I had the honor and privilege of
serving as “Principal for a Day” at Inskip Elementary here in Knoxville this week. Actually, it was really
only half a day and not a single student was sent to my office while I was
there. Oh well. Instead, it was an extended look at the faculty, classes and
programs at the school. I am not sure what I expected the visit to be, but I
left there very encouraged about these professionals and the children under
their care.
The education “system” has been
under fire in recent years. Most people also realize that teachers and school
administrators are underpaid and often underappreciated. I have always had a
healthy respect for those who dedicate their lives to education. My sister is a
teacher/literacy coach and I can also point to several milestones in my own
life for which I can thank a teacher who cared. Still, my admiration for them
has only grown in light of this visit.
What I found was a team made up
of administrators, teachers, social workers, counselors, nurses and specialized
leaders working together to help grow these young minds. They demonstrated to
me a care far beyond just “doing their job” and reinforced my thoughts that
teaching is in many ways a “calling” not unlike ministry. The sincere concern
they showed for the students having difficulties was striking, but I was even
more impressed with how thoroughly they knew the kids and their family
situations. Their hopes for them clearly do not end when class is dismissed.
I got to observe a few teachers
in their classrooms with the students and one of the things that struck me immediately
was just how diverse they were. At a glance, each room seemed equally populated
with whites, blacks and Hispanics. This is clearly reflective of the community
around them. I was slightly taken aback when I heard one of the teachers
describe Inskip as an “inner city” school. I am not sure where I thought the
inner city of Knoxville
was, but it was enlightening to realize this is where I serve also through my
church. I wish more people would embrace this as the beautiful view of America that it
is.
The students in one of the classes were having trouble concentrating,
so the teacher had them all stand up and do a quick set of 10 jumping jacks to
get the blood flowing again. This prompted me to ask about physical education.
I was disappointed to learn they are only allotted one day a week in the gym
officially. I would later meet the gym teacher (Ed, Phys Ed.) who would
welcome having the kids more frequently. I personally think this would help
test scores more than additional class time. Several teachers told me how they
try to squeeze in additional activity time for the students in spite of the
heavy expectations of the curriculum.
Struggling with limited funds, space and other resources, these folks
still seem to be working wonders. Without a classroom of their own, special
areas such as music and technology make their rounds to the kid’s rooms with a
cart. I was encouraged to find at least this effort was being made to shape
well-rounded young people in a system with expectations weighted toward test
scores. I hope there will be space allotted for these disciplines with the
proposed building expansion.
I talked at length also with the director of the “Community School
I was also impressed with the community garden project started by a
young lady from Americorps. This is a wonderful learning tool with the
potential of being a real help to the neighborhood also. One of the 5th grade
teachers outlined plans for a “Men’s Club” in which boys are taught and modeled
manners and other helpful social tools. I believe this type of “mentoring”
effort will pay great dividends in the classroom and beyond.
I just wanted to share this positive experience because who doesn’t
need an uplifting word now and then?
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