Teacher Talk: The Truly Great

By Debby Hepburn

Ah, Happy Winter, a greeting I don’t believe I’ve ever offered, and which I must say is the best example of an oxymoron I know; yes, even better than bittersweet or jumbo shrimp, and certainly not as palatable or tasty to this devotee of warmer weather, which I define as 35 degrees and above, accompanied by dry roads, suitable for safe walking.

I certainly don’t begrudge the skiers who may be euphoric and the many devotees who love this season, which already feels like a year to me, and for them, the best may still be ahead, so all right, “Happy Winter to all of you,” genuinely stated this time.

One of the best parts of winter, I admit, is looking outside as the snow falls, happily ensconced on a couch by a window, watching winter in its majestic glory.

Book in hand, a colorful Flair pen at the ready, two cups of tea with lemon, and a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Whole Almonds Bar, what bliss.

The book opens and who knows what’s ahead, just like life itself, unless I’m rereading its compelling contents, so I already know what delights await me.

And yet, each reading and rereading brings simultaneously similar and different reactions, depending on all that has happened before the book is opened again.

A reader’s experience is also influenced by every reading experience she has ever had, including every book, magazine, newspaper, and letter she has ever read.

Often, when I returned to one of my teaching books for its annual presentation, and as I prepared to introduce it to my classes, what should have felt repetitive and even onerous after almost 40 years of teaching it, became a deeper and more meaningful personal experience for me, which I hoped I could express and embody for my students.

I looked forward to and reveled in rediscovering my favorite lines; I loved knowing where they were and how the writer led readers to powerful and poignant moments, decisively and eloquently.

In class, I especially enjoyed our discussions, where students responded vigorously to the text while listening to each other’s responses with attentive consideration and mutual respect.

Of course, I piped in with my comments and reflections ...