Entries tagged with teaching

In writing a review of two books on child-study (an early term for child psychology), my great grandfather wrote:

Teaching is an art; teachers are artists, and those who would enter the "profession" should recognize the necessity of special training for the work. The American public is slowly coming to see that education is not simply a formal process; that a teacher needs something more than the capacity to read a text-book prescribed by an unscientific board, and to hear the children "recite" their lessons; that the education of young children is one of the most important subjects that can occupy the public mind, that it should be in the hands of experts, and that it is worth paying for.

That was in 1896. I think "slowly" is too generous a progress estimate. I look forward to the day that America really comes to see that educating children is worth paying (properly) for.

I'm a little sad, thinking about one of the great teachers I've known, who passed away just recently.

Col. David Dick taught biology at my school for decades and volunteered for several local museums even after he retired from teaching, even doing research and answering mail for at least one of them from his home when he wasn't able to go to the museum any more. It's a revelation reading the comments from his colleagues there in the guest book for his obituary.

He and his wife, who died many years before him, were great friends to my parents, to my sisters, and to me. I remember him sitting with my dad over a scotch before dinner, puzzling out the mysteries of life (or just the crazy behaviour of people). I remember him lecturing in class with animation, wit, and the sine qua non of all good teachers--the ability to engage students in the subject and make them want to learn for themselves. I remember him joining in with the fencing club I and some of my fellow students started with the help of one of the other science teachers. In his 60s and pear-shaped, he was still more nimble and deadly than any of us kids.

I am sad that such a warm, smart, vibrant person is no longer among us, but at 97 he had a pretty good run. If there's any sort of afterlife, I imagine he and Dad are already sitting about with the Ballantines and a couple of glasses, chatting about plants or printing or oysters.

And if there's no afterlife, he's left behind him the greatest accomplishment I think anyone can--the fond remembrance and respect of almost everyone who ever met him.

Slainte mhath, Colonel!

teaching

RIP: David W. Dick