Submitted by fastronautgrrl (not verified) on August 16, 2007 - 07:01.
Michael Pritchard is a breath of fresh air in a world where a lot of educational systems in high-risk areas preach "tough love." What a difference some gentle but insistent words can be. Sometimes, all that many of these kids want is to know that there is someone out there that cares about them, perhaps even loves them. At lot of times a river of sorrow flows through kids that have this mask of attitude, or impenetrable coolness.
I think any educator could take a lesson from Pritchard. He's honest, and has a sense of humor, but knows when to use it, and when is a serious moment. Kids aren't automatons - they're kids, with hearts, hopes, and dreams, however big or small. We need to listen to our students; listen to what they're saying, yes, but sometimes more important, listen to what they're not saying. Compassion will always override condescension, and folks, there are some of us that were kids in that lonely crowd once upon a time.
Mandie the "Space Geek" Roberts
"When you teach with Heart, teaching becomes an Art"
In a fast world comes slow words
Submitted by fastronautgrrl (not verified) on August 16, 2007 - 07:01.
Michael Pritchard is a breath of fresh air in a world where a lot of educational systems in high-risk areas preach "tough love." What a difference some gentle but insistent words can be. Sometimes, all that many of these kids want is to know that there is someone out there that cares about them, perhaps even loves them. At lot of times a river of sorrow flows through kids that have this mask of attitude, or impenetrable coolness.
I think any educator could take a lesson from Pritchard. He's honest, and has a sense of humor, but knows when to use it, and when is a serious moment. Kids aren't automatons - they're kids, with hearts, hopes, and dreams, however big or small. We need to listen to our students; listen to what they're saying, yes, but sometimes more important, listen to what they're not saying. Compassion will always override condescension, and folks, there are some of us that were kids in that lonely crowd once upon a time.
Mandie the "Space Geek" Roberts
"When you teach with Heart, teaching becomes an Art"