Recently I was reflecting on my educational background. I grew up in the inner city (Cleveland, Ohio) in a large metropolitan area, where one would probably imagine the conditions being less than positive for any student to receive a “quality” education. We hear this from all around the country, not short of low performing schools, poor teacher quality, and low student achievement. Given these and other barriers to a “quality” education, what can been done for students who attend these types of schools (or any school) such that they can succeed?

From my personal standpoint, EXPERIENCE COUNTS.

I’m not talking about the experience (i.e. teaching experience) level of my teachers; instead, I am talking about the experience I received from my teachers. As a student, all I knew was that my teachers were teachers. I had no knowledge of their academic credentials nor when they began their teaching careers. What I did have knowledge of was how they made me feel as a student.

Was I challenged? Yes. Did they engage me in the classroom? Yes. Did they show an interest in seeing  that I achieve? Again, yes. They (teachers) gave me an experience that will forever be imbedded in my memory. One teacher (Ms. Tressler at the time), in particular stands out vividly in my memory. Here was a woman who did not care if you were growing up in the “hood” so to speak. What she did care about was that you’d better come to class prepared to read, write and participate in the day’s activities. She went as far as telling us not to believe everything she is teaching us but to seek to find the answers for ourselves. Ms. Tressler challenged us wholeheartedly. But she also balanced that with a great deal of support.

Understand, however, this was over 25 years ago. Since then, academic requirements, standards, funding levels and polices have changed. But wait! Isn’t teaching still teaching? Can you give students an experience that will compel them to achieve? Can you challenge students to become high achievers? Can you give students an experience so that 25 years, or more, later they can speak positively of that experience? Continue reading →