Reflecting on not being at school
Matt Pearl
As school begins again in the next few weeks, I have begun to anticipate not starting classes for the first time since I stepped into my kindergarten classroom in 1983.
I wonder at times whether I am suited to life outside of school. But I suppose life itself continues to serve as our classroom, even when we finally leave the school building.
Covering four communities with two newspapers has certainly been an eye-opener for the folks in our little organization.
I also turned 37 Sunday — not an especially remarkable number: not too old, not too young. But all of these factors together have fueled a recent need to think, reflect and consider the present and future.
Education is a process that remains very close to my heart, but its challenges are many.
First, I want to encourage those beginning or continuing careers as educators. I have been either a student or teacher, and public education was a large part of my life for 13 years.
Secondly, I wish to give our young students a pat on the back, and to remind them of how many old folks they have heard say things like, “I wish I had tried harder when I was in school.”
Take it as a sign, kids.
Lastly, I would like to address those living in the world of the public school system: administrations, teachers, parents, students and many others. I would begin by reminding you of the blessing it is to live in a land that offers education to all youngsters. Some take full advantage; some, none. Some have great aptitude for book learning, others struggle.
But to all, the opportunity extends, and that is a wonderful thing.
Parents, try your best to send a child to school who is the type kid you would welcome in your home. If you send a hooligan to school, they’ll send a slightly wiser hooligan home.
Teachers, treat a student the way you would expect an educator to treat your child.
Be kind, respectful and demanding.
Think about what it means to be supportive: Do we call a structure supportive when it bends to pressures around it? No. So being supportive to a child means at times being unbending and staying strong.
Students, your teachers did not go to school with the objective of standing in a classroom filled with unwilling, stubborn know-it-alls.
So knock it off. Bring something to write on, something to write with and assume that if the teacher says something, it will be on the test.
Administrators, you are charged to oversee the educational needs of every kid in your district. You hired professional instructors. Let your teachers play to their strengths — and if you can’t trust them to do so, clean house and get a staff you can trust.
New teachers, get to know the secretaries and custodians. Your life won’t be worth much without their aid — and you’ll really be missing out on some good friends if you don’t.
And for those of us living in the community outside school, let’s remember to support our local educators, coaches and administrators. A school is a reflection of the community it serves: so let’s make sure we conduct ourselves in a manner that sets the standard for both school and town.
