Dr. Linda Karges-Bone,
Charleston Southern University,
School of Education

[Sept 19, 2010]–




“She’s got a ticket to ride. But she does care”

The Beatle’s 1965 release of “Ticket to Ride” probably dates me a bit. I actually remember my mother playing the 45 on the hi-fi as she ironed Dad’s military uniforms, but the metaphor of the “ticket” is what I’m thinking about today.

It is four weeks into our fall semester in the School of Education, where we prepare competent, caring, committed new teachers. Sometimes the preparation becomes complicated.

Fairly, Lovingly, And Yet Firmly
The question that I wrestle with as a Christian professor, former public and private school teacher, and second generation Italian-American work-ethic driven woman, is how to deal fairly, lovingly, and yet firmly with my millennial students. Their understanding of what it means to come to class on time and every time, and with the requisite tasks, documents, and clinical materials befitting a serious teacher candidate is sometimes quite different from mine.

In the last few years I have been confronted with teacher candidates who miss class; ditch clinicals; neglect to complete assignments on time; and spend time texting during our quality hours together. Now, I know that professors all over the U.S. deal with these issues, but for those of us who prepare future teachers, nurses, and other professionals who must be certified, accredited, and licensed, there are unique pressures.

We have to “sign on the dotted line” that these new professionals have “what it takes” to join the team. When they get in the classroom, the hospital, or on the police force, lives will be at stake. Being a “little late” could create a lot of trouble for everyone once these novices are on duty.

So, at the suggestion of a colleague, I’m going to experiment with a ticket system. Periodically I will stand at the door of my Wingo Hall domain, and when class begins, will give out tickets for entrance to my “Children’s Literature” or “Curriculum and Assessment” classes. One student might get a ticket for being on time, or for having the assignment in one’s little hand, or for remembering their case study notebook. Without the ticket, entry will be denied or there will be an unpleasant points-deducted penalty. Candidates will need a “ticket to ride” into teacher education.

My Dual Roles
There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Some, I fear, will feel conflicted over my dual roles as a Christian professor and a demanding professional. That would be a shame.

So, I want to be sure that the “ticket to class” and whatever else I come up with to meet the millennial challenge is not without mercy, compassion, and a sense of love. Illness, natural disasters, and just plain bad luck will certainly merit a “pass” when one arrives without the requisite ticket. That is for sure.

But when I must press hard I will do it with fairness and an explanation, so that these young minds that I am preparing for important work in an increasingly troubled and torn world will know and understand that their ticket is valuable, and so are they.

© 2010 Linda Karges-Bone