It’s been nearly two decades since we wrote about a school program called “special me”.
We first heard of its use next door in Waterloo Region. It was generally a day in the primary school year where a student would be named “special me” for the day.
A kindergarten or Grade 1 student would be the centre of attention and tell their story to fellow students and get the chance to call the shots on certain activities during the day. Things about family and what made them special and distinct from other students was usually demonstrated through family photos. Students loved being “special me” and parents too got into the spirit of their Johnny or Sally being special for the day.
We were reminded of that concept last week when James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines after insisting his two boys return “participation” awards given to them by a Sports club. To him, just showing up wasn’t worth a reward; accomplishments deserve trophies.
For some kids, showing up or rising to the challenge of engaging in any sporting activity might merit a trophy. An unnatural athlete or smaller child could well have the heart of a lion, but not the skill to earn a trophy.
It does seem to us though that these concepts, meant to foster inclusion and recognize everyone’s efforts, have not worked as intended. Rather than celebrate a special day, or revel in the glow of being part of a team or group, we see a growing sense of isolation and entitlement.
This is the trouble with being “special just because” or honoured without significant achievement. It demonstrates our observation that there is a growing absence of seeing the big picture. It’s a disturbing trend that is becoming a cultural, if not societal, problem.
While getting ready for work we happened to catch the recent Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) meeting on Canada AM. Over the years we have become less worried about the rhetoric that spews forth at such events as it’s just part of the shtick that passes for leadership in a union environment.
We were, however, startled when the camera panned the audience and showed an attendee almost in a trance-like state hanging onto every word of union president Sam Hammond. The first word that came to mind was cult.
Once at the office we reviewed the daily Newspaper headlines and found: “Liberals, school boards ‘in for the fight of their lives,’ says teachers’ union president” (Toronto Star); and “ETFO’s federal election plan to ‘Heave Steve’” (Toronto Sun).
Entreaties are often made during labour strife about the important role and inherent purpose teachers have in helping raise the next generation of citizens. The militant actions we have witnessed in recent years casts doubt on that mission. In fact, planning to “heave Steve” or claims that elected bodies will be in “for the fight of their lives” sounds more like the talk of a thug than an educator.
While much is made of the economy and Canada being in a technical recession this election season, we can’t help but note some irony in the union failing to see that any increase in costs or programs might be difficult to swing right now.
In the previous round of contract squabbles one teacher in Fergus thought it was okay to fill the class in on the poor pay teachers receive. Meanwhile, the combined household income of a substantial number of students in the class would not come close to the teacher’s annual salary.
Closer to home, we have stories in this week’s Advertiser about the continuing wait for report cards and the postponement of Grade 9 orientation for students this fall. Perhaps if the unions and politicians took a step back from their current dance they might realize who is getting hurt in their selfish crossfire.
Regrettably this latest action by teacher unions and the inaction of Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Liberals and local school boards creates a climate where teachers will be labelled as one – and that is unfair in the extreme.
There are teachers who earn their pay and more. They are kind, caring and bring a passion to teaching that makes education fun and rewarding. We were glad to have many teachers like that and proud to see our kids have the same chance.
If Ontario and the next generation of students are to escape the current malaise and ongoing union issues, everyone involved needs to consider a far bigger picture than the current “special me” attitude that permeates education today.
It’s just not tenable.
