The Herd Mentality of Teaching

The herd mentality is strong in schools. Kids are exploring the rules and boundaries of relationships, posturing and posing, and brutal to others that are different. There’s a reason states are now passing anti-bullying laws. Being different is tough. And even for teachers – in this world of standards, testing, and strict teacher evaluations, it’s difficult to just be yourself. But in truth, that’s what kids need us to do. From the way we structure our classes and deliver curriculum, to the way we interact between classes, in the cafeteria, or playground, we are each unique people and kids need that. Some kids connect with me, and other kids connect with our PE teacher or social studies teacher – different kids, different teachers. Often I feel like I should be more like the other teachers, more outgoing, funnier, more hip to the fashions, but none of that is really me. I’m more introspective, sensitive, compassionate to kids who struggle or stick out…kids need me to be me, and they need you to be you.

---