What's Best For Kids

Right now is a tough time to be an educator.  Between state assessments, moving to the common core standards and new evaluation systems there is a lot coming from many different directions.  All of that can be very overwhelming and I know has even caused some educators to question how much longer they should stay in the profession.  We can easily drown under this wave of reform.  But we should not.

Everyday we should ask ourselves, "Are we doing what is best for kids?"  In the end, that is what matters.  Are we preparing our kids for the future?  Are we teaching them the skills they need?  When our students leave us, will they be better off?  Will they look back and say thanks?

I'm not saying we should ignore the changes.  As a matter of fact, many of these changes, although overwhelming, are pushing us to do better for our students.  What I'm saying is do not get bogged down in the hype.  Do what you know is best for kids.  Let your moral and professional compass be your guide, and in the end everyone will benefit.    

Image credit: http://helenotway.edublogs.org/2011/01/02/different-compass-point-same-ultimate-direction/