Character Education

What is good quality character education in schools? 

No Child Left Behind mandates that schools teach some sort of character education.  The dilemma is how to implement this.  How does a school structure the time to create an effective program for it’s students given the demanding academic benchmarks it is required to teach?

Character, ethics, and civility need not be taught as much as they need to be modeled.  All of these are part of a broader constellation of attitudes, behaviors, motivations and skills.  Often when schools think about character what comes to mind first are the undesirable behaviors.  The motivation to teach character is fueled by the need to eliminate certain behavior and discipline problems.   What’s really needed is a paradigm shift.   

Character education that helps create a caring school community and fosters moral leadership must be part of the school climate.  This climate is influenced and created by the attitudes of the adults in charge.  Each individual classroom teacher can shift this very climate by negative or positive degrees.    To create a positive shift teachers must recognize how critical it is that they be a person of high integrity.  

Teachers with this level of integrity act out of a place of love and patience.  The key to the ninety-nine is the one – particularly the one who is testing your limits.  It is the love and discipline of the one student that communicates the love for the ninety-nine. Stephen Covey author of the 7 Habits for Highly Effective people said it most eloquently,  “How you treat the one reveals how you regard the ninety-nine because ultimately everyone is the one.”

When a teacher acts out of integrity it also means avoiding communication that is deceptive, judgmental or beneath the dignity of their students.  A teacher who embarrasses a student, is a harsh critic or uses disrespectful language  (i.e. shut up) must be able to use sincere words:

• That was unkind of me
• I showed you no respect
• I was wrong

Using these words gives students a model to follow in their missteps in life it also allows for the very human act of making a mistake and making amends.

This idea of showing love, of being a daily example of patience and civility might seem like it’s asking too much for today’s stressed and over worked teachers.  But think on this for a moment; this daily practice is like putting money in the bank the interest will grow.  And although difficult at times it’s a process of personal enrichment for the teacher as well.  Not only will their school relationships shine but this commitment will enrich their personal relationships as well. 

Character education that is this focused and deliberate can’t help but impact the lives and hearts of students.   Nowhere else will students find a safe and quality environment as in this nurturing classroom. 

If you as an educator are looking for a program of character education that can guide you on this path Creative World Connection gives you the template to help your students “sharpen the saw.”   Our daily messages promote academic and social achievement as well physical and emotional health.