Educational Discourse

Over at Dangerously Irrevelant, Scott refers to two enteries found on Seth Godin’s blog. After reading “On becoming the” I was struck that the changing of two little words could really have so much impact. It reminded me of the Corner Gas episode The Taxman, in which the discussion of a and the are highlighted by a visiting taxman looking for Oscar LeRoy. In the episode, the taxman is very upset when someone says he is “The Taxman” because it makes it sound like he’s responsible for the taxes and for the misery caused by taxes. This highlights what Seth is saying about going from being an “a” to a “the”. It does change how one is perceived. For example, I am “The Principal” in town. Without saying anything, the responsiblilty of the role is summed up in the use of “The” which is different from being “a teacher at the school.” With using “the”, it distinguishes me and my role apart from others. Now, this goes for some of the other positions in school like “The” Secretary and “The” Janitor, both of which are important positions in the well being of the school.

There are times when being “The” is very difficult but these are not the norm. I thouroughly love my job and working in the school with all the students, staff, parents and community. Being in a small community, one is never “off”. I am always the principal even when friends of my children come over. But their getting use to it – especially on Saturday mornings after sleepovers when I surface with a bad case of bedhead. Sometimes one might want to be “the” but other times, it might be just as easy to an “a”. Naw!

Kelly