Random Thoughts III: Teaching with Love

by Louis Schmier

In Random Thoughts Teaching With Love, we accompany Louis Schmier as he continues his never-ending and often bumpy pilgrimage to tap his own soul, to become "more concerned with reaching for students than reaching the height of professional reputation," and to find ways to be that person who is there to help each student help himself to become the person he is capable of becoming. In this third collection of Louis’ inspiring "random thoughts," Louis asks us and himself to continue to focus sharply on that too often ignored human dimension of teaching. He tells us how he came to understand that teaching with unconditional love brings meaning and purpose to teaching that information, methodology, and technology cannot, and how teaching with love is the cause of more miracles than information, methodology and technology. Louis writes about an understanding burned into his spirit and "a demand that took away from me the option of being resigned, that eliminated the choice of becoming a cynic, that forbade me from ever feeling a hopelessness, that prohibited I lose faith and belief, that did not allow me to become burnt out." In an environment where the needs of students can often get lost in bureaucratic clutter and research deadlines, Louis provides stories and insights that remind us as teachers that teaching requires connecting with students. And the best way to make a connection with anyone is to reach out with love. "Make it a good day!"

Hardcover

First published December 15, 2005