The Minerva Prize, aptly named for the Roman Goddess of wisdom is long overdue and illuminates just how significant excellent teachers are in the life of a child. “Only Connect”, an imperative for making ties toward understanding and compassion is at the heart of education. By rewarding superior teachers for their excellence and inspirational qualities the Minerva Prize calls attention to the imperative for teachers to connect with their students. The passport to making connections is the passion a teacher has for their subject matter and for their students. Passion like the common cold is easily caught.
When it comes to educating children, teachers and parents, a child’s first teacher, must work together. Parents have the responsibility and opportunity to make sure teachers receive bright and motivated children, ready to be impassioned learners.
The Minerva Prize calls attention to teachers who are innovative, passionate and dedicated. Excellent teachers and parents make for excellent students. It is as simple as that. I eagerly look forward to hearing about the new university the Minerva Project expects to open in fall 2015. With seven sites around the world, intending to draw “the world’s brightest and most motivated students,” with a tuition half that of today’s elite private schools, this is exciting news that could impact the world of higher education which is in much need of being shaken up to better adapt to today’s world. I would bang down the door to enroll!
