"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do." - Walter Bagehot
As an educator, I hear "I can't" on a daily basis. Now you are probably thinking that I am referring to my students, and yes I do hear this phrase from time-to-time. However, this phrase seems to most often originate from teachers. Anyone familiar with the current condition of public education will find this easy to understand. Teachers are bombarded daily with political programs designed by individuals with no educational background and that can be frustrating. In response to national, state, and district mandates many educators have adopted the attitude that there is no changing the students we have under current unrealistic expectations. Too often I allow myself to fall in line with this way of thinking. I look at the 168 faces that I have been trusted with educating and I feel the pangs of failure. I allow myself to entertain the idea that I can't help them to succeed.
Then, I take a step back and allow myself to see the success of each individual student. When a student takes the time to approach me for help, I would never respond with "I can't" so why do I allow myself to think it? ALL STUDENTS CAN LEARN!!! I know this to be true, but I allow myself to forget. The government may not make this task easy, but it is never impossible.
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