As I have conversations with teachers, students, parents, counselors and all staff members, I am continuously brought back to the concept of balance.
Throughout our lives we are constantly working to find the proper "balance" in our lives, whether it be work versus family, balance in our diet, or balance in fitness work outs. In an educational institution, we too are also looking for the proper balance.
One balance, educators are always striving for, is instructional balance. How much technology do we use? Dies the lesson provide proper differentiation? Do we move forward in content, at the expense of leaving others behind, or do we re-teach until all students find proficiency? This desire for balance creates a tug in all educators, but also leads to tremendous conversation and reflection. And unlike the balance we may look for in our personal lives, this balance is directed at the learning needs of all students, which can only enhance instruction.
I also think about balance for our students. As the college application season ramps up, how are our students working to find the proper balance between being involved and taking on too much. I emphasize to incoming freshmen to be involved and find passions, which lead to a more rewarding high school experience. I too, see the pull of balance with our students. Students push themselves to have strong resumes and transcripts for college admissions, but they want to enjoy high school and balance the pressure on themselves. Again, striving for balance can foreshadow for our students the type of adult life they want.
