Shock and Awe
Posted by Dwayne on February 20th, 2010Educator is shocked and awed by what he sees in system
Dwayne Burks
Published 2/17/2010 – Gaston Gazette
When looking at today’s public schools, do you sometimes feel a sense of shock and awe? Without a doubt, it can be shocking to read of students who seem to be drifting through school with pants sagging lower than test scores and teacher morale.
As I approach the beginning of my sixth decade on earth and my first full decade in public education, I too am shocked and awed. Yes, I am shocked by the critical issues facing our schools, but I also choose to be awed by the potential within our schools.
Every day in our county, schools are filled with thousands of amazing students and hundreds of dedicated staff members.
My job puts me in the thick of some wonderful schools where I am privileged to work with students that some might consider “at risk,” Daily I am shocked and awed by these students who are indeed at risk of failure, but more importantly are at risk of success.
I see the middle school student whose greatest desire is to grow up and get a good job so his “mother does not have to work so hard.”
I witness the high school sophomore who acts tough, but when we talk he quietly tells me that his greatest dream is to someday operate his own auto repair business.
Often, the fine line between a lifetime of failure or a solid shot at success for these students rests in the hands of a single caring adult.
It rests in the hands of a teacher who, after teaching all day, works late into the evening to complete the unseen, yet critical planning and paperwork portion of her job. Yet she still takes time to call the parents of her toughest child — just to let them know he had a good day in her class today.
I witness the difference in the hands of a custodian who realizes he is not merely sweeping floors. He is clearing the pathway for children to reach their potential.
I see it in the hands of administrators who choose to support — not just suspend students whenever possible.
The next time you see a public school student or staff member, be shocked. Be awed. You are witnessing living, breathing potential for success.
Dwayne Burks is a Communities in Schools Site coordinator with the Alliance for Children and Youth, Gastonia. Mr. Burks also serves as Senior Pastor of Bethany Church, Gastonia. He can be reached at dwayneburks@gmail.com.
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