I Am Not an Idiot

I teach a Multimedia class where small group brainstorming sessions are a regular event. One day, a few year ago, two or three students sat in the back of my room trying to come up with an idea for a future project, As is the norm, the noise level was starting to rise as the ideas began to flow. All was well. I had no sooner turned my attention to another student when I heard the words, "You're an idiot" explode out of the mouth of one of the boys in the back of the room. I rose to address the situation, but not before hearing another boy respond, "I am not an idiot. I am......a visionary."

I tell that story at the beginning of every school year. I believe the crux of the story contains a very valuable lesson for us all. It is easy to dismiss someone's idea as idiotic. Especially, if it is outside the boundaries of our likes or dislikes or something we may just not understand. However, that does not make the idea idiotic. Thank goodness Edison continued to invent, Beethoven write, Salk discover, and Columbus not turn back. Some of the greatest minds in the history of mankind have been misunderstood by those around them. As educators, we cannot afford to allow that to happen. We must keep the gateway open, and encourage all to pass through.

The start of a new school year is just weeks away. I encourage all of you to provide opportunities for your dreamers to not only dream, but in essence to do.

-joe

Side note: From this argument came on of the best films to ever roll out of my class. The student became on of my greatest storytellers.