Firelight

A quotation that the Internet has attributed to one of my favorite poets, W.B. Yeats, asserts that education is not so much about filling a pot as it is about lighting a fire. Now, the Internet has a way of attributing quotations to people who never said them, and it’s considerably doubtful that this one belongs to Yeats. But you know what? I like it anyway. And from a personal angle, firelight is my favorite kind of light - the inviting glow, charm, warmth, and comfort. And, my dad taught me a long time ago that there’s a right way to build that fire.

Learning theory and brain research tell us that no two people learn in exactly the same way. Despite the efforts of terrific teachers, schools can sometimes be systemically unfriendly to those who diverge - which is all of us, if we’re honest. 

So, I take all of that into account when I apply firelight as a metaphor for the work I do with students. I’m ready to help students learn within existing systems, to help them recapture the ignition to restart and reorganize, and to appreciate the glow that comes from achievement.

Have a seat by the fire. - Laura

p.s. - Whether or not Yeats said what the Internet thinks he said, it’s true that fire dances through much of his poetry, and I recommend it.

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