Good intentions...

Tonight I attended a consultancy seminar held by the Victorian Institute of Teaching about the upcoming implementation plans for re-registration of teachers every 5 years. Like so much in life, the intentions behind the thinking of re-registration are not bad. It's just the implementation is. Or at least it comes across as being so.

Re-registration is dependent on demonstrating two things: maintenance of professional practice; and suitability for teaching. There's practically no problems with the second criteria (to screen out paedophiles and serious incompetence). The problem is that they define adequate maintenance of professional practice with just attending professional development (PD) activities. Now the VIT agrees it's not just about attendance of PD activities, but should involve adequate reflection and implementation of knowledge and skills gained from the PD. Their problem is that they believe they can't control the reflection and implementation part, so they will just control the amount of PD that is required. The other problem they have is that they want one re-registration system that equally applies to full-time teachers and casual relief teachers, across all sectors.

A good friend of mine believes the VIT's proposed use of mere PD attendance to 'demonstrate maintenance of professional practice' is based on flawed thinking, and is presented that unless this dubious requirement is met, teachers (who do demonstrate professional practice but choose not to follow this enforced process) will be de-registered. Additionally, the enforced process involve more unproductive work (keeping records of all PD attended) for teachers, is likely to encourage more dubious PD providers to emerge in order to meet these new demands created by this flawed definition of 'demonstration of professional practice,' and continue to alienate teachers from this body (VIT) that aims, among other things, to support teachers in their professional lives. He also questions whether all teachers should be treated the same, after all, although there are similar aspects to casual teachers as opposed to full-time teachers, surely there are quite different demands and expectations placed on full-time teachers than CRT in what they are responsible for and the expected results each are to produce.

My more specific concerns lie at how low the bar is set for teachers by this process as well as the process for initial registration as a teacher... not because I want to create more obstacles for people to become and stay a teacher, but if we're going to place any obstacles in the way - at least make them be worthwhile and relevant ones to overcome (and enhance one's performance as a teacher) rather than just mere annoyances (that seem arbitrarily set just so people can point to them and say 'hey being a teacher is hard, because we've had to prove we can sing the national anthem in Klingon and untie our shoelaces with our teeth'). In psychology we have a term called 'face validity' - they look on the surface as being related and beneficial for teachers, but at the end of the day - they are not. First year registration was an annoyance to me - yeah, maybe I'm not quite a typical first year teacher - but that's part of the problem with the one-size-fits-all options that exists around.

Reflecting on the process, I now realise all the good things about the first year teacher registration process - could probably have been achieved without the process in place for first year teachers - as most of them was about changing and moulding the culture of the school and its leadership. What were these things: mentoring and supporting each other (something that really benefits not just 1st years but all teachers); collegiate activities which is a fancy way of saying teaming up with another teacher to teach the one class, observing another teacher teaching, and getting feedback from another teacher observing you teach (again all things new and experienced teachers would welcome - if the school was better structured for it); and a proper induction program for new staff (again not specific to just first year teachers but any new staff - and also good ongoing reflection for any existing policies in place).

And likewise with the re-registration process, which is about ensuring teachers maintain an adequate level of professional practice - this could be achieved by educating schools and their leadership to value, acknowledge and encourage continuing maintenance of their professional practice which most schools already have in place. The enforcement approach seems to be motivated by the fear that unless it is mandated for all individuals teachers, the schools and their leaders that don't currently support this approach, won't fall in line.

VIT would be seen to do more for teachers by liaising with the schools and their leaderships on behalf of teachers about ensuring they have these opportunities - rather than putting the onus on individual teachers to make sure their schools are providing them with the right opportunities and jump through hoops.

However, the spanner in the works of my thinking here, according to the CEO of the VIT is that how do you ensure the 1/3 (or whatever the number he used) of teachers that are classed as casual and not full-time are also meeting the standard of professional practice of full-time teachers in the right environments. And this is where my friend's points has some bearing...

Why should we treat casual teachers the same way we treat full-time teachers? Do parents have the same expectations of full-time teachers as they do of casual relief teachers? Oh, that's ok you don't know my son who's been with you for the full year, after all you're just a (full-time or casual relief) teacher. Oh, that's right you had to teach a subject outside of your initial training, we can't really expect you to have a suitable year's plan for my daughter's learning in physics for VCE. Oh, that's fine, my son will enjoy singing pop songs for the whole day everyday for the rest of grade four.

This is not an issue of the competence of the Casual relief teacher... but of their practice.

