Magic? Indeed

BY PAUL A. HOHLBEIN

Where does the magic come from to embrace the challenges of being an educator? What purpose overcomes the odds that are relatively stacked against educators? We are asked to educate young people from every ability level, every home situation, and every socioeconomic background to a “standard” level. We are asked to do this although we only see the children approximately 25% of a day, 18% of a week and 12% of a year...IF they have perfect attendance.

We are asked to do this despite the why of education being very blurry at best. Students’ why, in general, is the social aspect of being with friends. Parents’ why, in general, is their child being safe, able to get along with others, and become educated. The legislature’s why, in general, is that schools are accountable for the programs and policies they assign to us and the money they sometimes do or sometimes do not put with those initiatives. Educators’ why is generally to make a difference in kids’ lives by teaching and assisting the whole child. Finally, the purpose, the WHY, for which public education was created: a more informed citizenry that could carry on our country’s ideal of liberty and paving one’s own way in life.

Sheesh. With all of those competing perspectives, one better have some magic to approach this profession! Fortunately, most educators do. They have a why that is child-focused. They embrace the “magic of the child” that inspires them to come to school each day. They do not do it for self but for those whose eyes watch their every move. They do it because they see the magic of young minds processing and gaining knowledge with which to learn, adapt, and grow. Educators face these seemingly impossible odds, because they know their objective. Their why IS the future!

The real magic is that every student is on his or her own trajectory. Students “magically” undergo the process of defining themselves through experiences, knowledge, and interactions. Educators get to experience the magic of students becoming themselves. One who educates does not seek a final product but rather to enhance, encourage, and assist the person who already exists. So what is the magic that causes one to be an educator? I propose it is the collective belief that education builds the future one student at a time. Further, education can reveal, refine, and empower a young person to seek his or her best self, day after day after day! Educators know that interactions with their students hold tremendous potential, so they embrace the tough odds of today in order to hopefully ensure a better tomorrow.

All this being said, I believe that despite all the stress, expectations, and evaluations that educators face, it is the collective spirit of educators that influences each of us. We see our colleagues giving of themselves to work “magic” in their students and schools. Despite being asked to educate students with wide-ranging ability levels, experiences, and social status. Despite being asked to educate students having a limited amount of time, often limited resources and—at best—a blurry purpose, educators KNOW their why makes a difference. I have long said that there are two evaluations in life that every person should do every day.

1. When you wake up and look in the mirror, are you ready to be and give your best at ALL you do that day?

2. When you lay your head on your pillow at night, do you know you were your best and gave all you had?

Yes and yes is a very good day. I can say with great confidence, that when it comes to magical educators, that most every day, they answer, “YES and YES!”

Paul A. Holhlbein believes that educating children is an honor and one of the most difficult yet rewarding professions that exists. This year marks his 30th in education, 24 of those spent as a teacher and six as an administrator. He has a BS from The Ohio State University and MSE and Principal Licensure from University of Dayton. He is an avid reader and student of motivational leadership materials and ideas. Paul can be contacted via email at hohlbein-p@troy.k12.oh.us.