What a teacher ought to be - Benchmarks according to the Desert Fathers.

One of my favourite definitions of the character and calling of a teacher. And an ideal worth persevering towards in daily practice and vocational accountability.

A teacher ought to be a stranger to the desire

for domination,

                vain-glory,

                             and pride;

one should not be able to fool her by flattery,

               nor blind her by gifts,

                             nor conquer her by the stomach,

                                           nor dominate her by anger;

but she should be patient,

        gentle,

             and humble

                as far as possible;

she must be tested

      and without partisanship,

              full of concern,

                    and a lover of souls.
     —Benedicta Ward, The Desert Christian (Ref details lost - sorry - need to do some more CPD on referencing :)