5 Latin Quotes to Live By

5 Latin Quotes to Live By

by Shawn McCusker

Non omnia morir-

Not all of me will die.

As teachers we have the ability to leave behind lasting legacies of our work.  We give life to ideas and patterns of thinking that have true power.  What will you leave behind? What is it that you will teach that will survive well after you?  The ideas that we teach, the skills that we share, the processes that will demonstrate will survive long after we do.  

Gutta cavat lapidem-

Water hollows put rock

Of all the forces of the Earth, the simple movement of water may not be the most glamorous but is the most powerful in its persistence.  Mountains are laid low by the constant but simple effects of rain drops.  Grand Canyon, enough said. The process of education requires that we be very persistent in much the same way.  Focus on what is important and tenaciously pursue it.  Never quit.  

Ut sementem feceris ita metes-

As you sow so will you reap

In life and in our classes we live in a world that we create for ourselves. We live according to the rules that we create for ourselves.  Especially in the classroom, who we are and the lessons we teach become the patterns that run the class.  Create an environment of respect. Create an environment of cooperation. Create an environment of trust.  You will find that everyone in your class will benefit. In return your reward will be working in a place that embodies all of these characteristics.  

Et lux tenebris lucet-

And a light shineth in the darkness

Everyone has their stresses, worries and obstacles.  Every day we teach a collection of students who are bringing theirs into our class.  In what way does your class move them past this and draw them in to what you have to teach.  Classrooms that are a beacon to students allow them to put aside these obstacles and distractions.  Make your classroom a hopeful inspiring place.  


Vae Victus-
Woe to the vanquished

You are only defeated when you give up.  Year after year students will enter our classrooms and struggle.  Every year we will have to face them, address their needs and help them to overcome their .  Every day is a new challenge.  In between the times that teaching is so rewarding, it can be exhausting. When you get to that point take some time, reflect and find your passion.  Go read the letters of the of the students whose lives you have changed.  Focus on what you set out to do when you became a teacher.  Despite the difficulties that we face, the politics that arise, the time that we spend and all of the other realities of our job, in the end it is very simple.  Teach them well.