As an independent school teacher, I’m often grateful that I don’t have to deal with the bureaucracy and brokenness of public school.
Lately though, I’ve been wondering about the parts of public schools that do work, and how I can export some of those elements to my own practice.
I know I don’t want grades, but there’s something to be said for accountability that goes beyond pass/fail. I know I want students to be engaged and hands-on learners, but there’s something to be said for learning how to listen to a lecture and take notes. Being an independent school gives me the freedom to do things completely differently from “traditional” school – but does that mean I should, all the time?
Balance is key, of course. But this quick thought is one I’m going to carry with me planning for the fall.