Every Student Has A Right To Learn

I wrote the following essay many years ago when I was still teaching at the junior high level.

Every student has a right to learn, every teacher has a right to teach. Reality shows us that a "regular" junior high public school has a diverse representation of adolescents. They come from different backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic levels and value systems. Some do not have very acceptable manners. They are rude or hostile and/or full of rage. Education is not a high priority for them. Or, more accurately stated, being educated may be a priority, but the process involved in obtaining that goal may be something that the youngster is either unwilling or unable to do. Self-control is an essential ingredient toward obtaining an education in a public school. Without it, chaos knocks at our door. Chaos is not welcome in my classroom. Chaos producers are welcome, only on the condition that they produce no chaos. I am a teacher. I must be allowed to teach. Every student has a right to learn. I have a right to teach. Perhaps I should say that learning is a privilege and not a right. Every one of my students is important. Fun, rather than learning might be the priority of some students. My classroom is an academic room. Teaching and learning go on. At times learning can be "fun," but for the most part, learning is work. To receive a formal education a student needs to listen, he/she needs to be quiet. It is difficult for some youngsters. I am here to help. Of course, while I help, time that belongs to many is used on one or few. I do realize that to help one, many can benefit. What do I mean by "help"? My job is to help. My job is to assist students in obtaining their education in the given subject I teach. Is it my job to police, discipline, scold, babysit and correct unruly and disrespectful students? Or is it my job to teach? Do you want to know? It is a combination of both. I teach middle and junior high school students. I teach a level of students that are undergoing mental, emotional, and physical changes that are greater than at any time in their lives. These changes might interfere with concentration and a focus on academics, and shift the concentration to fun, friends, popularity, looks, dreams, image, style, guys, girls, music and chewing gum. But none of this means that these youngsters can't be taught. It only means that I, as a teacher, must be aware that it is necessary to have certain expectations academically and certain policies and parameters regarding conduct. These students deserve no less. They have a right to learn, I have a right to teach.