Maria Vamvalis is an educator living in Toronto.

I have discovered through teaching in that the teacher is learning just as much as everyone else in class.

I believe that children possess a wisdom that can transform the world.

I work with children every day in my role as an educator. I never fail to find inspiration in the words and actions of the young souls in my classroom in response to the pressing issues facing our world.

I have worked with idealistic, intelligent adults in efforts to bring about social and global change. Yet it is my work with children that has given me the most potent reasons to move beyond despair, beyond hope even, and into sheer, unbridled optimism.

In our study of environmental issues in class, it is my students who truly get it. They see the issues so clearly, not devoid of complexity, nor unaware of competing perspectives. Their clarity pierces to the core of the issue and their articulation of their truth pushes into the depths of sometimes slightly brittle and misguided adult hearts that must respond, “Yes, of course”.

Naomi, age 12, recently presented a speech as part of our school’s Earth Summit. She wrote:

“Look out the window. What do you see? You see tall buildings; you see giant smoke stacks that are so tall they look as if they are touching the sky. What do you smell? You smell what our world has become, you can almost smell the greed! We want everything, not need it, but want it! Don’t you see? We’re letting go the things we once treasured. So many animals are going extinct, so many things have been destroyed, so many trees are being cut down! We need to open our eyes and see what we are doing to ourselves, to each other, to our earth.”

Twelve years old.

She made me weep with her determination.

And then there are Genny and Julia, also age 12, who created their own website about climate change; Caitlyn and Rachel, who created a website on the importance of fair trade. Of course there is Ryan who wants the get the entire planet to switch to renewable energy by 2050; Sara who writes exquisite poetry about the trees; Emily who understands discrimination; and Taylor who creates preternaturally wise stories about the lessons the earth still needs to learn before it becomes a peaceful, sustainable society. And the list goes on. Every one of them a jewel glittering with possibility.

I read the daily paper and I crave seeing their faces in positions of power. How the world needs their spunk, their indignation, and their insight. I cannot wait for them to meet the future they will create. They are seeds waiting to cultivate a re-enchanted garden.

The paradox I have discovered through teaching in that the teacher is learning just as much as everyone else in class. The Latin root of education is educereâ , which means “to bring or lead out”.

My students hold a mirror to me, and demand that my belief in them triumph over any doubts or fears.

They lead out my belief in a better world a sacred vision safe once again in their strong and gentle hands.

For This I Believe, I’m Maria Vamvalis in Toronto.