more to that dynamism than being creative, productive, sharing, imparting the satisfaction and joy of learning, and to assist others. I am always suspicious whether what I think is my current best is really the best I can do.