Killing Mosquitoes and Keeping Practice: Teacher Education as Sustaining Paradox

• In Event: Confucianism, Taoism, and Education: Wisdom and New Insights in Education

Abstract

Self-awareness in front of class is fundamental to teaching and this paper argues that the moral and ethical charge of teaching and teacher education includes sustaining equanimity and paradox and maintaining poise. Part of the development of such self-awareness is well-served by the application of the selected chapters of the Tao Te Ching (Lao-Tzu, Feng & English Translation, 1972), specifically number 40, practically translated by Nagel (1994), as “something comes from nothing, nothing comes from something,” (p. 121) and Number 45, “tranquility is more important than perfection,” (p. 133). The paper will conclude with a nod to imperfection, in Chapter 71,“Knowing ignorance is strength. Ignoring knowledge is sickness,” (Feng & English, 1972, 71).

Author

• David Lee Keiser, Montclair State University