For years the role of education has been debated in society by political pundits, parents, employers, and even educators. Each of them having their own ideas of not only what it should do but how it should do it. Despite the debate there are a few things that education does with certainty: It provides an evolution to the human intellect by advancing each generation. It inspires both the young and the old to not only achieve their dreams but to dream. It provides safe places for not just ideas and debate but also for the hurting and the underprivileged. Education as a whole isn’t racist, it isn’t bigoted, and it isn’t hateful because of this for many it provides a place where they can truly find love and empowerment.
These great provisions are given to society by the dutiful educator. For years the educator has been neglected and disregarded. They are admired by some, but many see them as glorified babysitters. They create doctors, lawyers, plumbers, engineers, carpenters, and even politicians but are paid as though they have no craft. Educators are the servicers of human advancement and single handedly are responsible for leading the human race forward (and that is not hyperbole). Educators are not world leaders and yet are leaders of the world.
Right now, the world finds itself in a very dark place. As the world has begun to practice “social distancing” in attempts to “flatten the curve” it has canceled concerts, sports, church worship, and school. As educators we are tasked to seek “alternative methods” to achieve the learning outcomes of our classes. This is easy for some and more difficult for others (for the arts this is like climbing Mt. Everest). The true difficulty though isn’t providing the education, it is providing all the other provisions that our students need. Those same provisions that though unappreciated by society are paramount to its stability.
This isn’t a teaching moment. This is a leading moment. Educators you are looked up to by every student in your class. Even those who hate you, listen to you. Right now, your students are as lost in this societal melt down as the crazy lady down the street selling toilet paper from her trunk. They need you. Not just to tell them how to multiply, use the right typeface, or why the Monroe Doctrine came to pass. They need you to provide reason in an age where it is slipping, to provide a sense of normalcy when nothing is normal. They need you to be a rock, a kind heart, a sympathetic ear, and a smile.
Many K-12 students are going home to broken and abusive homes. Some will most likely find themselves bearing the weight and responsibilities of being parents to younger siblings during the day. Not to mention a food crisis. College seniors are not only mourning the robbery of their “last times” but also the threat of going into a pandemic reduced job market with their last moments of preparation forced into an “alternative method.” For students across the globe this isn’t just an educational crisis. It is a life crisis.
In the coming weeks educators you will be tasked with the challenges of an online curriculum and “alternative methods.” I challenge you to find alternative opportunities to reach out to your students. Call them. Facetime them. Bring them lunch. Utilize social media and its plethora of communication platforms. Do whatever it takes to let them know you are there for them, and actually be there for them. Wherever you go be a voice for reason. This is not a time for you to have a Facebook debate, a Twitter battle, or an Instagram clapback. You cannot afford a meltdown. Young eyes are watching you.
I write this knowing full well that most educators are already well into rising up. That many have already cried for their students and have felt their pain, and because of that have begun preparations to provide all they can. They wouldn’t have it any other way. To my non-educator readers I ask you to be understanding during this time, to provide assistance, and remove obstacles and not become one. I call upon you to see those educators as you once did, as your role models, as your therapists, and as your substitute mom or dad.
In closing I leave you fellow educators with the rally cry I give my students:
