William Glasser said something at Western Connecticut State University in the early 1990's that turned me into a fan for life. Noting that several members of the audience were serving children in low income communities, he observed that "of course, if you're teaching poor children as opposed to kids from the suburbs, your job is..... easier." A few of us dropped our pens at that remark. We all "knew" that teaching "disadvantaged" youngsters is harder -- not easier. What could this guy possibly mean?
Dr. Glasser explained..... "If it is true that all human beings spend their lives striving to satisfy the basic needs for safety, love & belonging, power, freedom and fun, and if it is more difficult for children to satisfy these needs in poor neighborhoods, then if you make it possible for poor children to satisfy these needs in your classroom, they will follow you anywhere! You have the opportunity to be a very influential person in their lives because you have less competition!"
There's a great deal of wisdom in this observation. Glasser's Choice Theory offers a perspective on human psychology that should inspire everyone who is committed to the success of all children -- including those from less affluent families. Once we embrace this perspective, we can stop complaining about the problems afflicting the communities that we serve and take heart from the unique advantage that we enjoy in teaching these children.
Make it a great day!
Steve
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