Inaugural Post: Response to Sir Ken Robinson

I am constantly thinking about what is wrong with education today, and how would I fix it if I were given ultimate power.  I am typically stumped.  There seem to be so many bad things (and bad publicity) going on with public education today, I cringe when I admit to people that I am going to school to become a teacher.  The admission is often followed by a negative comment, groan, even a comment about unions.  This is bizarre to me because I would never decide on an occupation with the intention to be crappy, but I also wouldn't attack some one's occupational choice. 

I am so happy that I was introduced to Sir Ken Robinson.  He is not condemning the education system, as too many people do.  He is pointing out problems and mistakes we're making today, and giving realistic solutions.  So few people are brave enough to give a solution, that often we just hear complaints. "All kids have talent and we squander them," a quote from Robinson.  I shutter at this truth.

After watching all three videos, I mostly agree with Robinson.  We need to support our students not condemn them for thinking outside of the box of education.  Students are not all intended to be University Professors, as Robinson says.  The story of Gillian Lynne exemplifies this truth.  I wonder, how many students have been passed over because they did not fit into the particular view of the mind?  I want to be the teacher that can look into each student's eyes and see their potential and their talents.  I work hard to be a positive influence in the environment I live.  I do this by assuming the best of the people I encounter during the day; when someone cuts me off in traffic I assume that they are late for a very important meeting.  Surely they didn't just give me the finger because I was driving 25 mph down Murray Ave...  I plan to do this with my students.  The child in the class who doodles constantly may not be interested in Shakespeare, but that does not qualify him as someone who will never succeed.  He may one day be a famous graphic designer...

I believe that students are not products produced by a school.  They are individual humans that have the right to have unique interests.  As a teacher, I want to encourage their interests (I believe we're happier doing the things that we love).  I hope to keep Robinson in my mind, and continue to visit his website, and be part of the education revolution that benefits our children, not our product.