Character is truly far more important than achievement. Theodore Roosevelt once said “To educate a person in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” Teaching character is something that we all attempt to do, but because of lock step lesson planning and curriculum time lines we never seem to have the freedom to correctly work on this important topic in our classrooms. Sometimes there is more caught then taught. So, make the time to discuss situations that involve lying, stealing, cheating, bullying, bad mouthing, etc. Search for character education programs and lesson plans and make the time so you can force it into your day or your week. Do your best, and remember your main focus should be teaching the qualities of  respect, and responsibility.

Bench Notice

Character; what we do when no one is looking. In the teaching profession everyone is looking. And, with the use of social media people are really looking. We can’t legislate morals but we will be judged based upon the court of public opinion. We all know the difference between right and wrong.  Don’t allow you impulses get in the way of your good name. Life is based upon gain and loss, whether someone is looking or not. If there is any immediate gain to be had from behavior that could be interpreted as inappropriate or even immoral ask yourself if the long term consequence is worth it. Whether we want to believe it or not; people are watching.