School has been the way we know it for over 150 years. Visions of little red school houses, chalkboards, and children sitting in rows, reading their books, completing their assignments, and watching the teacher stand at the center of the room.
Fun fact- school calendars were actually created for agricultural reasons. They were set in the fall and the winter and allowed children to be home in late spring and summer to help with the farming.
The visions I have presented are absolutely antiquated, without a doubt. Is there a need to change? Of course- change is progress and progress is a good thing. It is necessary in order to move forward and to not only embrace the future but also to learn to excel.
What we do need to consider is that one thing will never change in education! One aspect, no matter how much technology comes along, how may programs can teach content, how many machines invented to make easiers…that thing- well, that “thing” is humanity.
Wiping a tear, noticing how tired they look, listening to their joys, their problems, their stories, their, hopes, their dreams, their successes, their failures, their questions, their answers, their voices.
I consider myself an educated woman. Not only one who holds multiple degrees and certifications, but one who is also educated through life experiences.I know my content, I know my job, I know how to perform and complete the duties that are associated with both teaching and administration.
Oddly enough- it is not any of this that makes me- or any teacher for that matter, a good teacher!
What makes a good teacher, why schools and the people in that building provide each day – goes far beyond and are far more important than anything that can be given in a virtual or online class.
Listen, I have taken many online classes as I went further in my career. In fact, most of my Masters degree was completed online. However, that was as an adult. That was after I was able to take all that I learned in my life and from my wonderful (and not so wonderful teachers) and what I experienced with peers.
There is no greater amount of knowledge and book smarts bestowed than what is given in elementary school. But, we are not merely discussing book smarts. In elementary school we learn to take turns, to share, to listen to others, to play, to collaborate, and to create. Elementary teachers teach us how to handle disappointment, take risks, persevere through challenges, and to succeed.As an elementary teacher ( starting my career in kindergarten)- I can say first hand these experiences are priceless and yes irreplaceable.
Then there is middle school. It has been said that whether positive or negative no one leaves middle school unscathed. Middle school is a time students start to find peer groups, crushes, themselves, and what it is they like best academically. As a middle school teacher for over ten years, I know first hand the amount of emotional growth and turmoil comes with this age group. They come in as children and leave as young adults. They start on their journey of finding themselves. It is both challenging and rewarding and perhaps one of the most important aspects of both social and academic growth.
It is middle school where students develop their own way of thinking and expressing that. It is the classroom where they learn to tolerate and respect others. Whether ideas or accepting differences- the middle school classroom is such an important place .
Then, of course, is high school. So many rites of passage haoppoen during these four years. I guess the Dickens quote, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times”- seems most fitting at times. So much social growth- so many monumental milestones like driver’s license, prom, SAT and AP, college visits, homecoming games, dances…so many memories. Both good and bad- but somehow part of our culture.
Though I have not quoted the common core and standards- I, without a doubt value and understand how crucial the content is that is taught. Think about it, high school offers courses and electives that often create a burning desire in students that lead them to major in what they begin in high school…(myself included).
My reason for this blog is to say yes, I believe there is absolutely a need for change in education. Yes, many of our systems and our curriculum, and even the way many classes are run are, without a doubt, antiquated. Barack Obama once said “never let a good cirsis go to waste”. In some cases, I agree. My hope is that people now understand the social emotional aspect of teaching. The collaboration and exposure to dic=verse opinions, ideas, and people. If we remain purely online, our children will have only a limited scope of knowledge.
Good teachers encourage collaboration and brainstorming, along with the sharing of ideas ina way that Zoom and Google Meet currently can’t do alone. Google and Zoom can’t see “little Joey” shaking his leg during a test. In a class I can see all of those things. I know “little Joey” tends to shake his leg when he is nervous about something. I know that when “little Susie” sits back in her chair, she probably did not get a good night’s sleep. I know my students as people. Three dimensional people who cna pop in and tell me about their day, I pass them in the hallways, I am able to help them with things I can’t possibly do or see through a screen.
I am not saying this won’t change and that they will create technology that is close to life. I think with all change there is discomfort. I also know that when we rush into something and make drastic changes, they are often not well thought out- and there is a lot of “fixing” we need to do because of the rush.
SO, yes we need a change. Yes, this remote learning environment has a great deal to offer to our students. Yes there have been a lot of positive effects of the change to remote learning. With all that being said, there is also a lot of the emotional side of the profession that has really suffered. For both educators and students- the relationships are what we love, where we thrive, and where the best education takes place. Let us not forget that we are not a business full of numbers and bottom lines; we are humans dedicated to nurturing and educating the whole child. We are those who have dedicated our lives to helping shape the future. Teaching is more than content, it is an art and a way of helping those see and be the best versions of themselves. So, as we begin this new chapter in education- do not forget or negate the impact of all a teacher does…