Thursday, March 9, 2017

I am an Educator Hero! I am responsible for Your learning, and Yours, and Yours . . . .

Today I will be responsible for the learning of 163 twelve-year-old minds and bodies that walk through my classroom door and for the health, safety, and welfare of 532 students that attend my school! Piece of cake, I got this, I am prepared. These are the thoughts that run through my mind.
I have prepared a variety of exciting and engaging learning activities. My students will love this class, it will be what they look forward to every day. Then I hear some of the student responses - I’m Scared! There is nothing to be afraid of here at school. This is a safe place. No one gets beat up at school. Don’t be afraid, focus on learning, it is important. I’m hungry! There is no food at home. Didn’t you eat breakfast? Don’t be hungry, focus on learning, it is important. I’m sleepy! Didn’t you sleep last night, you need to get a good night’s rest. Don’t think about being sleepy, focus on learning, it is important.  I can’t be his partner; he’s dirty and he smells! He has to have a partner, he needs you and he wears the best and cleanest clothes he has. Don’t think about him being dirty, focus on learning, it is important. I have no friends! What do you mean? Everyone likes you. Don’t think about it, focus on learning, it is important.  I can’t concentrate, my dad left, now it’s just me, my brothers and sisters, and my mom! I am so sorry your dad is gone, it will be alright, don’t think about it, focus on learning, it is important.

These are real conversations that occur every day, in every classroom, in every school. These perceptions that students share with their teachers and principals are their reality, and as educators these realities must be confronted and solved before real learning can occur. The educators that accept this charge are heroes! Let’s not even think what statistics would be like if our society didn’t have the educator heroes performing their very important role. Instead let’s focus on how our educator heroes succeed in the face of these challenges. In good schools, teachers, students, parents, administrators, and support staff all accept their respective role as vital to the success of the learning community. The learning community is big, it is important, and it requires engaged participants at every level. No member of the learning community is on their own, they all feel the support of the community. The learning community is collaboration at its finest! To educator heroes across America – Thank You! You got this!

 -- Phil Baca