Teaching is a profession in which capacity building should occur

Hear the words of Randi Weingarten, champion of the teachers’ calling, who declared: “Teaching is a profession in which capacity building should occur at every stage of the career—novices working with accomplished colleagues, skillful teachers sharing their craft, and opportunities for teacher leadership.” These words ring like the sound of a bell across the ages, calling forth the truth that teaching is not a stagnant duty but a living journey. It is not enough for the teacher to begin with zeal; one must continue to grow, to learn, and to pass on wisdom, for the calling of the teacher is both to cultivate minds and to be cultivated by the fellowship of one’s peers.

At the heart of this saying lies the truth of capacity building. A teacher is not born complete but becomes greater through practice, reflection, and the wisdom of others. The novice who first stands before students trembles with uncertainty, yet beside the accomplished colleague, their roots are strengthened. The master, in turn, who has walked long in the halls of learning, does not hoard wisdom but shares their craft—guiding, modeling, inspiring. Thus the circle is unbroken: every teacher both student and mentor, every stage a chance to grow.

History offers us shining examples of this truth. Consider the great Academy of Plato, where the master trained his disciples not only to repeat ideas, but to wrestle with them, to test and refine them. Among these disciples was Aristotle, who would one day surpass even his teacher in breadth of influence. Yet Aristotle himself became a mentor, guiding Alexander the Great, whose vision reshaped the world. Here we see Weingarten’s words reflected: the chain of learning is a sacred lineage—novices learning from the accomplished, and the skillful passing their craft to others, so that knowledge and wisdom may grow ever stronger.

But Weingarten adds yet another jewel to her teaching: the importance of teacher leadership. For the role of the teacher is not only to instruct behind closed doors but to rise as a leader, shaping schools, communities, and the future of society itself. A teacher who has honed wisdom is not meant to hide it, but to lead boldly, showing others the path. Consider Maria Montessori, who began as a humble educator but, through her vision, transformed education itself. She exemplified the power of the teacher who not only shares craft but leads with courage, ensuring that the profession itself grows richer for all.

This wisdom is also a rebuke to arrogance and complacency. For there are those who, having taught for many years, believe they have reached the summit and have nothing more to learn. Yet Weingarten’s truth reminds us that teaching is a path without end. Every stage, from novice to master, is still a stage on the journey. Knowledge changes, children’s needs evolve, and society demands new skills. To stop learning is to betray the calling. To embrace growth at every stage is to honor it.

What, then, is the lesson for us who listen? It is this: to teach is to join an eternal fellowship. No one walks alone. The young must seek wisdom from their elders, not with pride but with humility. The experienced must share, not with arrogance but with generosity. And all must be ready to step into leadership, not for self-glory but for the flourishing of the profession and the generations yet to come.

Therefore, beloved seekers of wisdom, let your practice be this: if you are a novice, cling to mentors and learn. If you are seasoned, share your craft freely. If you are accomplished, rise into leadership, guiding others toward excellence. For the teacher’s path is not a ladder to climb alone but a circle of growth, where each generation strengthens the next. And remember always Weingarten’s eternal truth: teaching is a profession where growth must occur at every stage, where wisdom is shared, and where leadership blossoms from learning. This is how the garden of humanity is tended, and how the flame of knowledge is kept alive across the ages.