To the Editor:
I just finished reading (for the third time) the outstanding Commentary by Eric Fox in the Dec. 14, 2011, issue (“Reflections From the Classroom: Every Child Is At Risk”). In this powerful essay, Mr. Fox nails the essence of true teaching—probably the most difficult job on the planet when done the way he describes it. The last four paragraphs could well serve as the basis for a required seminar course prior to the certification of any teacher.
There is a sense of urgency that is expressesd by Mr. Fox when he says: “The bottom line is that today, not tomorrow, I’m going to view each student in those desks differently. If I view each of them more as what they can become—instead of where they are now. ...” And, “What disturbs me is, what would happen if I didn’t take this view? What if we don’t take this view?”
Hooray for Mr. Fox. This reflection, from this classroom, certainly speaks well for this teacher, for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and for the school district of Jenks, Okla.
Jerry Hamm
School Board President
Coffeyville Unified School District #445
Coffeyville, Kan.
