Quote of the Week:
"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." — William Butler Yeats

Hey there,

Thanks so much for being here.

When we think about teaching, it’s tempting to imagine it as simply filling students with facts and information. But as Yeats so beautifully reminds us, education is much more than that. It’s about igniting curiosity, passion, and a lifelong love of learning.

At the heart of this ignition is the teacher-student relationship — a connection that cannot be replaced by technology, curriculum, or standardised tests. It’s this bond that creates the fertile ground where sparks turn into flames.

I’m sure you can recall a teacher who made a lasting difference in your life. Maybe it was the one who saw beyond your mistakes and believed in your potential. Or the one who listened when no one else did. These stories aren’t just warm memories — they remind us why we chose this path.

Every day, countless teachers quietly shape futures without fanfare or recognition. They are the steady hands guiding curious minds, the gentle voices encouraging effort, and the passionate hearts lighting fires that will burn long after the school bell rings.

So, as you move through your week, remember that your influence matters deeply — even when it feels invisible. The relationships you build are the true legacy of teaching.

Thank you for the fire you light.

With gratitude,
Mathew Green

🎙️ Latest episode of The Art of Teaching Podcast - Professor Sugata Mitra: Unpacking Self-Organised Learning Environments and the enduring role of the teacher.

📚 Something to read: Why Don't Students Like School?: A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions About How the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom.

🎧 Something good to listen to: Oprah and Jacinda Ardern: A Different Kind of Power