Excellence & Equity

Delila Vasquez stated in this weeks media segment, "...we're not coming into this profession to fix children; we should be coming to work them." After listening to Mrs. Vasquez, it appears that educators in today's society may have the notion that they can "fix" children. Have you ever encountered working with a teacher who focuses strictly on the academics, or has rigid practices similar to Miss. Viola Swamp in the story Miss. Nelson is Missing?

Often times, teachers such as Miss Viola Swamp/Miss. Nelson get caught up with he thought of what the children need to do or have to succeed and forget to take into consideration the whole child. Teachers and even administration, who have believe in this practice fail equip children with the necessary tools needed for understanding, communication, and relationship building...which are crucial to overall success. As we have already seen an huge gap, it only grows bigger as teachers, administration, and policymakers push towards focusing solely on academics, standards, etc. The insights taken away from Mrs. Vasquez is that today's society has unhealthy perspective on standards, school readiness, and norms. I have thought about many teachers I have the privilege of coaching, and these new found insights puts into perspective why some of them are "Miss. Viola Swamp."...they are feeling the pressure that is put on them to have the perfect classroom, suitable score for this and that, and outstanding attendance. Teachers are experiencing disruptive students that have them feeling like calling in for back-up such as Miss. Nelson did because they aren't given the opportunity to build meaningful connections with the children, or teach the whole child. My hope as an administrator is to be able to equip teachers with opportunities that allow them to teach to the individual child's need, not what society or standards feel they need to teach to all children regardless of their need....this is what will help close the achievement gap!

For your viewing pleasure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EvWg3-_Lb0