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Copyright © Louis Schmier and Atwood Publishing.
Date: Thu 9/23/2004 4:02 AM
Random Thought: More On My Wall
Boy, am I getting nailed from all corners with accusation of being a
self-serving, egotistical, and self-centered braggart. I'm beginning to
feel like a dart board in a pub tournament. Well, here is my answer,
knowing that more pins will be stuck in the doll.
When it comes to teaching, I have a few questions for a lot of my
colleagues in academe. Why do we closet ourselves? Why do all too many of
us shyly crack the door and fearfully peek out, afraid of making a creak and
bringing attention to ourselves? Why are so many silent about speaking out?
Why is our humility so often so self-effacing? Why do only a very few show
their good works and show-case the life-altering value and power of a caring
teacher for all to see? Why do we feel it necessary to keep it a deep, dark
secret. Why don't we talk out loud in public about how fulfilling teaching
can be? Why are we afraid to celebrate our achievements and demonstrate
that we each CAN change the future? Why are so many of us so self-conscious
about "witness" what my dear friend, Margo Scheelar, rightly calls an
"awe-filled profession?" What is wrong with proclaiming the living power of
being a torchbearer who can show others that they, too, as Margo says, can
"push away the darkness?" With all the reality shows showing off all sorts
of things, why can't we have our own reality show and show off the impact of
something honorable, moral, ethical, important, caring, hopeful, faithful,
and kind? So what if some gets upset or judgmental. Is it so wrong to be
an encouraging, guiding, purposeful light?
Tell me, why is it that so many of us academics demonstrate a pride when it
comes to scholarly accomplishments and an embarrassment when it comes to
teaching accomplishments? Why do so many of us go to such great lengths to
look and be important when it comes to scholarship, to publicly celebrate
and display our research and publications, to display our recognitions and
rewards for all to see, and damn anyone who openly does likewise when it
comes to teaching? Tell me, in the academy, is there something scholarly
and professional and acceptable about scholarship and something distinctly
unscholarly and "non-professional" and insignificant about teaching?
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