Most know that education is under fire, probably now more than ever before. Those in education are feeling the heat. And, like most everything else, the heat intensifies as it trickles down. In the case of education, the classroom teachers will feel the most heat. Literally livelihoods and lives are at stake. From politicians, to parents and to administrators who haven't been in a classroom for a very long time or ever at all will direct direct the fire towards the classroom teachers.
What got me thinking about this more that usual was a recent incident I witnessed in an eating establishment. I was returning from the restroom when this incident took place. A gentleman was not satisfied with his meal and proceeded to berate the server, who appeared to be the age of a high school, or college student. His rant ranged from how the meal was prepared to where he and family were seated.
I actually stopped outside the restroom door so I could watch. The server was very calm ( but visibly shaken up) when she excused herself to go get who I assumed was a manager. The rant was then rehashed for this person when finally the man was told their meals were on the house.
I don't know what possessed me to do so, but I approached the man as he was leaving and asked him what happened, even though I already knew. He was happy and almost boastful to recant his story. I then asked him if a few questions: Was your server the person who seated you? Answer, no. Was your server the one who prepared your meals? No, again. Did the server get everything out in a timely fashion? Was she polite and courteous? Was water filled, and plates removed throughout the meal? All, yes. I then asked him why he would direct all of his anger onto a person who had nothing at all to do with everything that upset him. He then called me a colorful name I won't repeat and stormed out.
This seemed to be what it is like in education today, as well as many other areas of society. Finger pointing, passing blame and simply not having the knowledge to change things. At a recent parent teacher night, I informed a parent that her son had showed some natural talent for my class, but needed to put the time into practicing and homework to properly use his talent. Her answer was something I hear far to often. She said, if you find the secret to getting him to do his homework, let me know, because he won't do it for me. I simply asked this parent who was in charge here. I didn't get called a name this time, but this parent stormed out of my room.
Education, I believe, is ever evolving and changing. It's supposed to. But we seem to be stuck in an industrial age mentality while the rest of the world is changing faster than ever before in history. Education doesn't need to be reformed, it needs a complete overhaul. Teachers must want to keep learning themselves, while administrators, politicians and parents need to be hands on involved, not just reacting to standardized test results in hopes someone else will fix the problems.
I believe that education is a lot like my student I mentioned. It is loaded with talent and potential, but everyone must work in order for that talent to be put in motion. Education is much like the upset customer, let's lay the blame on one person when so many are responsible.
As far as that waitress, I left her a very nice tip and a note that said not all of us act this way, thank you for what you do.
