I’ve spent a lifetime involved with educational systems, and I don’t just mean as a student. My dad was a school teacher and administrator for over 20 years, and I have worked in higher education administration for 13+ years. Suffice to say, I’ve seen some of what goes into trying to make it all work; making the sausage, you might say.
Few things are as important to a society as their educational systems. And yet, it is an area where American society does not always invest as much as might be optimal or even necessary. Good school systems or bad, it comes down to personal commitment and relationships.
Commitments at home.
Commitments at school.
Commitments to learning.
Commitments to discipline.
Commitments to the kids.
As constituents of our educational systems, we don’t always agree with decisions, directions, and disciplinary actions by the schools and their agents. Or, maybe we agree with many policies, actions, or individual decisions, BNFMK: “But not for my kids?”
Regardless, when the smoke clears and another school year is in the books, we should be thankful for those in the trenches with the scores of energetic and hormonal kids for a day, a week, a month, a year…or even 39 years (the Edmond years of service record, I believe). It is a higher calling. Commitment indeed.
So, thank you, teachers. Thank you, principals and administrators. Thank you, parents. And thank you, kids!
And now, school’s out for summer! Enjoy! The learning opportunities may be temporarily ending for some…, BNFMK(s):
Vicksburg, here they come!
Note from the Editor: We’re pleased to introduce Jeff Bingham, RDC’s newest contributor, to you. He’s a thoughtful numbers-cruncher and I’m sure will have lots to offer our community. Welcome, Jeff – it’s good to have you aboard. ~ RDK