What metaphors for language learning and teaching appeal to you? That was the question posed to students as the topic for their personal essays.
In my classes, I often talk about how I find language teaching to be similar in many regards to coaching a basketball team. In both, teaching the fundamentals is of course important, but equally important is giving students/players time to practice. Both coaches and teachers must know when to work their players/students hard and when to encourage them gently. They must be good motivators, and they must set good examples for their learners by modeling good skills themselves.
I could go on, but I'd rather let you read what my students have to say. I like to encourage students to find their own metaphors to explore, based on their own interests and teaching/learning styles.
I'm always amazed by their creative metaphors. Over the years, I've had students compare language teaching and learning to everything from tending a garden to learning how to tango. And this semester my students have not disappointed:
In the first metaphor essay, Evening B Class student So-Yeon humorously and creatively explores the similarities between English teachers and a coffeeshop baristas. When I first read the title, I have to admit I was a little skeptical, but in the end I was pleasantly surprised by all of the clever connections she manages to draw between these two seemingly dissimilar professions. 
The second metaphor essay comes from Alicia, also from the Evening B Class. In it she beautifully draws parallels between the courtship and commitment of sweethearts and the relationship of a dedicated teacher to her students. Her insight into both roles would suggest that she must be good at both. Enjoy!
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