The Most Human

Dr. Henry Selby, Headmaster All Saints’ Episcopal School, Morristown, TN

Last Sunday I was sitting high atop a ridge (about 3,400 feet!) in the Cumberland Mountains, having arrived at the spot only after a grueling 18 mile backpacking experience. But it was wonderful! I was with a large group of friends, and together we pondered the glory of the natural world.

As I was sitting at White Rocks, for that was the venue, I recalled a line that I had read years ago in an accreditation manual. It said, “A school is the most human of all institutions.” The thought behind this pithy statement had to do with the vast range of growth, development, emotions, and literally everything that makes us human. There is physical and intellectual maturity; there is joy along with sorrow; triumph and tragedy. Everything from personal hygiene to clothing styles to social bonds takes place within the walls of a school. Ultimately, these experiences form themselves into the school’s culture.

As a theologian it was easy for my mind to wander to what we refer to as “the fall”. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, we believe that we were banished from Eden. Unable to return, we struck out across the desert, finding an oasis from time to time. Our tradition does not teach that life is easy, but it does promise that we do not have to go through it alone. This concept is the embodiment of truly great classrooms, teams, and indeed schools.

Some years ago I heard that there is only one thing upon which all theologians agree: God loves variety. Sitting there on that ridge top, looking at the natural world, surrounded by friends with differing gifts and talents, I was struck by that thought as well. And once again, the variety offered by a school touches the infinite! If indeed it is within a teacher’s abilities to awaken each child’s natural genius, then let’s get busy! We are nearing the end of a traditional school year. It is a time when the students are ready for something new . . . and so are their teachers! But it would serve us well to remember that there is always time to celebrate the infinite variety in the most human of all institutions.

“Henry G. Selby, headmaster of All Saints’ Episcopal School in Morristown, is a popular speaker at seminars, conferences, civic events, and professional development meetings. He would be delighted to speak at your next meeting. Please call the school for more information.”