I am a Teacher

I come to you as a work in process

I bring my childhood past

Can you accept my humanness?

I am a teacher

I come to you as a learner

I bring truth as I perceive it

Can you hold the questions with me?

I am a teacher

I come to you as only one voice

I bring my gift of self

Can you hear the many voices that shape identity?

I am a teacher

I come to you with the charge of “social panacea”

I bring a crowded curriculum

Can you and I withstand unrealistic expectations?

I am a teacher

I come to you with hope

I bring my faith in God

Will you journey with me in the mystery and mess of life?

Di Priest (Written Nov 2005 after reading a poem titled ‘I am a child.’)