I've just decided that teaching is like tending a fire. I can recognize a glimmer, and know it is not yet a spark. I can see a spark and ignite a flame. I can fan a flame and start a fire. I can step back from the fire and watch it burn. I can add fuel to keep the fire burning. I can silently watch a steady burn and delight in the sparks that fly to light new fires. I can poke a burning log to send up new sparks. I can avoid the too-wet fuel that will dull the fire and the too-small twig that will be consumed before giving off heat. I can breathe life into a quietly smoldering timber. I can spot a dying ember and add fuel to spark it anew. I
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