The Path of the Teacher

"My underlying philosophy when teaching, whether my students are young or old, willing or indifferent, is to empower, not just enable; to share my fierce passion in the unwavering pursuit of truth and beckon others into my personal vision of what can be attained through knowledge -- which, through action, then experience, leads to wisdom; to cultivate the seeds of all these ideals and allow them to grow in individual hearts and minds, like tender vines, climbing ever-skyward, reaching persistently for the Light. Facts, figures, and alphabetical symbols are merely tools to take on the journey; attitude, belief in self, and imagination are what truly encourage one's steps. What remains for many is the dormant reality that, after they've opened their eyes -- awakened -- they will finally see that we are all in this together, as fellow students in the classroom we call daily life. I strive greatly to create a clear-cut collection of expectations in this not only intellectual atmosphere, but physical, emotional, and spiritual as well -- with structure, yet flexibility; with discipline, yet fairness; with purpose, yet humor -- for those wide-eyed, teachable moments." ~ Vernon Amaro