Steve Kinney

There is one question that annoys teachers more than any other. This question gets beneath the skin of the most seasoned professional. This question can turn a sunny-eyed educator into a bona fide grouch.

That is the precise reason it is such a good question. More importantly, it is a question that we, as educators, should be asking ourselves a lot more often

Why do we have to do this?

This question raises two serious issues. The first is that it is obvious that no one in their right mind would engage in this activity voluntarily. The task is so odious that it is no longer sufficient to say, “I’m doing this because I have to get it done.” That line of reasoning is no longer enough; we have to go one step farther – to question why anyone with any compassion for the human condition would make another person complete this task.

The second is that, theoretically, this question should have been asked long before it was ever presented to 30 of the most calumniatory minds in education. When planning a lesson, ask yourself this question at every significant juncture to make sure you’re on the right track.

Next time you see a pair of eyes glaze over, ask yourself: Why do we have to do this?

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