So, as I work on my Dispositions Assignment for my final class in the Master's Degree Program in Education, Language Arts at Auburn University at Montgomery, I am seriously contemplating what makes a "Master Teacher." Does planning, knowledge, integration, standards, and measurements make a Master Teacher? I searched on the web and found many different ideas about defining the Master Teacher. Of course, I have an idea about what I think one should be, but I wanted to survey other's opinions.
The first hit in my search list was for the Five Core Propositions that define National Board Certified Teachers. I see that these are well aligned with the Dispositions that I am having to write about for Practicum. However, I wanted to get some less "rigid" definitions in the words of real every-day teachers. I came across an article by George Corous called "What Makes a Master Teacher?" He spells it out simply and covers each of the more hardened propositions with simplicity.
Right now, I am seeking simplicity. A quieting of the intellect in search of a connection with teaching that goes beyond everything that I have learned in books. I know the verbiage. How to spell out what I "would" do in different teaching situations and in application of all my knowledge, but this exploration is not about that.
Africa is not about knowledge. It is about faith, and humility, and the recognition that a Master Teacher should be much like a Zen Master, never giving answers, but directing those who look to him for guidance towards self-discovery. I am exploring this, in preparation for my teaching opportunities at Makarere University and in Bugabo.
Zen Koan on Study:
EVERYDAY LIFE IS THE PATH
Joshu asked Nansen: `What is the path?'
Nansen said: `Everyday life is the path.'
Joshu asked: `Can it be studied?'
Nansen said: `If you try to study, you will be far away from it.'
Joshu asked: `If I do not study, how can I know it is the path?'
Nansen said: `The path does not belong to the perception world, neither does it belong to the nonperception world. Cognition is a delusion and noncognition is senseless. If you want to reach the true path beyond doubt, place yourself in the same freedom as sky. You name it neither good nor not-good.'
Underlined and italics portion is mine. This really makes me think. Who is the Master? I have much knowledge, but I am not thy master.
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