Here's To Great Teachers

I stopped at Olga's this morning for breakfast.

Not unusual. I do it most mornings, especially now that I sleep at our new house, then travel back to our rental to shower.

Olga is the treasure of Boquete. You are greeted each morning with a big hug, smile and warm welcome. And, the food is great.

This morning, she sat down and had a conversation with me...in Spanish, for 15 minutes.

I didn't think I knew enough Spanish to actually converse. It was Olga that made it possible.

She loves the language. Each word rolls off her tongue with perfect enunciation, slowly relishing the Spanish.

She teaches everyone who eats at her restaurant a tiny piece of Spanish, each time she sees them. Over the weeks and months, you can pick up some Spanish just by eating at Olga's. And, she doesn't charge for that.

This morning as we talked, she would get thrilled with each phrase or sentence that I put together. I could tell she really enjoyed helping me. This expression of joy and appreciation over the smallest accomplishment is the hallmark of a great teacher.

I have noticed that a great teacher must first have mastery of the subject. You would think that mastery would bring a persnickety attitude with it but more often that not, the teacher is genuinely happy with the fledgeling success.

I noticed this with both Yella teaching singing and my acting teacher teaching acting. Both of them are masters of their art and both of them appreciate the smallest progress.

I have watched the acting teacher laugh at a poorly delivered line when I certainly wouldn't have laughed, but he did. He actually thought it was funny. I could see it in his face.

I have watched Yella smile and nod at a student that sounded like a choked rooster at dawn after a tiny modicum of progress.

This morning as I conversed with Olga, I watched my reaction to her encouragement. It helps...alot.

So here's to the great teachers, may you keep it up and move us sorry, pathetic students down the road of learning.

Thank you!