I Am a Fool Teacher

This book is an educational essay written over several years by an author who has lived as a middle and high school teacher and poet for over 30 years. It calmly unfolds the wisdom gained from working closely with students in schools that are "never paradise" with children who are "never angels." The author calls himself a "fool teacher." And for good reason—by readily opening up to students, some call him by his first name as if he were a friend, some nonchalantly touch up their makeup right in front of him, and there are even students who suddenly appear and poke him playfully. But instead of scolding such students, the author welcomes those who approach him in any way and tries to understand their hearts first. This is because he values encounters with students more than hasty discipline. To fellow teachers who are growing weary from conflicts with students, the author suggests not blaming the changed students but rather taking one more step toward them. He gently urges them to be wary of "model student-centered thinking" and "excessive sense of mission" and to escape the temptation of "the fast, convenient, and easy path."