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Whatever you do, share it with kids

By CATHERINE DURKIN ROBINSON
Published November 14, 2006

What do you do?

This popular question is often asked at social gatherings along with "Nice to meet you" and "Come here often?" Most have a quick answer ready: at-home mom, IT support, blogging superstar. Such titles barely scratch the surface.

What do you do?

Think about how you would describe your life's passion or, at the very least, the way you earn a living. Not what you'd tell your boss or the committee in charge of your high school reunion. How would you describe your career to impressionable students and a grateful teacher? Most educators know about the real world through experience, training or stories related by others, and we talk to students about the skills and qualities needed to succeed in such a world. However, those out there on the front lines can help us stay updated and relevant.

Such an idea inspired The Great American Teach-In. Wednesday, professionals come into our schools and share with us their lives.

Doesn't matter if you work in an office building or a loading dock. Think back to when you were a young child or restless teenager - what do you know now that you wish you knew then?

We cram a lot of knowledge into 12 years of schooling. Be honest:

Is it necessary to memorize the quadratic formula?

Will jingoism ever come up during a business meeting?

How did experiences in a high school cafeteria prepare you for the military?

Do you work harder today because you slept through sixth grade?

Can the answers to life be found on a high school football field or elementary playground?

These are lessons that our students need to learn before they graduate and arrive in your lobby looking for a job.

Contact a neighborhood school and volunteer to enlighten us for The Great American Teach-In.

What do you do?

A classroom of kids is waiting. Come tell them.

Catherine Durkin Robinson lives in Wesley Chapel.

[Last modified November 14, 2006, 07:05:25]