The Power We Have.

Two extraordinary events happening within one hour of each other made me realize the incredible power we as educators possess.

The first incident occurred during a wonderful day at the elementary school where I am principal. We call it Pocket Poetry Day. Children memorize a piece of poetry of their own choosing and then recite it at recess to a community member designated as a listener. The child is then given a ticket for a drawing for prizes.

One designated listener was Little Johnny, an extremely popular radio personage in San Diego whose daily show is a favorite with children.

After the poetry readings were completed, Little Johnny, who is 36, confided in me that Mr. Jones (not his real name), who taught fourth grade, was one of his all-time favorite teachers. He said not only did this wonderful instructor educate him on the academic subjects, he also taught him about life, helping to teach him the difference between right and wrong.

Little Johnny said he still thinks about the things Mr. Jones told him those many years ago. It was obvious that his teacher had had a profound effect and helped to shape his successful life. When Little Johnny talked about his former teacher it was with reverence and respect.

A Demeaning Remark

Ironically, within an hour another parent came to my office, upset that Mrs. Lilly (not her real name) had embarrassed her child in class. I listened and agreed that educators should not embarrass children. Her child's teacher had whispered to another teacher that the boy's report "was boring." The child overheard the comment and was devastated.

The mother told me she was especially sensitive to this situation because 25 years ago when she was in grade school a teacher had called her oral report "stupid." Having spent hours on that report, she said she, too, was devastated by the teacher's thoughtless remark.

Ever since then, she added, she was afraid to give oral reports. She plotted ways to get out of giving presentations, to the extreme of faking illness so she could stay home.

Even in college, the woman said, she was afraid to get in front of the class because she didn't want to look stupid. Only in the last few years (she's 37 now) had she begun to regain her confidence. Now she is upset at the prospect her child will endure the same torture she suffered while growing up.

Lasting Effects

One thoughtless remark and one teacher who cared. Both influenced profound changes in students' lives. I doubt either teacher realized the power he or she possessed in making a difference in another human being's life.

Education is a deadly serious job. Every day we face delicate occurrences that can turn good or bad, depending on how we react. Just ask Little Johnny who believes his teacher helped turned his life around or the mother who after 25 years still feels humiliated.