I’m not angry that they’re trying to teach good character. I’m angry that that responsibility has been relegated to the public education system where its effectiveness can never surpass that of the environment in which true character is supposed to be fostered. And because they are not giving the kids a foundation on which to base ethics or morals.

Having good character comes from the inherent belief in the value of other lives. The only way other people have significance is if there is a God who created them. If we just evolved, then we’re no better than animals. If the universe began with a bang and not the spoken word of God then the universe is meaningless. And who are we to give our lives meaning in an ultimately meaningless universe? How can you teach kids that we are no better than animals and expect them to behave like they are?

While I understand your frustration with Character Education, I am concerned about how angry you seem to be. Why do you teach CE if you don’t agree with the program?

You are getting up in front of kids who don’t know you that well(since ur only in homeroom on tuesdays) even though you may have been with them for 2, 3, 4 years. Half of them don’t care. Most of them just want donuts(which i never bring for my kids. they can suck it up). And most of them are still thinking about what happened last period and the homework they need to finish for the next one. Or they’re texting. Most of them seem like they are listening but are really tuning you out and thinking about family problems. They are angry at mom and dad or a sibling. Someone just broke up with someone and since they’re in high school they think they were in love so they’re heartbroken. And its a wonderful process that repeats itself til they’re adults and instead of practicing commitment they were practicing divorce. Which most of their parents are, if they were married in the first place.

These kids don’t need some disconnected character ed mentor whom they’ve never met(or don’t know that well). They need someone to talk to. A friend who will listen with compassion to whats on their mind and whats on their heart. And honestly, character ed mentors can’t do that for a classroom full of students. At least I can’t. But thats what they need. They won’t listen to someone who hasn’t gained their respect. Once they have a role model they respect, they might start to actually “learn” something about character. By example mind you, not by presentation.

Ask any high schooler to go online and read the CE lessons on the KMHS website. Half of them are silly. some are, I would dare say, STUPID. They want us to play “Love Can Build a Bridge” by The Judds to teach them compassion? Yeah. That will get their attention. You are basically sending a message to them that they are immature and can’t understand how to function socially.

I have an idea. Let’s bring the gospel in and teach these kids that they’re sinners and that God has provided a way out in his grace and mercy. That the creator of the universe loves them even when they’re mom or dad or friends don’t. That they’re not alone. Why don’t we give them hope. And reality. Instead of trying to teach them foundationless morals. These CE lessons don’t make references to the Bible. Why? Trying not to offend anyone? I’ll bring the Bible in and pop it open in front of my class and read to them. It’s a lot better than some “it takes a village to raise a child” african proverb. And it doesn’t take a village to raise a child. It takes two committed, responsible, loving parents. Remember Adam and Eve? Not much of a village there. Remember Noah and his sons? Not exactly what you would call “the village people.” It only takes a village to raise a child if they parents aren’t doing their job. And I don’t believe it should be the responsibility of teachers to do what parents should be doing at home.

This may not all apply to middle school and elementary school students. But it definitely does for high schoolers.

ok. off my soapbox.