The Norse God of Thunder, Thor, is ranked #1 as the most powerful superhero of all times. This ranking is not only limited to Marvel Comics, but DC Comics and all other characters in the Superhero universe. By himself he is considered to not only be invincible in almost every sense of the word, but he is also equipped with a battle hammer that allows him to have complete control over both time and space. Overall it is easy to state that Thor is an extremely skilled warrior!
The character Thor is typically depicted in armor, made from “Asgardian” steel, a winged helmet, a red cape, and yielding his mighty hammer “Mjölnir.” From that description, he seems like the ultimate and ideal Super Hero. However, a hero is simply “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” And despite Thor’s impressive wardrobe, a modern-day philosopher is often states to a room full of administrators and educators “not all Superheroes wear capes!”
Edward Albert, the 1972 Golden Globe Award Winning Actor of the Year, stated “the simple act of caring is heroic.” If a Superhero does not need to wear a cape, can be characterized as caring, and can be someone admired by their achievements or nobility what does that make you? At times members of society either demean the profession of education or simply do not give it the rightful amount of respect that it deserves. It is educators that provide the materials, construct, and maintain the foundation on which almost every other profession is established. Sometimes the wounds of depreciation for the field are self-inflicted. It is an honor and privilege to serve in one of the various roles of education. The impact, whether constructive or destructive, made on each student is under the influence of the teacher.
Believe it or not, but the simple act of caring has more power in the classroom or school setting than Thor’s hammer in battle! As cliché as it sounds students truly don’t care what you know, until they know how much you care. I recall a young female student that always seemed to display an attitude. Looking at the results of her class assignments and assessments at the start of the year, I determined that academics was not her issue when she put forth effort. The issue was, she did not like to display effort and often was confrontational when encouraged to participate in class. Before her actions led to her receiving consequences, I decided to call home and speak with her parents to get them involved. They were disappointed in her behavior, and she entered the room the following days with an obviously forced different more attentive disposition. One day while the class was engaged in an activity I asked her to step right outside the class, while my collaborative teacher facilitated the students, so that I could talk to her. She drudgingly exited the room, and immediately told her that she was not in trouble and I took the time to tell her why I called her mother. I also shared that I typically don’t disclose this information, but I believed that she was a leader and had the potential to do so much more than she currently was. The student was informed that me calling her parent was a preventative measure used as alternative to issuing other consequences. Once she began to realize that I cared, her tough exterior, and hardened face began to relax. As the days proceeded her level of class engagement and participation started to increase. Around the Holidays she became interested in a community service project that she heard I participated in. It warmed my heart on that cold night to see that young lady and her mother show up downtown to help serve warm food and provide clothes to the transient population of the city. From that point on, we had a great bond. I never was able to fully determine what her apprehensions were, I assumed the absence of her father, but it was the caring approach that she received that broke down her barriers and, in her eye’s, created her “hero.” Not using the term in arrogance, but I was the individual that displayed nobility despite the situation for the result of the greater good. When you implement that simple human characteristic, you are not only a Hero, but a Next Level Educator!
The Jeremy Anderson Group