An excerpt from

The Heart of a Teacher

by Paula Fox

.

The child arrives like a mystery box…
with puzzle pieces inside
some 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 see
the 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 parts
it’s putting the pieces together…
and creating a work of art

~*~

The process is painfully slow at times…
some need more help than others
each child is a work in progress…
with assorted shapes and colors

~*~

First she creates a classroom…
where the child can feel safe in school
where 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 inside
when 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 another

how to focus on strengths…not weaknesses
and how to encourage each other

~*~

She gives the child the freedom he needs…
to make choices on his own
so 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 heal
and 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 within
with greater strength and confidence…
and a belief that he can win!

~*~

All because a hero was there…
in the HEART of a teacher who cared
enabling 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 about
she 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.”