Category: Education

An Educational Pitfall

I have been an educator for twelve years. I am dedicated to my craft, my school, and my city. I study my craft relentlessly, day in and day out.

I have observed everything around me – looking for details and fine points that will allow me to take students to another level.

I have observed everything around me – looking for potential pitfalls that prohibit students from advancing and fulfilling their potential.

I have found a pitfall.

In the decade I have been inside schools, I have never witnessed a pitfall as deep and dangerous as the cell phone. I am not alone. Steve Gardiner, a National Board Certified Educator and columnist for Education Week, states:

“In a career that spans thirty-eight years, I have not seen any single diversion that so distracts students from reading, writing, and working – as the cell phone.” (Education Week, May 2016)

“…We provide help to people who can’t control their behavior related to gambling, sex, drugs, and alcohol. But, we have no programs to help teenagers who can’t live two minutes without seeing their phones.” (Education Week, May 2016)

“…Students are using their cellphones 24/7. They sleep with them by their beds and text each other throughout the night. My students are addicts.” (Education Week, May 2016)

“…Yes, addict is a strong word, but physically, mentally, and emotionally, a high percentage of teenagers are addicted to their cell phones. We have incentives to promote attendance and graduation, but many teenagers need help, because their bodies are in the classroom, but their minds are inside their cellphones.” (Education Week, May 2016)

I have found a pitfall.

 

Maurice Guest Jr., is an education administrator in Little Rock, Arkansas.

 

The True Reasons Teens Skip School

The Three Main Reasons Teenagers Skip School:

  • Sex
  • Drugs
  • Alcohol

When students skip school, it’s probably not to play video games or go to the library. Moreover, your child probably didn’t skip school because they are victims of bullying.

If your child’s reason is not sex, drugs, or alcohol, be VERY skeptical of their excuse.

Brutal Truth.

 

Maurice Guest Jr., is an education administrator in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Respect the Student

“The secret in education lies in respecting the student.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Respect the student by showing up totally prepared. Respect the student by welcoming questions you can’t answer.

Respect the student by expecting their very best. Respect the student by demanding their very best.

Respect the student by NOT honoring  their excuses.

Respect the student with your language and your tone.

Respect the student by dressing like your craft matters.

Respect the student and most of the time, the student will respect you. Sometimes they won’t, but that’s why they are students.

 

Maurice Guest Jr., is an education administrator in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Teach them…

“Teaching is the greatest act of optimism.” -Colleen Wilcox

If you believe in someone, teach them something. Teach them something truly valuable.

Teach them something that will make them successful.

Teach them something that will liberate them from any cage – figuratively, literally, or self imposed.

Teach them something that will keep them out of prison and protect their children from poverty.

Teach them something that will give them full control over the wolf that sleeps within them.

If you believe in someone, teach them something that is timeless.

That “something” is DISCIPLINE.

 

Maurice Guest Jr., is an education administrator in Little Rock, Arkansas.