Advice for the Fall Semester - 2023 Edition

It’s back to school time friends - which means, ‘tis the season for my fall semester words of wisdom. This year I am reaching out not just to students, but to teachers as well.

Numero uno - and this might not be the most fashionable advice…but I think I need to yell it loud for the folks in the back. Let’s do what we can to keep our personal political agendas out of the classroom. I have said this a million times, but I think it is worth repeating. Those who use the classroom as a bully pulpit to ram their agendas down the throats of their classmates and students are doing the world a disservice. As I see things, there is no place for ideological orthodoxy in the classroom. Education is meant to foster the free exchange of ideas and to encourage critical thinking. The world needs more of that, let’s try and get on board.

Numero dos - strive for excellence. I know in many places around the nation, especially in California, their are efforts underway to remove honors level and other challenging classes, essentially limiting opportunities for kids to push themselves and maximize their potential. As a teacher who has a deep faith in the human spirit, it makes me sad when I hear that a student misses a chance to express their intellect, curiosity, and creativity. Students - I encourage you to go the extra mile regardless of your circumstances, and teachers, I encourage you to give your kids the chance and the opportunities to show you what they can do.

Numero tres - maybe try to lighten up a bit. Yeah I know it’s important to take learning seriously, especially when the subject matter is often pretty heavy. But that doesn't mean you should ignore opportunities for levity too. There are lots of ways to make learning enjoyable, engaging, and sometimes kind of comical. My personal favorite: I have my freshies make Greek hoplons (shields) and we recreate a marching phalanx…always a hit with the kids, and we have a lot of laughs in the process.

So. here’s to a successful and fulfilling year!

With compliments,

Keith