which I delivered yesterday in Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University.
I was invited to speak on behalf of the Educators of Distinction, those educators who had been selected by the student members of the organization.
This was the third time I have been asked to fulfill this role.
I have lost track of how many times students have so selected me - I do remember one year two of my students did.
Anyhow, make of my words what you will.
They are below the fold.
Remarks for NSHSS
delivered August 2, 2014
Lisner Auditorium
George Washington University
Washington DC
As I look out at those before me, I hesitate as a teacher to speak on behalf of the student members of the National Society of High School Scholars. After all, I am a teacher, not a student.
And yet I know the importance of the Society to students because of my students who have become members, whether I have nominated them or other teachers have.
In one sense I would like all of my students to be eligible for the National Society of High School Scholars. I am saddened that I am not able to make that happen.
I am delighted to suggest to students that they might want to participate in the society. I have seen the benefits they receive.
I think especially of one of my former students, Gabrielle Robinson, who was a major scholarship winner, and how much her participation meant to her.
Students, your presence here, and that of your parents, demonstrates you recognize the value of your participation.
I speak to you today on behalf of the Educators of Distinction. We hold that role because one of you or one of your compatriots in the Society has picked each of us as a “teacher, counselor, or administrator who has made a positive impact on their lives during their high school career.” To date there are only about 40,000 Educators of Distinction out of more than 3 million educators.
As a teacher there are many ways to evaluate my work. Some propose to do it by the test scores of my students, which I think is foolish. Others might use student ratings of teachers.
For me what matters most is that my students come away from their time with me feeling empowered about themselves, able to take ownership of their own learning. But not all students let us know the impact we have had on their lives. When one of them nominates us as an Educator of Distinction, that matters.
Henry Adams wrote that “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell, where his influence stops.” When one of you nominates a teacher, we know that our influence, at least in your case, has been positive.
You heard that I have had trouble retiring. The students I have taught are the main reason. I am honored when they Friend me on Facebook, or email me with updates in their lives, or stop by to say hello.
I am even more honored when they choose to thank me by choosing me for this role, that of an Educator of Distinction. It is gratifying to be chosen even once, and more than gratifying to have it happen multiple times.
And each time at student designates me, besides being gratified, I wonder why I have not succeeded in reaching even more students. I suspect that feeling is shared by the other educators here - we care about ALL of our students.
I keep teaching because I want to keep making a difference.
When I was a troubled adolescent in a dysfunctional family, it was my teachers at Mamaroneck High School and later my professors at Haverford College who encouraged me, who challenged me, who supported me as a person. I teach to pass that forward. I will do so as long as I can be effective. The response of students is how I will measure that.
On behalf of all of the Educators of Distinction, I thank you the students for honoring us, and thank you the parents for trusting us with your children.
And Dr.Nobel and Mr. Lewis, I thank you for the vision in establishing this Society and the staff for carrying on that vision.