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| An Interview with Patricia Foster |
| Miss Foster taught at Morrison Christian Academy between 1975 - 1989. She presently lives and teaches in Vienna, Austria. What influenced or motivated you to become a teacher? I have wanted to be a teacher since my first day of formal schooling in Kindergarten. Considering that, I'd have to say that my desire to teach must have come from God. At 5 years old, I don't think I used much cognitive thought in the decision. :) Many teachers along the way influenced me further toward that profession and helped me see that my abilities lay in the English and History fields. My natural love of teenagers and natural lack of much love for small children, helped me see which level I would be most effective at. What subject did you enjoy teaching most? Although I did love teaching US History too, I must admit that the English classes I've taught were my favourites. Describe your personal feelings and belief about teaching. I can say it in two quotations. "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." - Henry Brooks Adams - "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." - Wm. Arthur Ward - To me, teachers shape the next generation. I always wanted to do all I could to shape the next generation toward God. Was there a time when you wanted to quit teaching? Yes, every year the night before the first day of class. I would view the student lists and the school calendar and freeze with fear. How could I possibly make a difference in all these lives during the coming year? I'm so weak and prone to stumble myself, how could I lead these kids to God? I always entered the classroom the next day in fear and trembling and wanting to run away. It is by God's grace that I never did. What is the most difficult problem you have had as a teacher? Trying to meet everyone where he/she is and helping them to move on from there. Describe the rewards you find in teaching. The rewards are enormous! A life of knowing that you made a difference in some lives, that you helped other people, that you were there for some who needed extra hand, that you pointed people toward God and they found Him - whom to know aright, is life eternal. I wouldn't trade my profession for any other or for a fortune. God definitely chose the right profession for me way back there on the first day of Kindergarten! (Rom. 12:1) Describe your idea of an outstanding teacher. "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." - Wm.Arthur Ward - Also, an outstanding teacher has to CARE about the students more than about the subject matter. In my first year or two of teaching, I had a principal who taught me something of vital importance. He said, "You're not teaching English. You're teaching students." I've never forgotten that. It is key to being a good teacher. Which class did you enjoy teaching the most? Why? Actually, I could name a few classes I didn't like more easily! (But I won't.) I have had many wonderful classes during the years and enjoyed most of my classes. I did (and still do) love the class of '82 very much. :) What do you remember about Class of '82? I remember neat kids who were fun to be with, who were cooperative and worked with me and not against me in the learning environment. I remember intelligent minds developing at the speed of light and wanting knowledge at every turn of the page. You were a great class to teach and I was blessed to be your teacher for 3 years (6th, 7th & 8th) and then again for term paper. Wow! I don't think any other teacher was as blessed as I!! God is good. What is your life philosophy? The only importance of my life is what I can do for God. My highest goal is to please Him. I once heard a quotation in the form of a short poem that says it all. "Only one life, t'will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." Could you please tell us about your life in Austria now? I left Morrison in 1989 and started teaching at Vienna Christian School in Vienna, Austria in 1990. I stayed there teaching English and directing dramas for 8 years. They were important years in developing me toward the person God wants me to be but they were not happy years. Unlike my years at Morrison, I never really "fit" at VCS. I was about at the end of my ability to endure the situation any longer when God opened a new area of ministry for me in Austria. Now I teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to Austrian adults as an evangelistic tool in the churches that my mission (TEAM) has planted or is attempting to plant. If you had told me 20 years ago that I would be doing this and loving it, I would have thought you were out of your mind but it is great. I still get to teach every day and see that "Aha Moment" when someone understands a new idea, concept, vocab word, etc. but I have much less stress than in a classroom with teenagers. (Adults actually do their homework without complaining!) Maybe I'm getting old and wearing out but I'm enjoying what I'm doing very much. Do you have a favourite quotation? Hmm. About a hundred "favourite" ones! I only get one, huh? I've already used several quotations already. How about if I give you my life's verse instead? II Cor. 5:9 and 10 "So we (I) make it our (my) goal to please him, whether we are (I am) at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." Desert Island Selections: Three Books: (not including the Bible) The Complete Works of Shakespeare Passion for the Heart of God by John Willis Zumwalt Into Abba's Arms by Sandra D. Wilson Three CDs: (Do desert islands have electricity??) Any two gospel praise CDs and one classical music CD. Three Movies: (Could I trade in 3 movies for 3 more books? I'm still doubtful about the electricity situation and I don't want to waste my choices on movies.) I don't have any favorite movies, really. Maybe Schindler's List. Bonus Question: Is there anything you could share with us about yourself that would shock us? Sorry to disappoint everyone but I'm a pretty ordinary and boring person, really. Nothing out-of-the ordinary to declare. Miss Foster will be moving in September. Write her via email if you'd like to have her new address. June 2002 |
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| Messages to Miss Foster |
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