Again at the end of the day it is an issue for the school and its leadership. Do you employ a CRT because they are capable or just because they are apparently 'well-trained'? I think most school leadership are happy to take on some CRTs because they are desperate in the short-term, whereas others they would be more than ecstatic to have them as full-time if that individual CRT decided to. How much PD attended by any potential CRT is hardly going to be the main decider for any school leader as to whether they actually feel confident that this person is right for their school.

Why is the world so caught up with trying to find the most efficient way of rolling things out - the one-size-fits-all, the love of 'face validity' as opposed to looking deeper for what will actually produce the results they are after in ways that convey their intentions properly? It happens everywhere - schools, churches, and other organisations... with most content to say, well if someone else is doing it that way (especially if they are big) that's good enough for us...

My friend said later "I wish I didn't have to think about these things, I wish I could trust someone with more experience and competence was actually working on this stuff so I could just play my playstation instead, maybe someone who is actually paid to do this stuff and work on this stuff was actually working on this stuff - so I wouldn't have to. But that just doesn't seem to be happening."

Amen.

Going beyond just befriending youth

"Mr Chua, what is your least favourite dog?"
I was a bit surprised, as it wasn't a topic I thought about much at all, "Rottweillers, I guess."
"That's what most people say. On 'A Current Affair' last night there was a segment on trying to breed out pit bulls, and it made me really angry. I really love all dogs and other animals."
For the next five minutes, he talked to me about his views about the issue, and how he had just written a letter to 'The Age', and that he was going to do his English Oral presentation on the topic coming up on Monday.
Before we parted, I told him I was very keen to hear about his final report.

As I walked back to my office, I couldn't help but smile and feel very happy. This year 10 student of mine had hung back after class had finished and initiated this conversation with me after every other student had left.

Last week, because of work experience there were only 5 students in the class and I had decided not to use the time to talk as much, but use it to find out how the students were coping particularly with the research assignment I had set them. With less students, checking on his work and asking him questions on one level seem to stand out more so than when the full class was there. He doesn't say anything in class unless asked, and even then is reluctant to say anything at all - hoping that by not answering I would move on, or eventually mumble something when he realises I'm not going to move on. He got quite angry with me earlier in the week and continued with a hostile attitude for the rest of the week. So not only was I surprised that he initiated the conversation, but also by him offering something about himself that he felt strongly about.

I have to admit this kind of event hasn't happened a lot to me so far, but I think this is important.

So much of Christian youth work is just being there for young people: making yourself available and approachable so that they can eventually trust you enough to open up to you and share their lives with you so you can share some thoughts and experiences - especially related to God - with them. But I don't think that is enough.

We need to have a relationship where they can cope with rebuke and correction from you also (in addition to revelation that occurs with the Holy Spirit of course). I don't mean just enduring rebuking while they are without power (which I see as the position youth tend to have within school- and church-settings) but see that rebuking is part of the real caring for them - but I think real rebuking only happens on an individual one-on-one level. Sure you can prompt groups to think abut their own behaviour - but I think real speaking into lives usually is most effective on an one-on-one basis. Now I'm not going to claim that this is the full reality of what has happened with this individual here...

I got the sense that a lot of young people saw the teaching and correction they got in church settings often as what they expected from those settings - as if whoever said it, was saying stuff just because they were supposed to say that stuff. Kind of like students think teachers say teachery stuff because they are teachers and are supposed to say that stuff. There's not so much the connection that this is real to my life right now.

So, how much correction or rebuking have you gotten into?

Big church (and my small mind)

Nineteen young people stood on stage clutching numbered DVD cases, a twentieth youth shifted his weight nervously in front of them, trying to decide what he should do. The auditorium was filled with a hundred more, moving their attention between the youth deciding or the large screen showing the possible prizes. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement.

I was impressed with the energy in the room. I was impressed with the attention of the audience and participants. I was impressed with the culture developed here - whenever things got to rowdy the leader or the youth themselves reminded each other of the importance of respect here with a ritual: say 'respect' while tapping your hand against your chest and then swinging your arm out with your two fingers in the "victory" sign and holding it up up for a minimum of 2 seconds.

But it was more than fun and games (though that did take up the bulk of the night), there was the announcement of an upcoming 'backyard blitz' 5-hour rennovation event for 4 local properties with encouragement of gaining sponsorship also; a segment where a leader spoke of the importance of standing up for what you believe in and having a purpose in life that will be of lasting value; and a visiting band which spoke and sang about thinking about what your life is going to be about.

It was a first time visit for a year 8 boy from my school, and he said to me "If God is real, I want to know what I should do about it" after being very impressed by the band that was visiting from Melbourne. I introduced him to one of the band members to talk about what was in his head at that stage.

