Why Old School?
Why Old School?
Recently, one of the Assistant Principals at my school approached me before a School In Service Meeting and proceeded to tell me about his recent conversation with a few of my high school students. They told him they really liked my class because I held students accountable and "did not let them get away with some the of the behaviors that are allowed in other classes." The AP told me the kids said that I was "Old School" and they appreciated the structure and accountability.
An Old School mentality comes naturally for me, because that is how I was raised. My parents and many of my teachers were born in the post world World War 2 era and imparted "Greatest Generation" values in me. Additionally, the culture of the schools I attended in the 70's and 80's reflected those types of values. Although I believe that I am an effective teacher, Old School is less about a teaching style and more about a philosophy and purpose of education. For me, teaching has alway been a vocation and my mission has always been to teach to the whole student.....mind, heart, and spirit. Since I started teaching, I have always taught values like integrity and compassion, personal responsibility, study skills, self-control, work ethic, and critical thinking. Imparting life skills and character traits has been as important to me as the teaching of content. A democracy depends upon the developmnent of good citizens.
The past several years of teaching have been extremely difficult and I am finding it harder to continue my Old School teaching ways. The values that I have held so dearly for over 30 years of teaching are no longer important in our schools. Every day I am conflicted and I feel like I am fighting a losing battle. Public schools are reflecting and accepting some of the dysfunction in American culture rather than trying to reshape it. Schools must reclaim lost institutional authority and integregity to play a significant role in guiding both students and families. With the breakdown of the American family and the negative influences of technlogy, culture and social media, our children need strong educational institutions more than ever. I believe that the success of our schools, families and nation are all inextricably interconnected and it is obvious to me that our students are crying out for caring adults to lead.
This educational reform blog has been on my mind for the last several years. Putting yourself out there professionally is not easy, but lately I have felt compelled to do so. As I finish out my teaching career, I hope writing may be therapeutic for me and informative for readers. My purpose is genuine and sincere and I hope to inform those on the outside and to generate discussion and ideas on how we can improve our educational system. Our nation is at a critical period and the future depends upon strong schools.
Although I will mostly write about my experiences and issues facing teachers, schools, children and families, what social studies teacher would not also address some politics and history?
Disclaimer: Please note that the views expressed are my own and may not reflect the views of my school district.