Teaching, no matter what age or level of sophistication, requires that the educator find a balance between many things, not the least of which are love and discipline.  Some may question whether love and discipline could possibly balance out, especially a rebellious teenager, but it is true.  An educator must be an officer of the law who will define, explain, and inforce the rules that make the classroom go round.  But that educator must also have the capacity to be compassionate and loving towards the students.

An article in the New York Times describes one such man at a private school in Manhattan.  Click here to read the full article.  He sets forth clear expectations, although some would deem them clearly unreasonable, and doesn't shy away from inforcing them.  He also has a heart for his student.  They mean something to him.  He doesn't abuse his position of power but he uses the rules and expectations to communicate his love for the students. 

It's a tricky balance to find, no doubt.  Some teachers are way too loving and allow their students to dictate their classrooms, even down to the day's activities.  Some teachers get high off of the power of inforcing their rules.  But the best educators are ones who clearly define their rules and expectations, inforce them, and get to know their students as individuals.