What is education? According to the Encyclopedia Britannica online, education is defined as “...discipline that is concerned with methods of teaching and learning in schools or school-like environments as opposed to various non-formal and informal means of socialization,...” and “is designed to guide them (children) in learning a culture, molding their behavior in the ways of adulthood, and directing them toward their eventual role in society.”
I have served in education for over 25 years. Teaching has always been challenging, but never as challenging as it is currently. I am afraid to be completely honest, but feel as though it’s important to share my experience. I have beaten myself up, second-guessed myself, and gone home feeling defeated and frustrated more this year than ever. This past year, I regularly questioned my teaching abilities, competency, and career as a whole. Did I not correctly hear The Lord correctly when I felt drawn to teach? I spent the past two years furthering my education, so I could better serve my community. I thought I was moving in the right direction, but this year. I just don’t know.
There are 24 students in my class. More than half of the 24 never logged in after they were sent home during covid. Many students come in low due to the socio-demographics of my school, but this year, the inability was at a level I’ve never experienced before. I have never had such a large number of students who had just completely given up. Is it the demographic? A byproduct of covid? A result of trauma? All of the above?
What is my role? I am a teacher. What does that mean? It means I am responsible for the education, health, well-being (physical and emotional), and safety of my students. Easy right?... If the system weren’t broken, maybe. I think my feelings of defeat are the result of hopelessness. I believe in education and see how education could be/should be, but experiencing a loss of hope for our public school system.
The system is broken and more money and programs are not the solution. Policies put in place by individuals who have not been in a classroom in years (if ever) are not the answer either (which is currently what’s happening). It’s like using a butterfly bandage to fix a broken leg. There are well-meaning people with great intentions (like myself) that have been committed to the students and worked within the confines of the new programs and policies. Unfortunately, the truth is, these new policies are just becoming another component of the broken system. My school is going to be piloting one of the government’s programs in the fall. Trust me, I want to believe that it will be ok, but have come to the conclusion that the change needing to happen will not be through the public school system.
The education movement happening outside of the public school system gives me hope that things will finally change! That vision of hope is the reason I’m excited to be part of the Marigold team. I have served in all realms of education and can tell you that the most effective is one where the parents are greatly involved. As a veteran homeschool parent, I found many resources available to my children, and finding curriculum was never an issue. However, knowing where to start, the legalities of alternative education, the importance of connecting with community, and understanding what to expect throughout each day, are challenges homeschooling curriculums don’t address. Partnering with parents to educate their children is something I am extremely passionate about and The Marigold Movement gives me an opportunity to do just that! You know what is best for your family, we’re just here to help you navigate the “new”.
