The 2015-2016 school year will be here in just a few weeks. Although a new school year is exciting, it always takes about a month to establish school routines, like eating lunch in under 20 minutes, going to the bathroom once a day and being pulled in a million different directions. I am starting year 16 – halfway done! I LOVE MY JOB!
The beginning of the year is exhilarating, yet daunting, as educators must organize and set up their classrooms, attend meeting after meeting (PLCs, teams, departments, & contents), and attend many professional development workshops. A successful work week for an educator sets a precedent for the year in making a difference in the lives of children
I’ve learned the best way to keep myself organized and focused is to create a To Do List. And follow it. Everyone needs a To Do List, including all persons involved in public education.
Legislators: You make the rules and it’s essential that you listen to the experts – the educators! Do not assume you know what’s best for children without asking for our input. Please make decisions about public education with children, adults, and reality in mind. You have already taken a stand against overtesting our children; please don’t stop. Walk a day in the shoes of an educator and visit as many classrooms and schools as possible. You will earn the respect of your constituents.
Administration: You were once in the classroom; maybe 20 years ago or maybe 3 years ago. Do you remember what it was like? If not, why not take some time this year to go back in the classroom and teach for a day ~ several days? Please support your employees and treat them with respect. Ask for their input, insist on positive dialogue, and communicate on a regular basis. Educators can do amazing things and make incredible progress when they have the resources they need to be successful. Trust us to do what’s best for our students.
School Employees: Whether you are a secretary, custodian, bus driver, food service worker, or specialist, you are important in a child’s life. You make a difference! Never doubt that what you do on a daily basis is not important. A few may overlook your work, but know that many more are appreciative, especially the children.
Parents: We love your children and want the absolute best for them. Trust us to teach them not just the content, but how to think critically and make good decisions. Respect us as professionals. Keep the lines of communication open and ask questions, while holding your children accountable for their behavior and work ethic. We are on the same team and everyone’s goal is to ensure your children learn and succeed.
Teachers: First and foremost, take time for yourself this school year. Teaching is hard; feel free to say no to extracurricular activities and come home at a decent hour. Collaborate with colleagues and always ask for help. Each day is a new day with a new attitude. Don’t ever be discourage by negativity; stay positive. Laugh a lot! Smile a lot! Fight for your students – they need you to be their fiercest advocates. Love all of your students, even those that drive you insane. Love them the most. Make your voices heard when they are needed. Never fear your role as an advocate for children. An occasional Friday “Professional Development” with colleagues is the best way to end the week.
Students: School is your only job right now – take this seriously. Your teachers will do anything they can to make sure you learn and succeed. We care deeply about you and expect you to do your absolute best. Meet us halfway: be prepared, do your work, ask questions, study, and have fun. Talk to your teachers if you have problems; we are willing to work with you. A school year goes by quickly and then it ends. You don’t get it back.
This is going to be a great school year. The students of Prince William County will do amazing things this year and continue to exceed beyond our expectations. Where are the best educators in the world? Right here! Michelangelo said it best: “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.”
Remember this for the children:
“I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration; I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or deescalated and a person is humanized or dehumanized. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.”
-Haim Ginnott, Teacher and Child: A Book for Parents and educators.
Have a great year! The Irish say it best: “SLAINTE!”
Riley O’Casey is a local educator who teaches middle school social studies. She is also an active member of the Prince William County Education Association.
This column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Bristow Beat, its editors, writers or sponsors.
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