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Thoughts on Teaching, Leadership, and Educational Technology

Dying on the Hill

8/23/2012

3 Comments

 
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Ever felt like you're the only one or one of only a few trying to enforce a rule? You've been told students need to behave a certain way, you do your best to be consistent in holding them accountable, but those around you seem to "let things go?" It's frustrating. That feeling of "I can't do this alone" sets in. You think it’s impossible, like standing knee-deep in the ocean, hands stretched toward the horizon, trying to stop the tide.

I've asked myself why this happens. Why do teachers "let things go?" Why is there often a lack of consistency in enforcing rules? I think there are several reasons, but one can be summed up in the comment I've often heard -- "It's not worth the fight. I'm not going to die on that hill."

Here's my take on that mindset. First of all, it is worth the fight. Anything in the best interest of the kids we serve is always worth the effort.

Secondly, who said you have to die? If you're the only soldier fighting on the hill, yeah, chances are, you're going to die. But if everyone fights on the hill, no one has to die. If you're the only one trying to enforce a rule, the only one trying to change the culture of your work place, you're in for a tough fight. But what if others came alongside and fought with you? What if you had an army? Imagine what you could accomplish by working together.

Finally, some things are worth fighting for, and if necessary, metaphorically dying for. There are times in life, in your career, when you may feel like you're the only one who is fighting. There may be times when you feel alone, like you're the only one enforcing the rule. If this is the case, I encourage you -- don't give up! When my students had a difficult time following directions, being responsible, or behaving appropriately, and I had to constantly remind and redirect them, I would often say, "Class, it would be much easier for me to stop holding you accountable. But that wouldn't be what's best for you."

Sometimes you have to fight, because that fight is what's best for kids. But you don't have to fight alone.


3 Comments
Lisa P
8/23/2012 01:20:40 pm

The statement "It IS worth dying for" caught my eye. I think that so often--mostly in parenting, but often in my classroom as well.

Thanks for this.

Reply
Jessie S
11/10/2013 03:24:52 pm

I just came across this site today. I have used some resources from your mrcoley.com in the past when I taught 5th. I got my admin credential last year from APU and this was one of the things that I learned from one of my favorite professors in the admin program. As grade level lead, I ask myself that right now a lot. As we make the transition from the '97 standards to the CCSS, we have a lot on our plate. Sometimes I just have to chose which battle. Thanks for making that clear in my mind tonight. On that note, it's time for bed!

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Brent link
11/11/2013 01:02:46 am

Thanks so much for your comment, Jessie! Good luck in your move into admin!

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    About Brent

    Brent has worked in the field of education as a teacher and administrator for 29 years. A former elementary school teacher and principal, he is currently Coordinator of Elementary Education in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District in Southern California. Read more about Brent here.


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  • Home
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