Sign Up For Our Newsletter

When was the last time that you met a hero?  When was the last time that you behaved heroically?  Have you ever behaved differently than the norm because you thought it was the right way to go?  Do you know any teachers who have taught their students how to be heroes? 

Let me introduce you to a hero.  His name is Nicholas Winton.  

Nicholas Winton

In 1939, 29 year old English stockbroker Nicholas Winton realized that the NAZIs would kill all of the Jewish children in Prague if they had the opportunity.  Winton arranged for immigration papers and foster homes in England for more than 600 children.   Though he saved these children’s lives, Winton never discussed his work after the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia.  He didn’t even tell his wife, who he married later in life, about it.  His deed was nearly forgotten.   In 1988, Winton’s wife was searching through some old boxes in their attic and she found a scrapbook that some of her husband’s assistants had given him after the Nazi invasion.  She began to spread the word.

Among several books and movies that were developed about Mr. Winton, one movie is entitled “The Power of Good.” The lesson of the film is simple:  a little humanity can go a long way.  Winton saved a little more than 600 children.  But today, more than 2000 people, including the children of “Winton’s Children,” owe their lives to him.  It’s a lesson that all American children should learn.  Uncommon behavior can make the world a better place. 

Mr. Winton truly made a difference.

Another Heroic Couple

Let me introduce you to another two people that have strived to create a difference in their lifetimes:

In 2001, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gelman of Ann Arbor, MI were set to participate in a tour of Czechoslovakia.  But after September 11th, the tour was canceled.  The Gelmans decided to travel on their own.  One day while in Czechoslovakia the Gelmans met the producer of “The Power of Good.”  The producer lent them a copy of the film and they watched it that very night.  They were totally taken by it.  Mr. and Mrs. Gelman had been fortunate to acquire some wealth during their lifetimes.  They decided to devote their money and energy towards distributing the film across America.  The Gelman Educational Foundation wants every student in America to see this film.  They are eager to provide this film and corresponding educational material to any teacher who wants to show it to their students.  They ask for a $15 voluntary contribution but it’s not required.  Through their uncommon behavior, they want to make a difference.  (I was honored when Mr. Gelman hired me as a consultant to help him in his efforts to promote the movie.)

Teaching Heroism

Here’s the question with which I’m grappling:  How do we as teachers, teach students to behave like Mr. Winton or Mr. and Mrs. Gelman?  How do we inspire this kind of behavior? 

I am not certain that a single answer exists to this question, but let me offer one suggestion.  In some sense, heroism is a form of entrepreneurialism.  Heroes and people who demonstrate the highest quality moral values are willing to try something new, when they think its right.  They don’t stick with the norm; they seek to make a difference.  In order to model this type of behavior we must show our students that we are willing to try new things and take risks when it’s for the common good.  We must demonstrate that we do not need to stick to the same old thing.  When something new will work better than something old we should try the new.

And School Choice

Certainly there is a vast difference between the behavior of the heroes described in this paper and the types of actions that school people are called to make on a typical day.  But I believe that we can learn one thing about the debates surrounding school choice from heroic behavior.  Many people are afraid of experimenting with school choice because it’s different, it’s new.  Many people like to stick with the old and known.  I do not want to use this essay to argue on behalf of school choice.  I simply want to state that I hope opponents of school choice think seriously about the issues and do not simply oppose new educational avenues because they are unknown and risky.  

If Mr. Winton had not behaved in a new way, in a way that was not common for his environs, more than 600 additional children would have been killed.  The Gelman’s entrepreneurial behavior is seeking to spread the idea of good around the world.  As educators we should follow their lead and we should teach our students to follow their lead.  Perhaps if we, as educators, experiment with the new we’ll have a chance to educate the child who will begin the process of making world peace.  Perhaps…  

Andrew Pass operates an education consulting firm and blogs at The Current Events in Education.  He lives with his family in Michigan.  If you would like a copy of the film “The Power of Good” to show to students, contact Andrew at ap at pass-edREMOVETHIS dot com.