A Speech on Teaching

Well, I'd make a long speech, but . . . I don't speak any English!

Seriously, considering all the fine teachers at Collins Hill, I am very honored to be standing here. Upon his retirement, Andre Agassi said: "The greatest applause that any person will receive in their life is from their peers. To have them applaud you is the ultimate compliment." I thank you for that compliment. All I'll say is that I work very hard for our students. Yet one is supposed to work hard. That's nothing to boast about.

Clint Eastwood said of his Oscar for Unforgiven: "Take the work seriously, but don't take yourself seriously and you will do well for the rest of your life."

I take working with immigrant students very seriously. I like the challenge of working with downtrodden students in impossible situations. I like it when it is said: "We're not going to make Average Yearly Progress because of ESOL pupils!

I like the chance of standing in the midst of a student's linguistic darkness and shining the lamp of language and knowledge. I believe in presenting richness, as opposed to mediocrity; it is an excellent way to help pupils find and enjoy truth and excellence in life. I like the idea of helping students broaden their minds as they are introduced to the variety and richness of the world. I seek to extend the parameters of students’ thoughts and awareness to topics they would not encounter without schooling by engaging pupils in speaking language, reading words, thinking ideas and creating visions that they would not formulate without passing through my class.

I find satisfaction for knowledge is cyclical in my room. I learn from the students as they, hopefully, learn from me.

Building language and helping students gain diplomas, puts them on an equal footing with their peers in this society. I love the sense of justice in that.

I feel that my students from many nations have dignity, thus there is a spirit of respect for one another in my classroom.

I want all of my Eagles to soar!

As handsome as this trophy is - eventually it will tarnish and fade. Yet, the work of a teacher has longevity. There are many good teachers who never are nominated for teacher of the year. Yet we all do our jobs faithfully. Good teaching involves leading students to gain understanding of our subject matter. We also use our understanding to give counsel to teens. We are wise in our words and actions of instruction. There are days when we guide students to stay within the rules, and days when we are people of mercy. We cheer on the pupils of promise and encourage those who are weary. Students remember our words and actions. Last year I received an e-mail through Classmates.com - a troubled student I taught in 1980 took time to thank me. This means that all effective teachers are teachers of the year. The good news is that this is not just for 2006, but for years and years to come. Our lessons and deeds are not forgotten. A dedicated teacher has a posterity which will continue forever. It will not be blotted out. We are all teachers of many years to come.

I’d say more, but I have some papers to go and check!

Thank you very much.