Receiving a 6-virtue education

Guest blog by Carla Massengill, Fourth Grade Teacher,  Conn Active Learning and Technology Magnet School, Wake County Public Schools

I was fortunate to attend magnet schools from kindergarten through high school. I remember being in every elementary school play either through music, dance, or drama class. I was excited to perform in front of huge audiences at a local high school auditorium. I was able to take challenging course electives in middle and high school to develop my interests and learn something new. I really enjoyed my pottery, film analysis, sociology, and photography classes. What I didn’t know then, but I know now, is that I was experiencing the six-virtue definition of the educated person. I was taught to learn through understanding, imagination, strong character, courage, humility, and generosity.

Today, as a magnet school teacher, I see my students receiving a six-virtue education, too. During fourteen years of teaching, I have seen my second and fourth graders experience school as I did. For example, students with academic difficulties shine on the stage, when they play a part they rehearsed for months. Seeing them dance, act, or sing gives me great happiness because I see that they are developing imagination, strength and courage. Another example is that students with disabilities help produce the school’s television, radio, and other multimedia programs.

A third example is that students of all abilities collaborate and work with others who are different from them in race, culture, or socioeconomic status. Students in our magnet school are learning, as I did, to respect diversity and understand how we all can make the world better.

I am fortunate to have had a well-rounded, six-virtue education.  I am glad my students are experiencing it, too.