What really happens in teacher’s lounges

First Responder Teacher Lounge

Signs of worsening mental health: Isolation, hopelessness, moodiness, anger.

I just described 1/3 of students and teachers. (Double that stat for schools in my neighborhood).

In school, student mental health is usually…

1. a failure of the child,
2. blamed on the parent and,
3. given to teachers to solve.

Teachers are always the de facto “first responders” and the undersupported “last resort.” — Matt Barnes, a bald guy.

There is a better way.

A way that is achievable today. I literally mean TODAY.

It begins by burning the state mandated curriculum and asking students three remarkably simple questions:

1. What are THEY curious about?
2. What problems do THEY want to solve?
3. What dreams do THEY have?

These questions permit the learner and teacher to reframe education in terms that are radically relevant to the STUDENT. This supercharges learning.

Step 2 — Redefine Teachers (including their salary)

Enter “Learning Coaches.” Learning Coaches are radically different than traditional teachers. Their job is to support the student in building a learning plan based on the LEARNER’S interests.

Learning Coaches ensure that the learning plan touches all traditional subject areas and more (math, reading, history, science, art, finance, entrepreneurship, economics, mental health, etc).

This is not a difficult shift…

…but few have seen it. I have.

It’s like the moving from Blockbuster to Netflix. Awkward at first. Then you’ll decide you’ll never go back. It just works. With no late fees.

1. Learners love it.
2. It radically prepares the child for adulthood.
3. It is 75% cheaper (the savings would fund Learning Coaches at $150k salaries, apprenticeships, travel, etc). The numbers work.

Until we empower learners to lead — and permit teachers the space to evolve — the education system will continue to soldier on with casualties littering the school and teacher’s lounge.

If you are intrigued…

… or if you’d like to experiment with the model of learning I’m describing, follow me here and on Linkedin… or contact me below.

Matt Barnes — “Liberating Parents and Learners since 7:45am, August 24th, 2008”

• Follow me on LinkedIn
• Co-Founder: The Education Game — “If your child’s school looks, feels, tastes, or smells like the school you attended, then it’s time for an upgrade.”
• Founder: Barnes|Strategies|Consulting — “If engagement isn’t the answer, then you’re asking the wrong question.”
• Developer of: Education Explained — A YouTube Channel for Single-Parents. (Public Launch — April 2022)
• Developer of: Educating a Parent — A comprehensive guide for early adopters, visionaries, and game changing parents striving to defy outmoded educational systems. (TBD)