I watched the Ellen DeGeneres show yesterday, and one of her guests was Sirdeaner Walker, the mother of Carl Walker who committed suicide last week as a direct result of being a bullying victim at school. One of Ellen's recommendations was that there would be a class on compassion--every day, starting in kindergarten.
As a teacher, I can tell you that I do teach compassion. Daily. But it's not a class in and of itself. It's just part of my day. I talk about it and I model it. But not all teachers do that. Many teachers have fallen into the trap of thinking they can't teach morals because it's too much like religion. Compassion, though, while it is an anchor in many religions should also be an anchor in life. Many of the "morals" are life morals and should be taught for basic citizenry: compassion, responsibility, patriotism, respect (of self, others, property), honesty. . . the list can go on. . .
While the amount of curriculum each teacher has to teach is overwhelming, the teaching cannot stop there. Teachers need to teach their students how to be people, how to get along with others, how to be contributing citizens, and how to BE NICE. The Golden Rule is so basic--treat others the way you want to be treated--yet it's not being taught (or followed) by all teachers. If you don't like being made fun of, don't make fun of others. If you don't like being yelled at, don't yell at others, if you don't like being excluded from activities, don't exclude others. If you don't like being talked about behind your back, don't talk about others behind their backs. If you don't like being called names, don't call others names. If you don't like people telling lies about you, don't tell lies about others.
It is the responsibility of teachers, administrators, AND parents (you have to contact the school and INSIST that they act) to stop bullying.
Memorial contributions for Carl Walker-Hoover may be sent to:
Carl J. Walker Trust Fund
c/o Hampden Bank
19 Harrison Avenue
Springfield, MA 01103
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