Writer's Workshop - Humble

Talk about an experience where you felt humbled. 

A former colleague of mine,

helped set up a trust school

here in Lusaka.

A few years ago,

she went to Project Zero

and brought back her knowledge,

not only to our school,

but to Mukwashi Trust as well. 

Every so often,

she would ask the teachers at our school,

if we would mind hosting some 

Mukwashi teachers.

The teachers spend the day

observing our classroom.

This apparently is really useful for them

and they get a lot out of these visits.

The teachers at Mukwashi are eager to learn.

Like children,

they are sponges,

eager to soak up new knowledge.

This week,

one of our teachers

organised a visit to Mukwashi.

It was out turn to observe them.

Judah,

the director,

had asked we provide 

feedback.

I was prepared to give some advice.

I was not prepared

to have been inspired.

These teachers are unbelievable.

They have taken 

thinking routines

to a new level.

I observed the grade 1 classroom.

I have 20 wild students in my classroom.

This teacher had close to 30.

As much as I try to keep my voice level down,

when students get loud,

or out of control,

my tone increases.

This teacher spoke in a soft tone.

The whole time.

Even when 2 students were fighting on the carpet

she did not flinch.

She knew her focus was on the students

eager to learn.

She made me realise

that a teacher is a facilitator to 

students' learning.

Not a disciplinarian.

She definitely humbled me.