Can a STUDENT be SMARTER than a TEACHER?

Question:

Can a STUDENT be SMARTER than a TEACHER?

:-)

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Dear Lord, I surely would say so!

It takes all kind of minds. I teach, and there are students that leave my intellectual capacity in the dust... luckily, I am not egotistical :) Some teachers are though, and that is a very real concern. Some people cannot stand being *upped* by someone they are supposed to be teaching.

I look at it this way: 'smarter' isn't really the issue. Teaching (for me) is about taking a kid and guiding their interests, exposing them to new things... and yes... learning from them. Whatever the challenge is that the student needs, that is what I need to find. All the students in my classroom are gifts... we are a room of minds and hearts and perspectives.... and that in itself (with an emphasis on effective communication and respect) is a great start to learning anything.

In some way, all students have an area where they are *smarter* than their teachers. Some have all those areas covered! I worry not... I know that I am still needed. :)