"A teacher affects eternity; 

  he can never tell, where [her] his influence stops"

 (Henry Brooks Adams, 1838-1918 )

 

The foundation of this writer's philosophy of teaching is predicated on one simple belief, which is that all children can learn.  When I write for my audience it is another way of imparting information and affecting a child's life. 

From this concept springs all other aspects pertaining to this philosophy. A secondary theorem is that all learning springs from a desire to develop understanding of the world, and it is the responsibility of the teacher to nurture this desire within her/his charges. As a writer I create a world where children can reach out and test the limits of their imagination in safety. 

  Good teaching is primarily based on the premise that every student can learn, show concern for one another, and choose to act responsibly in the classroom.   As an author I allow the child to take their classroom with them.  They carry it with them in their backpack.  The survey it under the covers, flashlight in hand, as they read in the dark of night.

The purpose of teaching is to provide a positive environment where all students can learn and the purpose of my writing is to construct a positive universe for the children who read my books.  

Self-control, respect, cooperation and individual responsibility are the foundation of teaching, and as such, is one of the most important factors for the transfer of learning and future academic success. Students develop abilities and incorporate knowledge through their interactions with texts, other people, and their own critical reflections and insights. My writing is designed to mirror those reflections and insights.

This growing cognition and these attributes are necessarily mitigated according to the students’ background, values, needs, and desires.

  To teach is to inspire, to motivate, to protect, and to serve the new generation.  It is a commitment to the improvement of life and to the human condition.   To teach is to accept the difficulty of the job, knowing that one can never be fully prepared for the experience. (When experienced teachers were asked if their college methods courses truly prepared them for what they are actually teaching today, virtually all said "no".)

The role of teacher is closely related to the theories and views of Dr. Albert Ellis, but also incorporates the work of Dr. William Glasser, Dr. Carl Rogers, and Dr. Thomas Gordon.  As such, the teaching method employed is one of teaching by example. Thus the teacher's role is one of demonstrating appropriate behavior, providing strategies for the students to solve their problems, and pointing out to students when their behavior is inappropriate. Therefore, it then becomes the responsibility of the teacher to develop rational-emotive therapeutic interventions that combine the cognitive, behavioral, and emotive components to teach students that they can effectively combat their own uncomfortable feelings and develop discipline and self-control.

 To be a teacher requires a large investment in time, energy, and money.  It requires a deep commitment, a multitude of talents, and a full measure of patience.  Anyone who directs the learning of others knows that it can be rewarding, but also constantly demanding. Teaching is the wisdom to be able to say the right thing at the right time so a child's self esteem and self-image is not dashed to bits in moments of confusion. Teaching is a natural outgrowth of a commitment to children, to life and to the search for truth.  Teaching is an additional way to contribute to posterity.  To teach is to put into reality the values, beliefs, and knowledge that are central to one's very being.

 

   Mosetta M. Penick Phillips-Cermak, Ph.D.

 The Wishing Flower

I have to admit I don't know much about teaching, but I really learned to value teachers when my son started school. He was determined not to learn his spelling words and I was determined he would. I became so frustrated with the fight week after week, that my husband had to take over the job. Just when I thought the spelling words were over, he started Spanish. I don't know how teachers do it day after day and keep their enthusiasm alive, but I'm grateful they do.

I have always felt that the profession of teaching should be a ministry. Meaning it should be a calling from God. Too many people use teaching as a default job. "I will be come a teacher because I could not get a job in something else or it will help pay my student loans back." I think this is a travesty to our children. There is a distinct difference between teachers who were trained(degree in teaching) and those who are not. When my son was in school I could tell within 5 minutes if a teacher was doing it because this is what they wanted to do all their lives and one who just decided to teach.

I can only imagine the every life of a teacher. I think I would want K thru 2cd grade......

I do author visits to schools every year, mostly during the Australian Book Week in August. I'm exhausted at the end of each day. I don't know how teachers do it.
It's because of my English teacher that I became a writer. He said to me one day, 'you should be a writer'. Look what he did!
Best wishes,
Robyn Opie

Hey Mosetta,
This is your cousin Calvin(Bebe's son)Searching the web I discovered your series of books. Being a teacher for 12 years I would like to incorporate your book in my curriculum. Good luck Keep in touch Calvin Lowry