The holidays will soon be upon us, but I’m not quite in Christmas mode just yet. Most discussions with typical teachers in December generally include some reference to students’ increasing energy and decreasing attention spans (no matter what the age) or the effort to time lesson plans in such a way that they land on a good stopping point before break begins.
Having considered both of these factors, and subsequently having resigned myself to the reality that one is thoroughly out of my control while the other is not, I’ve decided to stop thinking like a typical teacher for a while. Instead, I’m going to think about a few Christmas gifts I’d like to give this year.
For the state of Wisconsin: a new school funding formula. Right now, districts are suffering under a restrictive and convoluted funding system that gives even the most astute financial experts a giant headache. I’ve never pretended to be one of those experts, but I think the people who’ve put together the Fair Funding for our Future proposal are on the right track.
For those teachers, administrators and school board members about to negotiate new contracts: cool heads and open minds. These are tough economic times. Mutual compromise and innovation must stand at the forefront.
For my student who was mistreated by a classmate recently – and indeed, all students who find themselves in such situations: your voice. Don’t ever be afraid to speak up. Advocate for yourself. Let your teachers help you. You deserve nothing less than to be treated with respect and dignity.
For the students who mistreat others: that you spend your entire break with this in your head, and afterward, that you learn to treat your classmates more humanely.
And for my teaching colleagues near and far: the knowledge that no matter how stressed we become, no matter what incidental events may punctuate our days, we are doing important work. We may not know right away what effect our efforts have on our students, but our work makes a difference.
