The Two Weeks of Christmas Come to an End...

I spent Christmas break visiting with fellow educators; some former teachers, some current teachers, and a former principal it has been my great honor to have taught under. Surprisingly, try not to be shocked, our conversation always managed to meander around to education.

Some of us have experienced education abroad; some have been educated in America alone; some were educated privately, some publically. All of us worry. We spoke of the lack of rigor in many classrooms today; the idea that “content-free” time was something to aspire to; that whether a child was having fun was more important than if they were leaning; the view that students shouldn’t be pushed, challenged, or held accountable - can't damage their self esteem, sarcasm intended. We debated the pros and cons of Common Core; “no homework” policies; “grade free” or “no zero” policies; parent involvement and/or the lack thereof; the politics so prevalent in many districts that handcuff teachers who want desperately to do what’s best for kids; the way a few “nutters” give the rest of us a bad name; the way parents, legislators, and alas, some administrators, have no clue what really goes on every day in classrooms across this country. We discussed “teaching to the test” and how this causes American education to be, in large part, a million miles wide, but only a quarter of an inch deep. We discussed the growth of the charter school movement and what that meant for the future of public schools. We solved all of the problems with education at least three or four times; then had another cookie, a glass of eggnog, and played another hand of Rummikub.

As I think back on the hours of conversations had over a two week period, I realize that salaries, or the lack of, was never mentioned. The focus of every conversation was kids, what was best for kids, what they needed to be successful in school and life, and what we could do to make that happen. I was reminded of why teaching is a calling, not a job, and why I became a teacher to begin with. It was good to remember that there are many fantastic teachers who love kids and want them to learn, grow, and be successful. In short, it was good to remember that I am not alone. Teaching, for all that you are surrounded by kids, can be a lonely profession. For those of us struggling daily to do what’s best for kids, sometimes against insurmountable odds, it can be overwhelming, depressing, and thankless.

I will return to the classroom on Monday refreshed; with a renewed sense of purpose and desire to fight for my kids and their right to an excellent education that will help them be all I know they can become. I return with the knowledge that one teacher can change a child’s world, and that love is an amazingly powerful thing. And isn’t that really what this season is about: refreshing, renewal, reflection, and most of all, love.