Rare Breed

This is my 3d day of my on-line participation in Harrogate IETEFL conference. The plenary by Tessa Woodward was a bright beginning of the whole event – thought-provoking, humourous, well-presented. According to her classification I’m close to become a veteran teacher but avoiding stagnation and “stale breath of routine” has always been a part of my professional life. This conference is real career refreshment to many thousands of teachers of English around the globe. Watching all these professionals at work is an extremely enjoyable experience (3E – how do you like this abbreviation?). I can’t help thinking that teachers are a rare breed, special people and I’d like to share the fun definition of a teacher.  I found it on a cup I bought in Minnesota with a nice-looking dinosaur picture.  Like all cups it didn’t last long but I keep the inscription from it:

Teacherasaurus

n. 1. A conscientious creature dedicated to the education of her students.

2. Any extremely patient beast who can withstand rambunctious pupils, humorless administrators, insane parents and still be happy teaching.

3. A tireless animal who works twelve hour days teaching, planning classes, grading test papers, and keeping peace in the classroom
 

What is your definition of a new century teacher?