It Takes A Village!

 
      I wasn't sure how to approach this post, seeing as how it's very difficult to write about a massacre. But I just wanted to share a few thoughts. First and foremost, my heart goes out to the families and friends who lost loved ones at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut. It boggles the sane mind that there are people who commit these heinous acts against people, or in this case, innocent babies. I can't imagine what the victims have experienced. I wish them comfort, peace, and a healthy time of grieving.


    Now, as a teacher, I know that there wouldn't be a moment's hesitation that I wouldn't protect the lives of my babies (students). When you spend 8+ hours in the classroom 5 days a week, there is an emotional bond formed between a teacher and his/her students. We become that child's substitute guardian, teaching them not only the educational fundamentals, but life principles. A lot of trust is put into the hands of a teacher, whether you realize it or not. And a teacher's job extends beyond being a daily babysitter (which a completely ignorant but often heard comment) & giving homework.

    There are some teachers in this great nation who go to work with the thought that someone could possibly bring a gun to school and harm or even possibly end their lives. No matter the gun control laws, it isn't hard to gain access to a gun. As daunting as that is, it's also the truth. While these laws are a very important issue, I believe that parenting is what needs to be at primal focus. No, I'm not a parent, but as a teacher, I refuse to  silence my opinions, because it does matter.

   I see a lot. I see a lot of brushing under the rug type of behavior from parents. I've seen a few cases of denial. Overall, it hurts because what should be the main objective of both teacher and parent is the well being of the student. I believe that there are always signs. Sometimes, they're immediately noticeable and sometimes it can take days, months, or years to be revealed. It's my fervent hope that parents and teachers keep their eyes open so that disabilities and illnesses can be treated, in hopes of preventing violent acts against themselves or others. We owe it to the next generation to help them into adulthood with as much guidance as possible. If you think each child is the same, you're wrong. A child has it's own unique personality, characteristics, and mannerisms, meaning that each child must be catered to differently, with the main objective still being one of happiness & success for that child's upbringing and emerging into the world.

  So let's not ignore our children. They come into this world and are affected by EVERYTHING that we say and do. Let's give them the opportunity to be great people, who are taught that tough situations must be dealt with accordingly and that every action results in either a consequence or reward. And regardless of this new "Every man for himself" motto when it comes to raising children, it DOES take a village to raise a child. Let us lovingly and wholeheartedly invest in the next generation. Their future depends upon it.