School IS Life!

     Over 25 years ago in Lowell, Massachusetts, I was sitting in the classroom of one of my Education Administration graduate classes.  On that warm, late-spring evening we were listening to a guest speaker, Dr. Seymour Sarason.  I can remember the day vividly, as the words I heard that day would serve to shape the rest of my life as an educator.  In his very dry, monotone voice, Dr. Sarason droned on for what seemed like hours regarding his bleak prediction for the future of education.  The longer he spoke, the more frustrated I became with his negativity.  It was not that there was not truth in what he was saying; it was just that I have always been something of an idealist.   I wondered why we, as future leaders in the field of education, were being subjected to such uninspiring rhetoric. Just when I thought I had heard more than could handle, Dr. Sarason began to talk about John Dewey.  He said, Dewey’s philosophy was that school is not just preparation for life, but rather school IS life.  Those three, life-changing words, SCHOOL IS LIFE, have resounded in my head ever since that day.

  This mantra has framed my perspective and my approach to every role I have played from classroom teacher to principal to my various roles with Thinking Maps, Inc.   I have felt compelled to share this mantra with everyone I have encountered along the way, especially educators.  In this age of greater-than-ever levels of accountability, it seems we have become increasingly focused in schools on preparation for life: preparation for tests, preparation for the next year, and preparation for graduation. We certainly want all students to graduate from high school ready for college and/or career.  However, without focus on the importance of finding joy in the journey, I fear we will not reach this destination for all students.    

      As an educator, what are you doing each day for every student to ensure that school is not just preparation for life, but School IS Life?

https://thinkingmaps.com/school-is-life/