The 3 Ps

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to talk with the Teaching Fellows at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I always love talking with North Carolina Teaching Fellows because they truly embody the qualities we desire in our classroom teachers. The students were enthusiastic so many stayed after the presentation to talk about our profession. Many of these future teachers talked about the negativity they encountered as they were in schools. I was heartbroken to hear that some of the teachers with whom these Teaching Fellows were working this semester were actually trying to talk them out of teaching! Yikes!

Now to be reasonable, I understand that is a difficult time of year (see March Madness blog) and we are all stretched a little thin. We wonder if spring break will ever arrive while we worry intensely about the changes that may happen as we struggle with the economy. Of course our morale as a profession may be down a little. However, I encourage all of us to be careful with the words we choose, the tone we set and the path we walk. The future of education is watching our example. I am not saying that we should "sugar -coat" our jobs. Let's be honest - Teaching is a tough job and those who choose to enter this profession should be aware of all aspects. All I am asking is that we be honest, but not negative.

We all know the 3 Rs of education (say them with me...) Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships. We all know the value of the three Rs and the vital role of each in our daily work with children. However, I would challenge you to add the 3 Ps to your vocabulary: Passionate, Positive and Professional. We owe it to ourselves and the future teachers joining us to embrace these 3 Ps as a part of what good teaching is about. We are passionate about our students, our subjects and public education. We are positive and encourage others to see the glass as half full. We instill hope in our students and we should also work to instill hope in each other and in our profession. We should embody professionalism. Teachers are professionals; however sometimes we can be our biggest enemy as we work to achieve this "status" in the eyes of the general public.

Please don't misunderstand. I am not lecturing or getting on a soapbox. I simply know that the amazing professionals in education can rise above this temporary dip in morale and truly inspire future teachers to continue in this amazing journey.