Any child can learn…all it takes is YOU.

In my work as a Candidate Screener and a Selector with Teach Charlotte I have asked many candidates applying to our program about their theory on the capabilities of children and their learning. It got me thinking about my own theory.

Based on my experience in two vastly different elementary schools, children are fundamentally the same. When you strip away environmental contributions, whether positive or negative, children are born with the same innate capabilities. Children who are blessed with financial and physical resources to aide in the learning process grow exponentially. Those without such resources grow, but not as quickly.

Think about it. When you till the soil to plant the seat, then nourish it with water and sunlight the plant will grow quickly to it’s intended size, or beyond. But, if you plant the seed in the soil without tilling or watering it plus neglect to water it, nothing much happens. Or of course, if you do a little care spontaneously the plant might grow, but it will not grow to its full potential.

Why would children be any different? If we consistently provide the nourishment their minds need they will grow to their full potential.

It’s our duty to ensure EVERY child receives what they deserve in education. Although our schools are no longer segregated by race, they are still very much segregated by financial status.

We can’t just throw money at schools or the kids. Yes, money helps purchase learning materials and knowledgeable staff. But, what children need most of all is free:

• Love.
• Stable Care.
• Motivation and Support.

It is inaccurate to say that a child was successful because they were born into an affluent family and attended Harvard University, for example. It is also inaccurate to say a child was unsuccessful because they came from a single parent home in a poor neighborhood.

With that said, children need access to the same educational opportunities and that begins with great teachers in every school everywhere. Teachers who are passionate about children, knowledgeable in their content, and persevere to ensure each child in their care grows leaps and bounds to achieve their fullest potential as an individual and a scholar.

We owe our children more than what the government allows, more than what taxes can provide, and more than what teachers are permitted to give. But that is not going to change any time soon.

However, what we can do is love every child enough to say “I’m going to help you become the best you.” Whether that means you donate your time to help tutor students at your local school, provide scholarship donations through your workplace, or show appreciation for the teachers that are working hard to advocate for all students in your area, we need YOU.

We need to stop blaming circumstances and roadblocks as the reason why some of our nation’s children are failing. We need to step up and be part of the cause to fairly educate every child.

Who knows, maybe the scientist and doctor teams that find a cure for cancer are currently children learning in an underprivileged neighborhood school with limited resources. Should we forget about them? Should we assume they can’t become some of the major contributors to our society?

Most children are told that they won’t amount to anything. Don’t allow that self fulfilling prophecy to take place. Be part of the mind shift. Be part of the change. Be a voice.

All children are worthy of an equal education and a fair chance at developing to their full potential. We must be their advocate.

Save lives. Believe in and support ALL children.

What is your theory on children and their learning?

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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