Grateful Hearts - Caring in Education

Grateful Hearts - Caring in Education 

Head’s Message by Dr. Jenn Milam

Philosophy. Philosophy, quite literally derived from the Greek word philosophia, meaning “love of wisdom” is the study of knowledge(s). As we round the week toward Valentine’s Day, I thought I might share a little bit about the importance of love and caring in education. I invite you to wander with me a bit in my thinking.

I have had the incredible privilege in my lifetime to learn from some of the world’s most intelligent, creative, and thought-provoking scholars in the realm of education–philosophers, pedagogues, teachers, and scholars. Of those I have met and studied alongside, one of the most profound thinkers in modern educational philosophy is Nel Noddings. Nel was born in 1929 and graded the world of education with her theory and work in the ethic of care for many years. Most notably, she has written volumes outlining how the concept of “care” is the foundation of all ethical decision making and holds that this foundation is critical in education. She connects, in deep and meaningful ways, the personal self to the knowing self (not that they are totally separate, but rather two sides of the same coin, if you will). She lends to us a glimpse into a world where care, fierce gentleness, and humble responsiveness bring about educational growth and lifelong success.

Care, as a concept and as a verb, is the basis to human life. All people long to be cared for. Nel does a remarkable job of articulating the importance of care; explaining that care is a “longing for goodness that arises out of the experience or memory of being cared for.” It may seem obvious on the surface, but this thoughtful framing insists that by caring for others, they, too, are prepared to offer care beyond themselves. In turn, we promote an ethic of caring for the purpose of building a better world. This, in Nel’s work, is the cornerstone of education.

Caring, as a verb, calls us to be attentive in a special way to others, to seek connectedness in feeling with others, to call to the forefront the affective side of attention giving and receiving. In the caring relationship, we are each cared for and caring for others. In education, Nel calls us to “care for” those we serve, in particular, our students. By caring for our students, as we do at The Winston School, we model what it means to care, we engage in dialogue about the importance of caring for ourselves and others, we practice and promote care and caring. To genuinely care for another is to confirm who they are, what they need, and to affirm their personhood. When young people are cared for, they are better able to care for themselves and to enter the world as caring, confirming young people.

Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday. It is the one day of the year set aside to tell those that you love and appreciate, that you do. When we express gratitude and affection to those we love and who love us, our hearts are more full, and our relationships are richer.

I think Nel Noddings would be proud of our work at Winston and the spirit of care that helps us build compassionate, ethical, and engaged human beings with brilliant minds.

Happy Valentine’s Day, to you and yours. It is an honor to care for your children.