Who teaches?

Since learning can happen beyond the school setting, there are many people outside of a school that are actually teaching.

So, besides teachers and school staff, who teaches?

Within the family and community experience, children learn from:

parents
guardians
aunts/uncles
grandparents
siblings
cousins
coaches
neighbors
babysitters/nannies

. . . and this list is not exhaustive. This is a sampling of a child’s most likely, and most immediate circle.

Children are sponges–they are learning from cashiers and sales associates while we are shopping; they are learning from waiters and waitresses while we are dining at restaurants; they are learning from our friends while we are visiting our friends.

It takes a village, there’s a village at every school, and a village surrounding us. Take advantage and appreciate every person that is contributing to our own, and our kids’ education.

Where can I learn?

A school is not the only place for learning. In fact, it is hardly the only place where children, and adults, can gain new knowledge.

Learning happens at:

museums
zoos
playgrounds & parks
theaters
galleries
festivals & fairs
parties
summer camps
national and state parks
aquariums
farms
libraries
community centers
grocery stores

. . . and this list is not exhaustive.

Perhaps it’s the primary origins of my teaching career, but I have seen, and I have capitalized, on the most random teaching moments.

There is always something to learn. There is always something to teach.

Everywhere, children are learning social norms, basic etiquette, and manners. If they attend events or places that teach them about other cultures and history, they are learning new norms and customs as well as gaining a more global perspective.

Learning is not just reading, writing, and arithmetic. When you go somewhere, look around and see the potential in your visit–maybe it could be the next great field trip or unit of study!

What kind of school?

Nowadays there are many options for schooling.

I am a proponent, advocate, cheerleader, and believer in the traditional public school.

However, I recognize that families and students have other options, including:

online schools
charter schools
magnet schools
private schools
homeschooling
boarding schools
military schools
language schools
international schools
religious-based schooling

Families and students have the right to choose a learning facility, format, and environment that suits the needs of their personality and learning goals. So long as everyone is learning, so long as every child is welcomed and safe, I am happy and supportive.

Now I know that not everyone has the opportunity to choose a different type of school or schooling experience, costs and location being primary impediments. Hopefully, someday, the choice can be expanded. And, perhaps, schools could be more communicative so we can learn from each other. All these options means plenty of growth for every type of school! 😊

Teachers Can Foster . . .

Many school years are as follows: 180 calendar days, 5 days a week, 7 hours a day

180 calendar days x 7 hours a day = 1,260 hours of school time

In this time, this substantial amount of time that can be extended thanks to summer school as well as before and after-school activities, teachers have the ability to make a monumental impact on their students’ lives.

In their multi-dimensional roles, teachers can foster:

a love of learning
creativity
a global perspective
a love of sports
cultural awareness
curiosity
innovation
an appreciation for the arts
school pride
a sense of belonging

. . . and this list is not exhaustive.

As mentors, as positive role models, as those entrusted with the care and education of our future, teachers have the ability to foster the very best elements of humanity. It is an amazing job, and privilege, to be a positive influence on the future generation.

All my love and appreciation to the teachers fostering the very best. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Ms. Camacho

My name is Ms. Camacho.

Not Miss. Not Mrs. Not Mr.

Ms. Camacho

Camacho, rhymes with Macho–as in “macho, macho, man.”

Ms. Camacho

In the classroom my students have transformed my name into:

Mrs. Camacho
Miss Camacho
Mr. Camacho
Mrs. CaNACHO — and I reply “nacho, I don’t have any nachos!”
Miss Nacho — see previous
Miss Poncho — happened only once and I had no response other than over-the-top laughter
Miss Macho — and I reply by flexing and saying “Macho” repeatedly like a fool
Mr. Macho — see previous but add a deeper voice and even more exaggerated flexing

It’s a fun world in teaching, especially in primary, your name can take on a number of additions, substitutions, and alterations. 😝