I am... (2)

I am a teacher.

I confess that

I am indiscriminate

When it comes to subject matter.

I will learn anything

You are willing to teach me.

I will absorb, analyze, manipulate

Disassemble, reconfigure, integrate

Devour and then extract.

And whatever I extract

Must Be Shared.

I am compelled to share

That which I believe

Others can use.

The delight of acquisition is incomplete

If it is mine alone.

My criteria for sharing

Is based on the needs

Of the individual in front of me.

Knowledge and understanding are marvelous

But to what end.

How does it equip, enhance

Encourage, or empower the learner?

For me each new piece of information

Each applicable concept is a gift.

Gifts can be a blessing or a curse

Timing is everything to the value of a great lesson.

Too soon and the knowledge itself

Increases the burden or

Becomes incorrectly devalued

Too late and trust is lost...

"Why didn't you tell me?"

I'm a bit of a snob

When it comes to education

I tend the think of those who withhold information from me

As arrogant and stingy and

Those who share with generosity as heroic and noble.

I am greedy to know more...

I wrestle, I steal, I pry

I acquire by numerous means

Some less noble than others.

Telling me that I shouldn't learn

Or that it is a waste of your time

To teach me something is the equivalent of

A red cape to a raging bull.

I will charge regardless of the sword you wield.

I am a teacher and to deny me

Is to deny those that I teach.

You will not mess with my students.

I am their teacher and therefore

I am their champion and

I will fight passionately and persistently

On their behalf.

They belong to me and I belong to them

It is my point of connection

Within this journey we share.

Come take my hand

Let's go together.

You can teach me and I can teach you

It is who we are

It is what we do.

I am a teacher and you are too.