Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, some more and some more and some more....
While many are snow-weary and snow-spent, I'm just one pull away from firing up my turbo-charged, XLT-Hubba-Hubba SnowThrower Deluxe™. Bring it, Winter.
With this recent blast, I've been granted another respite from the academic rigors of high school. Snow Day #8.
In addition to grading some papers, I began reading Dr. Gregory's book, The Seven Laws of Teaching. When I discovered this literary nugget, I knew I had blog fodder.
"Unreflecting superintendents and school boards often prefer
enthusiastic teachers to those who are simply well educated or experienced.
They believe, not without reason, that enthusiasm will accomplish more with
inadequate learning and little skill than the best-trained and erudite teacher
wholly lacking in zeal. But why choose
either the ignorant enthusiast or the educated sluggard? Enthusiasm is not confined to the unskilled
and the ignorant, nor are all calm, cool men idlers. There is an enthusiasm born of skill – a joy
in doing what one can do well – that is far more effective, where art is
involved, than the enthusiasm born in vivid feeling. The steady advance of veterans is more
powerful than the mad rush of raw recruits.
The world’s best work, in the schools as in the shops, is done by the
calm, steady, and persistent efforts of skilled workmen who know how to keep
their tools sharp, and to make every effort reach its mark."
-Dr. John Milton Gregory, The Seven Laws of Teaching published in
1884.
Oh, this is going to be a good day and an even better read.
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