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A Teacher's Journal 22: Our Forgotten Heroes
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I've been a little creeped out lately, and it's not because of Halloween. Strange things happen at our school all the time -- things that, at first glance, seem to have no explanation.
For example, our supply room is always stocked. Whenever I need paper clips or overhead pens, they're there. Whenever I need construction paper or computer discs for a classroom project, they're there. It's almost like the supplies order themselves in just the right quantities at just the right times.
Here's another oddity: I never make a single photocopy and yet I always have the copies that I need for my lessons. All I do is put my original in a file cabinet and within a day, the copies somehow end up back in my mailbox. It's totally bizarre.
Still more curious: Our building is always clean, our classrooms are never too hot or too cold, broken railings get fixed, burnt-out light bulbs get replaced, my paycheck is always right, phone messages are automatically placed my mailbox, records are accurate and up-to-date, student meals are carefully prepared and buses run safely all the time. Someone is even cleaning the bathrooms -- and boy do they deserve to be paid more money!
So who's doing all of this mysterious work in my building and in our school system?
Dozens of dedicated men and women whose work often goes overlooked: School secretaries and receptionists, data managers, teacher's assistants, custodians, craftsmen, media assistants, audiology technicians, facilities supervisors, cafeteria managers, mechanics, cooks, cashiers, and bus drivers.
These professionals deserve the admiration and respect of our community because they are essential to our district's success. In fact, it is more than fair to say that the people who are completing these tasks are the backbone of our system and the rock on which student achievement and teacher satisfaction are built.
Think about it: Could children possibly learn in a building that wasn't clean or well maintained? Could they concentrate on an empty stomach or focus if they arrived late every morning? Could teachers possibly teach if materials were never available? Would we be able to tutor struggling students or lead after-school activities if we were responsible for copying and cleaning too? How much time could we spend planning or grading or meeting with parents if all of these other tasks weren't competently completed by others?
What is even more amazing is that these same tasks happen in over one hundred schools across our county with little recognition every single day. While the work of teachers and principals is often celebrated, little public praise is given to the people who make that work possible.
Take a few moments in the upcoming days to celebrate the supporting staff in our schools -- they are the forgotten heroes of the Wake County Public School System!
Posted by William Ferriter at 9:08 AM on October 31, 2005 | Leave Feedback
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