In the glow of our Eagles’ decisive triumph (40-22) in Super Bowl LIX, we can affirm once again that “The Birds Are Champions — On and Off the Field.” Like other Philadelphians, I was thrilled at how the season ended on Sunday.
But throughout the season, my eyes have been on Eagles players not only as football superstars but as role models. Just think of A.J. Brown’s sideline reading of Jim Murphy’s Inner Excellence, which immediately became the hottest seller on Amazon. And last week, The Inquirer’s Alex Coffey laid out the ways in which Saquon Barkley “has given his Whitehall teachers gratitude.” Coffey highlights teachers working professionally and compassionately in Whitehall, an area outside Allentown, doing what most of their colleagues do daily without recognition.
It’s worth highlighting the educational practices that made a difference to Number 26 — and to many, many other students who don’t have a microphone to say thank you.
Recognizing and connecting with students as individuals
Teachers have had a rough time the last several years. Barkley’s talking about why teachers matter to him as a pro athlete, not as an academic or a scientist, demonstrates the value of teaching to all students, no matter their future professions. Quarterback Jalen Hurts also values teachers, and not just because his parents were educators. His gift of air-conditioning to Philly schools shows his practical understanding that teachers, as well as students, deserve a comfortable setting for learning.
My own experience as a teacher underlines the value of being appreciated by a wide range of students. I’ve written about my long cherished voicemail from Shaquille O’Neill for organizing a way for him to complete his degree. While recognition from superstar athletes may be rare, it certainly gets attention to the value of teaching.
Just as precious to me was a note I received at an alumni event at Arcadia University. A former student from decades ago wanted me to know that Jude the Obscure was still one of her favorite books. And my husband was thrilled when he encountered a student he taught many years ago at Girls’ High. When he praised her speaking abilities at an event sponsored by PHENND (the Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development), she told him that he was the one who taught her how to speak effectively.
As we celebrate victory at the Super Bowl, let’s remember that superhero Saquon Barkley sees teachers as heroes. Following his example, let’s honor the daily persistence and achievement of teachers all across America. Their legacy is lifelong learning for students who may not be superstars in the classroom.
Similarly, Barkley has remembered all his life a book gifted to him by his fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Pugh. The Eagle says Ben Mikaelsen’s Touching Bear Spirit was the first book he really read. “It was the fact that someone took time out of their day to realize that maybe I wasn’t being the best student, or being the best kid I could be, and saw a lot of potential in me.”
Everyday teachers like Mr. Pugh connect with a wide variety of students, not just the high achievers. Even in crowded classrooms, they are alert to what might click with each one.
A second-grade teacher in a neighborhood public school has told me about what she calls her “bench conversations.” Students always have many things to tell her, but instead of having them interrupt the flow of the classroom day, she invites them to have a bench conversation with her before they go to lunch. Today, 12 of her students put conversation with their teacher above free time. One student wanted to tell her about a movie she saw over the weekend. Another talked about a Saturday football practice, as the schoolyard team anticipated Super Bowl Sunday. A third shared that she was counting the days until her travelling mother returned from out of town.
Finding individual teachable moments for the crush of students in overcrowded classrooms is nothing short of a super power.
Why teaching and valuing teaching matters
Anyone hearing interviews with Barkley can recognize that he listens and speaks effectively. There’s no doubt that many teachers throughout his schooling helped him develop strong communication skills, valuable with the press, in the clubhouse, and throughout life.
Danny Moyer, an art teacher, never taught Barkley in a formal class, but he worked with him on a school mural depicting black-and-white portraits of Whitehall students. Today Whitehall students, most of whom will not become professional artists, kiss their hands and touch the mural that Barkley helped create. Now Barkley has his own mural in South Philly. His high school experience of creating a mural no doubt deepens his appreciation of this honor.
With the help of his Spanish teacher Ms. Le, Barkley stuck with the language. Barkley worked hard in his Spanish classes, not for a utilitarian purpose, but because a teacher was cheering him on to meet challenges.
Saquon Barkley’s education in the arts and humanities has helped him define legacy. He will undoubtedly be remembered for his record rushing yards and achievements in football. But teachers throughout his time in school opened up for him larger, deeper questions about being human on this earth and not just on the playing field.
Teachers are heroes to citizens in many walks of life. As we celebrate victory at the Super Bowl, let’s remember that super-hero Saquon Barkley sees teachers as heroes. Following his example, let’s honor the daily persistence and achievement of teachers all across America. Their legacy is lifelong learning for students who may not be superstars in the classroom.
Elaine Maimon, Ph.D., is an Advisor at the American Council on Education. She is the author of Leading Academic Change: Vision, Strategy, Transformation. Her long career in higher education has encompassed top executive positions at public universities as well as distinction as a scholar in rhetoric/composition. Her co-authored book, Writing In The Arts and Sciences, has been designated as a landmark text. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the Association for Writing Across the Curriculum.
