The Essence of Teaching: Character, Conviction and Courage

Educators are bombarded with new teaching techniques, emerging trends, policies and procedures and the latest in technological advancements. An awareness of these continual changes is worthy of attention, as long as the essence of teaching does not get lost. Before revealing this essence which separates one truly concerned with the youth entrusted to their care from one who is merely passing time in the classroom, it is important to look at a contemporary educational term. It is a tragedy that we must now label certain schools as "Persistently Dangerous".

The criteria for a "Persistently Dangerous School" is different from state to state and compounded by different criteria, definitions, school size, state board adoptions, proposals, statistics and various determining factors of offenses or incidents, such as:

• homicide
• rape
• aggravated assault
• arson
• robbery as a class A felony
• unlawful possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon
• any assault on a member of the school district staff
• terrorist threat
• sale and distribution of drugs
• inciting a riot
• taking indecent liberties with a minor
• battery of a teacher or school employee
• use of a destructive bomb

After review of this criteria, America must come to its senses and be awakened to the need for a transfusion to save its very life. The "Persistently Dangerous School" definition is a sad commentary, as though the categorizing of the moral disintegration of American society makes it acceptable through some bureaucratic process. This definition, and all that is associated with it, is a menagerie of the worst order and America, through our schools, must be dedicated to a moral transformation in the hearts of our youth, ignited by the hearts of teachers passionately and profoundly dedicated to the nobility of their profession.

American educators hold the key to unlocking the potential of our nation. This key is only operational if forged by the character, conviction and courage of the educator and, in turn, will then serve to unlock the hearts of our youth. The future of America depends on it.

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Education Commission of the States StateNote Topics	Click here to visit site
The Heart of a Teacher: Identity and Integrity in Teaching	Click here to visit site
CHARACTER COUNTS! The Six Pillars	Click here to visit site