I came across this description of teachers from one of my favourite browsing sources. It highlights a number of expectations which I think are valid, and not easy to fulfil. I’ve copied it twice, because the Desert Fathers also includes Desert Mothers!
A teacher ought to be a stranger to the desire for domination, vain-glory, and pride; one should not be able to fool him by flattery, nor blind him by gifts, nor conquer him by the stomach, nor dominate him by anger; but he should be patient, gentle, and humble as far as possible; he must be tested and without partisanship, full of concern, and a lover of souls.
—Benedicta Ward, Desert Christian
A teacher ought to be a stranger to the desire for domination, vain-glory, and pride; one should not be able to fool her by flattery, nor blind her by gifts, nor conquer her by the stomach, nor dominate her by anger; but she should be patient, gentle, and humble as far as possible; she must be tested and without partisanship, full of concern, and a lover of souls.
—Benedicta Ward, Desert Christian
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