I have a few things to say on here after a solid class discussion today. Chapters 14-17 really summed things up, but I feel like after the discussion that maybe a few people (as well as many on the internet) took things in this book out of context.
Many on the internet (Amazon reviews, etc) chided Rafe for being unrealistic and out of touch with the average "Joe/Jane" teaching at "Anytown Elementary." Yes, for many schools, taking trips like he did is certainly out of touch. However, the trips weren't merely for fun, for pleasure. Him having his students learn the intricate details of what they'd be seeing, what they'd be doing was amazing. The little details like how they acted, how they took care of themselves in their rooms, were a direct result of his style of teaching and of his amazing influence. Sure, I am not so blind that I believe that in my first few years in the classroom that I'll be leading academic adventures at the Nation's Capital, but his guidelines and ideals are the selling point for any class on any trip.
For some, they were unsure about how someone could spend so much of their time deeply involved with every detail of teaching. They wonder, how in the world could someone possibly devote twenty-four hours a day to a mere "job?" How on earth could this man have any semblance of a normal, societal-driven life when all his time is in the classroom and with these children? This is an example of someone who loves what they do deeply. Unfortunately, most of the world "slaves" their life away at a job until they are too old to continue doing it. This guy loves it. Have you ever met someone who loved what they do? They work, love it, and then find ways to contribute even when they aren't there. When I finished this book, I was shocked that many find this idea difficult to understand. In our society, many have no choice but to endure long hours and shifts at jobs. Being deployed into a combat zone is a 24-hour a day gig, like it or not. Doctors have to be on call many night that they are "off." EMS and Fire personnel have to work long hours, holidays, and weekends away from loved ones and families. SO why chide a guy who is doing what he very simply loves? While many are starry-eyed and excited about eventually teaching, that love may fade when all alone with twenty-five sets of eyes waiting for directions every day. No, by no means am I a huge Esquith fanboy, but this is one point that boggles my mind.
I love that he uses his trips to prepare his students for life after school. To quote him directly:
"Handling money, relationships, loneliness, difficult people, and disappointment can be factors that defeat kids who are on their own for the first time."
To prepare youth, this is something that cannot be squeezed into some sort of federally-mandated curriculum. I wish that this kind of thinking was more embedded in our schools, and our culture. So many times when I first joined the Air Force, I watched my peers succumb and fail because of any one of the reasons above. Could they do Algebra? Could they write a paper? Yes. Can they keep from going broke and dealing with a sorry adult relationship and loneliness? No. You see the same with young college students as well. For those who come from a strong financial background, sometimes money can buy out. The kids that Rafe teaches, however, aren't as fortunate. If they fail, Mommy and Daddy can't fix it and make it all better.
"They place so much emphasis on getting in to college that they lose sight of the larger issue of finishing college."
For many, it couldn't be any more true. To push and push these kids, driving them hard and forcing them to know at the tune of tens of thousands of dollars of debt what they want to spend their lives doing at the high-school level is insane. "Oh, you're eighteen and don't have at least three colleges picked out? You didn't take all AP courses and join fifteen extra-curriculars? How will you ever get into College and be a successful, independent adult?" The way that many in schools push kids is sick. "We'll push you to go, but you better hope it works, and if it doesn't, hopefully you'll get successful overnight or marry into money." For many, it still works for them, and that is amazing. Others could have used the "life-lessons" earlier on.
I'll never ever be like Esquith, nor will I strive for that style. However, ideally, if I can prepare kids with an arsenal of academics coupled with a strong sense of responsibility, then I will have done my job.
Long rant, but after the readings it was totally worth it. :)
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