Choosing Humanity

Tonight I spent my evening honoring this guy...my boss but more importantly my friend for 17 years.  I should have known my life was about to change, when I arrived home the evening before my first day at my new job to a phone message from Bob, welcoming me and telling me not to be nervous.  And if that wasn't enough.....I should have known, when on my first day he talked to me not about lesson plans and class schedules....but improving the quality of life for these kids.

Tonight there were stories told, memories shared...Bob was humble and gracious about all that he has done...all that he has created in "Bob's School."   We laughed, we cried.  We laughed...because Bob is...well....a one of a kind character...and oh the stories that are out there floating around about him.  We cried....because we miss him in the every day...and because of how very honored we are to know him.

But of all the things that were said tonight....there was one thing in particular, that just sticks with me...that has added to some things being discussed recently between I and my colleagues...and that I just can't shake. One of Bob's friends was recounting experiences of their early days working with kids.  He spoke about kids that were not successful in the regular classroom setting....and how they took them out of the classroom and took them hiking and took them to farms and ..."let them enjoy being human beings."

With all the changes in education and the introduction of the common core....I am left wondering....often ....if the humanity has been taken out of education.  Many people have a story of someone....some teacher who somehow inspired them to be better...go further...reach higher.  Not every teacher is stellar....I have experienced...painfully....some who are not. But for every teacher who isn't so great....there are 5 phenomenal educators who are totally committed to what they do.  The teachers who have inspired have not done it through textbooks, or exams or requirements that needed to be met.  They have done it by seeing something in their student...a spark, or just knowing that a student could do more with a little encouragement or maybe some unorthodox means.  They have used creative ways to engage that student and make them realize their own potential and have helped them strive for more.  I worry that such humanity is being pushed out of the classroom....out of education by regulations and achievement levels and exams.  I worry about the next generation of kids who are losing out on some teachable moments, some inspiring teachers....because those teachers are trying to improve scores and keep their jobs.  It's hard to dance with the devil on your back...my new favorite saying...because that is what I see teachers being asked to do.  And in the end...when humanity is taken out of education...the kids will suffer, and our society will suffer.

And so tonight, I am inspired by Bob... yet again, because he has inspired me a zillion times before, to keep the humanity in my classroom.  In spite of the schedules and achievements and testing....I will do what Bob and I discussed  on my very first day...and what has always been of primary importance to me.  I will do what I can to improve the quality of life for all of my students....and all of those I work with as well.  I choose  to keep the humanity in my classroom.....I will love and laugh and encourage.  I am not saying the other stuff isn't important...but the priority for me is that they "enjoy being human beings."  And when that does not become my priority any more....then I will know it is time for me to stop.

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own."

~ Benjamin Disraeli