I discourage competition in the classroom. The only one I accept is the student’s competition with himself. He has to compete against where he is, against where he wants to be, and against where he has been. I think every kid understands that. They don’t have to prove anything to me. Each kid has to prove to himself that he’s worthwhile. There’s no cheating here. There’s no reason for it.
- Pat Zimmerman, “Alternative School Teacher,” WorkingSteven Singer, author of my “go-to” education reference, “Gadfly on the Wall,” is running for Allegheny County Council. I’ll link his announcement here to let him speak for himself.
Below is a clip showing teachers’ power to inspire students to compete against where they have been:
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