I was reading a chapter in RJ Rushdoony’s book on education entitled, “The teacher as student.” Was reminded that a good teacher must first be a good student. The best teacher is not one who has a PhD but one who is constantly learning and growing in his knowledge and who imparts this passion of learning to his students.
Rushdoony wrote, “Learning involves, among other things, discipline, a desire to learn, and communication. We cannot give others a desire to learn if we do not have it. Most good teachers enjoying studying. A teacher can teach pupils how to read, but a love of reading comes in part from a teacher who shares it.” Again he says, “The teacher who does not grow in his knowledge of his subject, in methodology and content, is a very limited teacher, and his pupils are “under-privileged” learners.”
Finally he concludes with these very sound words, “Our growth in teaching requires our growth through and under the teaching of the Holy Spirit. We must become good learners as a step towards becoming good teachers. Our profession is a very great one in Scripture: our Lord was a Teacher, and the Holy Spirit is our continuing Teacher. We cannot treat our calling lightly, nor grieve the Spirit by abusing our calling.”
