We are in the Business of Kids!

There are always so many changes occurring in the education world on a daily basis, but through all of it, one thing still remains the same...KIDS! I could go on and on complaining about the changes in testing, grading, programs, technology, discipline, and whatever else we complain about, but at the end of the day it is simple, KIDS. Kids should ALWAYS be the center of everything. Every decision we make, every time we walk into our schools, every time we greet them at the doors, every time they fail, and every time that they succeed. THEY are what is important. If we continue to FOCUS on KIDS, and only kids, everything else will fall into place. 

When you reflect back on your positive experiences in school, what sticks out to you in your brain? Is it how well you scored on your unit tests or state mandated assessments, all of the work sheets that you turned in or didn't, or how about all of times you raised your hand to use the restroom? If you said yes, you are a freak, we love you anyway, but that is just bizarre. I think it is safe to say, that it is the wonderful teachers that that come to your mind. The teachers that taught you things about yourself and life and were constant role-models and cheerleaders for you. A certain teacher that took time to invest in you, get to know you as a person, and also allowed you to form a relationship with them. A teacher that saw something in you that no one else had noticed, pushed you to be better, or inspired you to be a risk-taker. The moral of the story is that YOU remember the relationships, challenges, celebrations, victories, or defeats, not the content. 

I am not saying that content isn't important. Content will come once the teacher-student relationship has been formed. If we teach our students to be problem solvers, knowledge seekers, risk takers, power thinkers, and creative leaders, the content will follow and our kids will excel. 

As educators we are professionals. It is our job and duty to grow, change, excel, change again, and repeat. WE are in the business of KIDS. That is our responsibility to show up everyday as EDUCATIONAL WARRIORS for our kids. We must fight for what is best for them and NEVER give up on them. Kids have changed, that translates to, WE MUST CHANGE WITH THEM! 

If you have children ask yourself this question:

1. What type of teacher do you want your child to have?

       a. An Educational Warrior

       b. An advanced worksheet pusher

We must all remind ourselves that we are in the business of KIDS. They are our future, we must love, encourage, and support their dreams and passions on an hourly basis! 

Every time we make decisions, I ask myself this, "Is it what is best for kids?" If the answer is no, then I seek a more fitting solution. 

Kids and learning, growing and changing, living and laughing...all beautiful things! 

Happy weekend folks! 

#KidsFirst

#TeamRagsdale

Leigh

My Grandma Pallo and all of her grandchildren "KIDS"