In a company meeting, a sales executive elaborates on expanding a market. Let us guess what other staff is doing in the meeting. One may have tuned out, and others may be busy thinking about their response. Most embarrassing, some of them may be counting the minutes until lunch. It is also a concern on a school campus. ‘Teacher’ seems to be trained articulate but never a listening professional. We expect our kids to listen all day, but how often do we do the same? How often do we actively listen to the feelings of students, parents, or colleagues and seriously consider what they have said before responding? More often, we interrupt. “When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen ― Ernest Hemingway.” When we are willing to slow down and listen authentically, we open our minds to new thoughts and cultivate a community where people always feel understood and respected. I am sure listening has to be a core training of teaching professionals. Next time someone speaks to us, try not to interject, not to think of a response, but only look at the speaker and listen. “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent- Proverbs 10:19.”