Jumpin Jack flash

Well, I can see you don’t know much about the role of educators today. Did you realize that if I know of a function where alcohol is being served to minors and I don’t report it. I can be held responsible for any injuries. Did you also realize that we are bound by law to report any possible abuse cases. Yes, schools play many different roles today and we as educators don’t have a choice in the matter. Before you chastise educators try living the life of one. It isn’t that easy. We get pretty close to the kids we work with whether they are athletes or not. We probably know the kids better than their probation officers and social workers. Hell, we probably know them better than some of their parents do.

I haven’t been following this topic too closely, but as an educator/coach I felt compelled to address a couple of the comments made on some of the posts. Fist off the difference between a coach/teacher using alcohol or tobacco and a student/athlete is pretty clear. It is called being an adult of legal age to do so. No, educators shouldn’t use it in school, but I didn’t think that was the topic that was originally opened for discussion.

Stopping thinking kids are always so innocent because they are not. The days of Leave it to Beaver are gone forever unfortunately. Our society has become so protective over the possible violation of student rights that our schools have to tip toe when dealing with discipline. Let them stand on their own two feet and learn the lessons of life so they have a chance later on down the road.

Society has become so critical of schools in the last two decades that it is no wonder why people have chose not to pursue a career in education. In my opinion society needs to take a long look in the mirror and ask whose at fault for the behavior of kids today. I think you will find that answer is staring back at us in the mirror. My father raised his kids by an almost forgotten adage that he grew up with. “Spare the rod, spoil the child”. It did me some good to be painfully reminded who was actually in charge of my life. Today were so concerned with hurting the self-esteem of children. Why? They haven’t accomplished anything yet to build that self-esteem. Were so worried about building champions and winning titles that we’ve lost sight of our true job. Building people.

I’m done ranting.