[tmtranscripts] Bethera on 'The Teachers' Instruction Process'

[Susan Kimsey]

Half Moon Bay, CA     06/22/96  (excerpt)

J:  Bethera, do you have any comments relevant to the issue that we
were discussing about the method that the Teachers use that seems to
be so effective?

Bethera:  You are referring, now, to the model of the relationship of
the Teachers, themselves, in their process of instruction with the
students of the Teaching Mission?

J:  Yes.

Bethera:  This is understood, now. We, of course, would be most
pleased if you would, indeed, model yourselves upon the manner and
attitude that we evidence in our work.  Is it not so that all Teachers
feel greatly complimented when their students do, indeed, receive
their instruction, and look to them as mentors, modelers, shapers of
their own attempts to understand, learn, and instruct others?  This
is, indeed, a high compliment to us.  And, we are most appreciative in
seeing you all develop your own sense of this relationship, and how
you can offer it to others, J.

J:  Thank you.

Bethera:  You are most welcome.  Do you wish further commentary from
me, now?

J:  I have a hunch that this sort of personal mentorship that Teachers
offer and exert within these groups is something I+IBk-d like to emulate.
And, we+IBk-re better off to do it...(inaudible).  If you have any
insights on how I could do that, I+IBk-d appreciate it.

Bethera:  I would say that some of the common traits you have
witnessed among us are such attributes as loyalty to our students, to
our curriculum, to our leaders, a sense of forgiving kindness and
gentle patience in the way in which we interact with our students.
+AFs-Smiling+AF0-  We know we often repeat ourselves, and we accept that this
is necessary.  We see you as willing and desirous of more and more
information.  And, as is so often the case, we recognize, that as you
seek further topics to be discussed, you have not necessarily done the
homework of what we have already offered, and we are most desirous
that this part of our curriculum be attended to, also.  Just as when
you, also, wish to offer information to others, you are most
appreciative when they not only receive this information, but, indeed,
take the time to read and study it.  This is an essential part of true
acquisition of whatever knowledge you have offered, and we, too, seek
this industrious attitude within you, our students.

I would say that a further way in which we hope you relish us is that
we do, indeed, love and care so strongly for each other.  We are good
companions in our work, J.  We are considerate and, indeed, well aware
of the efforts and demands that have been placed upon each of us in
our work, and we are considerate of each other+IBk-s efforts.  We respect
and appreciate what we see in each other+IBk-s work.  We frequently visit
each other in our work, and readily provide feedback and a sense of
appreciation for all efforts made.  We are most pleased when we see
the same sense of consideration and appreciation develop among all of
you--those times you take the moment to thank those who have provided
work, materials, conveniences, perhaps, the homes or locations in
which you gather.  All ways in which this Teaching Mission manifests
itself consist of efforts made by the human participants within this
Mission.  And, we do not wish any of you to feel 'taken for granted,'
as it were, in your work.  Therefore, we hope that our model of
appreciation and respect for each other as Teachers will, indeed,
infiltrate, penetrate, and shape your own sense of yourselves working
together.  Is this enough on this topic, now?

J:  Yes.

Bethera:  Very well.

Half Moon Bay, CA Teaching Mission Group