TOM COLE

Celebrating Education

Education in a post-pandemic world: Focus on well-being

By Aaron L. Fetrow

President Heritage Hall

If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that our school community’s well-being is paramount to our mission’s success. If students don’t feel emotionally and physically safe, are riddled with anxiety and fear, and are unable to find purpose or joy in their lives, we cannot effectively do our jobs.

Of course, on some level, we already knew this. Still, the global pandemic compelled nearly all of our institutional attention to these physical and mental health issues, and most of us were less than shocked to discover that we weren’t doing enough and probably never had been. And in those conversations we’ve all had about pandemic “takeaways” and the things we will carry into life beyond Covid, that new awareness always tops my list.

Many schools have redoubled efforts to address student wellbeing, from new counseling strategies to campus nutrition to character development. We still have work to do, but the evidence is clear that our students' mental and physical health continues to be a focus in education.

But to focus solely on our students would be a grave mistake – it’s easy enough to do given that, as educators, our first instinct is to care for children. But to assume that our teachers aren’t also in desperate need of support would be like getting new tires for your car when the “check engine” light has been flashing at you for months. And the teachers-as-engine metaphor isn’t an accident – they are, without a doubt, the driving force behind every positive outcome students experience at our school and every school.

My mother was a teacher and my wife’s mother was a teacher. They both fit the image that most of us envision when thinking of that first-grade teacher who helped advance our arithmetic or that thirdgrade teacher who taught us to write in cursive.

But they would agree that 2022 asks so much more of teachers; in addition to curriculum and classroom management, today’s teachers are expected to be everything from social workers to tech support to protectors. They must cope with students’ shrinking attention spans and walk the tightrope of what is perceived as acceptable and unacceptable subject matter for the classroom.

And all that for a salary that barely allows ends to meet. According to the National Education Association’s April survey results, Oklahoma now ranks 33rd nationally in public school teacher pay; in this way, independent schools are very similar to their public school counterparts. We can do better and we will.

We must push our leaders to increase teacher pay to reflect the crucial role they play in our society. And while we’re waiting, we must be cautious in our criticism of these gifted and noble individuals. We can offer them our trust and partnership as they nourish our children's minds, bodies, and spirits.

The idea of a holistic approach to education isn’t new, but it is becoming increasingly essential. And as deeply as we are committed to our students’ prosperity, we must be equally committed to those who deliver it.

INSIDE: • OCCC, Advances in Dentistry, Page B2 • Variety Care, OKC Zoo, Page B3 • CK Church, Page B6

About Aaron Fetrow

Aaron L. Fetrow is beginning his second year as president of Heritage Hall.

Prior to leading the Charger community, Mr. Fetrow served as vice president for resource development, vice president for student affairs, and dean of students at Roanoke College in Salem, Va.

He holds a doctorate of jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law (Knoxville, Tenn.), a master of arts in history from Truman State University (Kirksville, Mo,) and a bachelor of science in history from Manchester University, North Manchester, In.