Faculty




Paul Smith, Ph.D - English

psmith@jacksonprep.net
Sr. High
769-257-4380


Here are a few things I have learned over my eighteen-year teaching career:

Students will generally perform according to the teacher's expectations.

No amount of intellect and preparation can substitute for passion.

On the occasional passionless day, knowledge and preparation can save your life.

There is joy in learning.

Students demand to be challenged. Even when they don't know it.

I teach students, not literature.

Students respect a teacher who respects them.

Discipline and routine are good; rigidity and predictability are bad.

A classroom must have a balance of justice and mercy.

There is joy in teaching.

A teacher must not be afraid to try new methods, even at the risk of failure.

Students learn in a variety of ways.

A teacher's first task is to listen.

I can be moved to tears, in the classroom, by the power of words.

An effective teacher teaches students how to learn.

A sense of humor is a classroom essential.

Teaching is learning.

Assumptions must be challenged.

Sometimes learning feels like loss.

When you don't know, don't pretend you do.

A good teacher is dedicated, thorough, consistent, demanding, and compassionate.