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The National Educator of the Year 2001 The CEAI National Educator of the Year
Message... If we are truly the preservers of our society by being salt and light to a dark world, then we as Christian educators, and church members need to become involved in educating the Heart as well as the Mind. This is the message I have, and will continue to place on the hearts of Christian educators and churches across America. Dr. Martin Luther King once said to ignore the instruction of the heart is to create a culture of youth that will become menaces to society. I submit that if character values are not being taught at home, then they need to be taught in the classroom by the instructor. Timeless truths of character are the pillars upon which our society has been built. Acquisition of knowledge and skills should be tempered by instruction of the heart. We are the storytellers of our culture, and must attest to the fact that successful human beings are made by exercising wisdom, and values of the heart. Many students however, come to school lacking a reservoir of resources by which to decide life altering decisions. Lately, there seems to be a decrease in the lack of moral conscience. Senseless drive by shootings and guns in the schools, widespread cheating and teen suicide, tell us we can no longer avoid the issue. We have found out that as children doubt their own self worth, they have a diminished regard for others' lives too. Nothing seems to have value. It's so sad to see students that already in their youth seem to lack hope as evidenced by their music, behavior and creative writing. Role models in the sports, political, and public arena are lacking and contributes to the hopeless feeling. As Christians we need to teach that we are valuable, special in God's eyes, and have hope. He values us so much he died for us and has a plan for our lives. Life is worth living and as it says in Psalms 139, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Kids today need to know they are worthy because the Creator of the Universe says so. By teaching character vocabulary, such as synonyms for kindness, honesty, and responsibility we can intrinsically build a character values awareness throughout the curriculum. By using music, writing lessons, and social studies curriculum we can send a values oriented message. The teacher handbooks I have written, are directed towards teachers, parents, coaches and youth leaders. They tell how to integrate values throughout the curriculum. In my workshops, I use the analogy of a shelled peanut when explaining education. The outside shell is the solid core curriculum that we are responsible for teaching and testing. The peanut is the core of the personality and development of the child. The inside remains to be the vital protein. It's nourishment to those who eat it. Our students will give nourishment to the next generation. If we haven't given them "Sonlight," and prepared the soil well and watered it with core character values, then how will kids know what their role is in their family and in society? Many teachers across America will admit that they have a difficult time completing the core curriculum and accomplishing the grade level expectancies. They attribute the problem to many discipline disruptions that need to be addressed in order to teach. Students must become their own problem solvers, and to understand the consequences of wrong choices. Students need to see where their choices lead, but wrongly at times we rescue. With proper guidance and character education training in areas of integrity, responsibility, respect and gratitude students will become caring, responsible citizens. ...The character values are timeless. They are the factors that determine the success of any workforce, influence the political climate of any nation, and build integrity of the family. In the 21st century with it's push for higher technology, the internet, and knowledge, let's not lose sight of what our forefathers had, to build a country. They had commitment to a cause, a spirit of courage, determination and as it reads on our coinage a God in who they trusted for strength. Let's get back to basics by educating the Heart as well as the Mind. Carole Romatko-Cliffe Email: carole_cliffe@vv.sssd.k12.ca.us Home: carole@characterbuildingconcepts.com Home Page: http://www.characterbuildingconcepts.com Mailing Address: PAST HONOREES Dr. Arlene Kaiser, 2000-2001, Educator of the Year from California Jody McElhaney, 1999-2000, Educator of the Year from Oklahoma , Educator of the Year from Connecticut Teachers of the Year |
