Excerpt from: The Heart of a Teacher

Excerpt from: The Heart of a Teacher by Paula Fox
The child arrives like a mystery box...with puzzle pieces insidesome of the pieces are broken or missing...and others just seem to hide
But the HEART of a teacher can sort them out...and help the child to seethe potential for greatness he has within...a picture of what he can be
Her goal isn't just to teach knowledge...by filling the box with more partsit's putting the pieces together...and creating a work of art
The process is painfully slow at times...some need more help than otherseach child is a work in progress...with assorted shapes and colors
First she creates a classroom...where the child can feel safe in schoolwhere he never feels threatened or afraid to try...and kindness is always the rule
She knows that a child can achieve much more when he feels secure insidewhen he's valued and loved...and believes in himself...and he has a sense of pride
She models and teaches good character...and respect for one anotherhow to focus on strengths...not weaknessesand how to encourage each other
She gives the child the freedom he needs...to make choices on his ownso he learns to become more responsible...and is able to stand alone
He's taught to be strong and think for himself...as his soul and spirit healand the puzzle that's taking shape inside...has a much more positive feel
The child discovers the joy that comes...from learning something new...and his vision grows as he begins to see all the things that he can do
A picture is formed as more pieces fit...an image of the child withinwith greater strength and confidence...and a belief that he can win!
All because a hero was there...in the HEART of a teacher who caredenabling the child to become much more...than he ever imagined...or dared
A teacher with a HEART for her children...knows what teaching is all aboutshe may not have all the answers...but on this...she has no doubt
When asked which subjects she loved to teach,she answered this way and smiled..."It's not the subjects that matter...It's all about teaching the CHILD."