Waiting for Superman

“Wake up all the teachers, time to teach a new way, maybe then they’ll listen to what you have to say” John Legend wake up everybody.  

When thinking about the injustice I thought I had been dealt compared to the injustice millions of children are facing in terms of their education or lack thereof, it seemed insignificant. Our school system is broken it is a brick wall in the face of change. A man once said when he found out Superman wasn’t real he cried, not because his super hero didn’t exist but because there was no one who could come and save us.

 All around the world millions are pumped in to education, with most of the time little to show for it. Firstly we need to change the way we talk about and see teaching as a profession. Time after time bright students, when asked will say they aspire to be doctors lawyers and engineers because these professions are seen as prestigious, yet the people that helped them get where they are, are not seen on this level. Secondly we need to reinstall school pride. Thirdly we need to stop looking at students and saying wow that student has beaten the odds of his background, but rather change the odds.

How do we go about this? By waiting for Superman? We often look to our government in hope that they’ll be our Superman. Research has shown that what makes a school work is a system where the students are the main priority, a school where students have pride and respect. Where they strive to be better and do better, where the expectation of them is more than a pass. Where does it all start? It starts with teachers .A teaching body that is passionate, actively involved, who can relate to the students in the 21^st century and embrace change, makes for a successful student body.   

When asked what I wanted to do after school I would reply I’m not sure yet. As of now when asked, I will reply I aspire to have the honour of being a teacher.

The thing we need to realize is that Superman does exist and he can come. Not as one individual but as a driving force. He exists in each and every extra-ordinary teacher who is willing to go the extra mile.

If we are waiting on a superhero then we are not taking the responsibility that is truly ours.

Lauren Rowe.