Character Education and Executive Assistants
“The results of this meta-analysis make it difficult to argue against teaching love, compassion, responsibility, honesty, and integrity in the schools.” (Jeynes, 2017)
One of the big discussion points with work colleagues in recent weeks has been centred around character education.
This approach to teaching values and virtues is centred on a philosophical perspective that human formation is the purpose of education. The wonderful phrase I have learnt is that character is “caught, taught and sought.” This of course has got me wondering, how do we catch character and can schools and those people within them shape character in their actions and words.
Again, a key question - which metaphor is better to describe a school setting - are they factories or gardens?
Factories build things, Gardens grow things.
I think I prefer the garden metaphor considering that grow something we need to care for it, nurture, nourish and provide the climate and requirements to create something beautiful. Our values, ethics and morals are essential ingredients in this process.
What role can EA’s and other non-teaching staff play in shaping the character of young people. Well, I would argue that we play a highly significant role which may be hidden from general view.
We can model good character through our everyday actions where our conduct daily communicates lessons in respect, responsibility, and integrity more powerfully than words. When we greet students warmly, listen attentively, or offer assistance, we can promote a culture of respect and kindness.
Never underestimate the impact and influence we have in human formation and the development of character.
