I am asked to present a syllabus
As a teacher, it is my duty
to organize and recognize
extend and defend
the most important values
of our education
in America
today.
I have a problem with this.
Not because it is difficult for me
A woman of faith and passion
to extend or defend values
especially the most important ones.
But because I believe
the most important ones
were erased from the chalk boards
of our classrooms
long long ago.
Here is my syllabus:
I will teach my students to write-
with a voice of confidence
and conviction
in who they are
and what they stand for.
I will teach my students to read-
books that speak truth
poems that drip passion
and everything else
with discernment of spirit.
I will teach my students to speak-
soft enough to force the room to listen
and loud enough for the world to hear
with annunciation and clarity of mind
so all who listen may understand
and believe.
I will teach my students to live-
as equals with one another
with humility among their neighbors
and pride against those who oppose them.
And if they cannot do so
with proper grammar and spelling
I will fail them.
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