A Poet's Eye in the Classroom

It is not uncommon for those of us who work with high school boys to be asked why we do what we do. Articulating the profound depth of purpose this career holds can be challenging. Some might say that our students keep us young, amusing us with their jokes and new trends each year, or that we take great satisfaction in witnessing their academic success. Others might note the transformation of young men from silly freshmen into seniors ready to take on the world.

However, the deeper sense of purpose goes beyond these observations. It lies in recognizing that our young men know no limits, for better or worse. They offer us a direct pathway to change the world because they are our future. This awareness drives us to guide, inspire, and shape these young minds, ensuring they reach their boundless potential.

Mrs. Lesley Clinton, a cherished member of the Strake Jesuit faculty, has truly embodied this understanding. From the start of her teaching career at Jesuit, Mrs. Clinton has demonstrated the passion and joy of teaching ignited by her own teachers throughout her educational journey. In every aspect of her work, Mrs. Clinton embodies the contemplative eye of the poet, seeing the divine in her students and guiding them with love, care, and a deep commitment to their holistic development. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of teaching, where every lesson is an opportunity to glimpse eternity and recognize God's hand in shaping the future.

This passion, along with her deep love for the students, has inspired Mrs. Clinton to work every day to ignite the same spark in her students. She delights in uncovering and nurturing hidden talents, particularly in writing, helping students realize their gifts and guiding them toward publication opportunities.

Over her career, watching her students grow, face challenges, and develop their character has deepened her appreciation for the potential within each young man she comes to know. She has noticed a profound shift in her students' approach to literature. She explains, “They are more eager to engage with difficult topics and lead discussions, expressing themselves with newfound confidence and insight. Yet, they often resist the contemplative pause,” a challenge Mrs. Clinton embraces by encouraging them to marvel at the world and their own potential. “Working with all boys brings its own unique energy,” she reflects with a smile. Their curiosity and humor keep her on her toes, ensuring she remains at the top of her game. “Their questions and demand for relevance push me to continually reflect on the ‘why’ behind my teaching methods,” Mrs. Clinton states. As she described the many opportunities she has had to learn from her students, she smiled and reflected on how grateful she is to help them recognize their own potential and ability to validate themselves. She treasures the moments when her students engage in discussions filled with alternative viewpoints, which she describes as profoundly insightful.

Drawing from her love of poetry, Mrs. Clinton views teaching through a unique lens. "The poet's eye is a contemplative eye," she explains, "It sees the world with a glimmer of eternity, recognizing God's fingerprint in everything." This perspective has shaped her relationship with her students, transcending the mere transfer of content and fostering a deeper connection that anchors her teaching in love and ensures each student feels valued and understood.