Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.–Janis Joplin
Education is going through a transformation here in the United States. There are a lot of changes coming down from the state and federal governments that are increasing testing, accountability, regulations, and mandates. Some of these changes are good for kids, some are not, and some the jury is still out on. One thing I know for sure. The most important element in any student’s education is the quality of the teacher who greets them and excites them to learn everyday. The teachers who are there because they have a deep passion for teaching and a love of learning need to stay where they are. It is because of them that our children reach their full potential. It is people like Mrs. Bloomsberg, my high school English teacher, who showed me the beauty of literature and language with her theatrical readings of Shakespeare and her commentary on ‘reechy kisses’ (from Hamlet Act III, Scene iv). It was because of her that I know the joy of a good story and am able to celebrate the beauty of an author’s message. It is also because of her that I was able to see my own love of learning.
I have been very fortunate in my job to observe many teachers who have been able to open up that excitement of learning in their students’ minds. When you are in the company of these teachers you can see how much they care about their students. Their classrooms are true learning communities where everyone’s opinions are valued and students are not afraid to ‘fail forward’.
The tools may have changed through the years, from slates, to chalkboards, to whiteboards, to SMART Boards, but the importance of the passionate teacher has not. That is why I am saddened when I hear good teachers say they are thinking of changing their profession because of all the added mandates and other changes happening in today’s educational environment. I want to scream at them “NO! Don’t you see your students need you to be there!” Ultimately the only thing constant is change. This goes for education as well. But if you can ride the wave of change, taking what you need, doing what you have to (while still being true to your beliefs), and keeping the focus on kids, it is well worth the ride.
To all those teachers who are passionate learners and truly love the moments in your days when you see the passion of learning light up in your students’ eyes, please know that you are needed and what you do does make a difference. It is important to be true to yourself in all you do, but for the love of learning… keep riding the wave.
Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and to keep it lit.–Mary Lou Retton