Pennhurst State School serves as a painful reminder of eugenics in the United States. The human rights
abuses were many, including beatings and forced sterilization of people with physical and mental
disabilities. Contrast this with today in which we have the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) which entitles every child with the right to a free and individualized education plan. In today’s
classroom, teachers strive to create an equal and safe environment for every child. I believe that we, as
educators, need these reminders of human cruelty so that we can endeavor to create a more inclusive
classroom. One of the ways I believe this has impacted me personally is that I use more positive
language than I do negative. One approach that I have brought into the classroom is a method I learned
while coaching. My mentor taught me his C3 Method: Compliment, Constructive criticism, Clap. Using
this method has drastically improved the amount of positive interaction I had with my student-athletes
and I use it frequently in my classroom as well. If I need to intervene with a student I first start with a
compliment. I try to find something positive in what they’re doing. I then off constructive criticism in
how they could improve and finish by clapping and encouraging them. Throughout the dialogue I also
focus on using “We” as opposed to “You.” There is a tendency for people to take criticism personally so I
always try not to use language that creates a defensive response. A typical dialogue might look as such:
“Hey John, I love the energy you’re giving me right now, but let’s make sure we open the knees when we
squat. Keep up the effort, you got this next rep!”
Typically, I hardest people to teach and coach are those students with special needs. But, I believe
they are the ones who need it the most. It is easy teach a student who is intrinsically motivated to succeed
and try their best. It is hard to teach the student who visibly does not want to be in school and is
completely unengaged from your lesson. We as educators cannot fall into the trap of disregarding those
individuals and favor the more motivated. We especially cannot do this as Christian leaders “for God
does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11, New International Version). We are all equal in the eyes of the
lord, because we “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 2:23, New International
Version). No soul is above another, and we are not better than our students. We have just walked further
on our path than they have on theirs. It is our duty to guide, nurture, and encourage them as they fellow
their own path God has set for them. We must always lend a helping hand and help those that need it,
even if they do not necessarily want it.
How does this affect you as an educator, aspiring educator, and individual now, and in what ways
has your own attitude and language changed over the years?
What is a biblical approach to welcoming, nurturing, and educating learners with diverse needs
or exceptionalities that you can intentionally apply in your own life?
