A lesson plan worth remembering today

Robert Frost divided society into equal parts, “Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can’t and the other half who have nothing to say and keep saying it.”

In my world, this quote should additionally highlight those individuals who have something to say and then subsequently articulate their thoughts effectively: Teachers.

One person who exemplified that designation was a former high school English teacher of mine. She understood the feelings of others and successfully delivered information and values that changed lives. She taught those who were willing to pay attention how to align everyday solutions with values.

Today, the iPhone, the clock and the calendar are the tyrants of the day. In my day, over time, if I was going to become inspired by someone, it was going to be accomplished through the spoken word and physical observation. I was taught that one doesn’t only learn by proclamation, but also by example. Actions, at times, do speak louder than words.

One classroom memory I have was of her stating that relationships with most people are superficial at best. This comment was delivered well before cellphones seriously impacted our socialization process. “Relationships need to be deepened,” she offered. She implied that with our hurried societal pace, we abandon personal evaluations of others and crave the low-hanging fruit. With that metaphor, I reasoned that the ripened fruit, further up the tree, is always sweeter. Therefore, one has to climb to reach it and that easily takes more time and persistence.

One’s ability to share feelings with others and respect their boundaries, I felt, was the projected end product of her lesson plan. She was and will continue to be, a teacher whose valued solutions are worth remembering.

Robert Simmons

Arlington Heights