Before leaving that night (I left at eleven, surprised that the evening would finish at midnight and then involve a bus trip dropping people home), I spoke to the main leader there. I continued to be impressed with what she said and the passion with which she spoke.

She talked about her surprise at being asked to be a full-time youth pastor wow when this church was planted; her loyalty to her senior pastor; her frustration, like so many rural pastors, with training youth and then have them leave for university elsewhere; of her own disappointment as a youth member with the 4 different youth pastors coming and going just as she built trust with them; and the joy she experienced at being there for youth when the average parent only spends 5 minutes with their children in a week. Then she said it, "I'm not interested in just converts, I'm interested in making disciples."

I left saying how impressed I was with her and her efforts. I left without saying more about discipleship, because I felt I had already said too much about my 'christian ministry activities'. I didn't say more, because I didn't want to come across as devaluing her efforts. I didn't want to say more, because I was genuinely impressed with the night.

It was an impressive night, and an effective way of attracting some youth into a space where questions of their lives can be intentionally raised. Was there a certain sameness to the majority that were present, and certain types of youth not represented? Probably. Is it the best use of resources and efforts? I'm still unsure of that.

And some say if I'm unsure of a better alternative, why throw away something that works for the most part? Certainly the year 8 boy from my school benefited from that night.

But if discipleship is the key outcome...

Pride and partisanship

Damn my pride.

On Friday some people I knew from Melbourne came with their band to play at my school as a way of Christian outreach. I didn't know they were going to be there until they asked to borrow a table while I was taking an English 'extra' (that is a class I don't normally teach). As I had the period off after that, I went to chat with them as they set up. They were equally surprised to see me there, as they weren't people I saw a lot of while I was living in Melbourne, and didn't know I had moved up here.

So there were the usual questions of how long I had been up here, what was I doing, how did I feel about it, what church I was involved with, what did I think about living up here, etc...

As I answered, pride was telling me to paint a glowing picture of what I was doing, to highlight the positives, to make it sound like I was being successful in a 'christian way'. Maybe to excuse my behaviour, I thought they wanted to hear positive things about what I was up to, to hear I was doing well - as if it would disappoint them if I didn't have positives things to say.

Later that night, when I started talking to someone else in Christian ministry, I felt again the need to say what I was doing 'Christian ministry-wise' (though less so).

I didn't lie about anything, but I don't think I conveyed enough of the reality of what I was experiencing right now... the slow progress, the intentional low-key and less overt approach I take, and a focus on longer-term fruit (not the shallow fruit evident at present). Yes, I am doing a lot at present, and my intentions and efforts on one level have had successes, but they are not the results I put my faith in...

I was in Melbourne last weekend, and got to catch up with my brother Sonny who is a music teacher at Melbourne High. He expressed how studying his diploma of education by correspondence was slowing his progress in getting to know all his students, and how it was his goal to know all the students in the school individually. To be effective in his teaching, he believed he needed to achieve this.

This goal is much more ambitious than I've set myself for my school (which incidentally has less students than his), and yet on one level, should be a high priority for me in terms of the purpose of why I am at this school. It was a reminder of maybe how low I've set goals so far.

School preparation still seems to take a fair chunk of my time.

And I still find it hard to instantly recognise by name all my current students, and only remember as individuals by name some of my previous students. I've made excuses in my mind for the low priority this has - in the same way, I don't know a fair number by name of those in the indigenous Christian community I'm a part of nor even all the staff of my school.

At this stage, I'm going by the notion that it is more important for the students and the Christian communities I'm involved with to feel like I belong to them and they feel they know me, rather than for me to feel I like I belong with them and know them. I'm succeeding in the former, but my brother's aims highlighted the need to achieve the latter stuff if I am going to be 'real' about my own efforts.

I suppose it boils down again to: who am I really here for? and how many do I really focus on?

It's hailing outside. There's the shrill roar of thousands of small ice balls hitting my roof. I like watching them bounce around as they land. There are so many of them - you can concentrate on a few, seeing their little dances, or have a more global view where the multitude of them creates a different spectacle, like someone unfurling a bed-sheet of dancing particles out over the mattress that is my front yard.

For a while, I've decided the best way for me to work is with a small handful of individuals. I'm leaving the global views to others - though occasionally will provide feedback when requested by those working on that large scale.

So I'm intentional with a few people. To call it 'discipleship' almost sounds too 'Christian' and makes me sound too good, as if I am a wise experienced yoda-like teacher. It also sounds too clinical and manipulative. Rohan, a friend from uni, once asked me "so am I your next project?"

For me, these few are my intentional journeying companions - people who I will share life together with; people who I will seek to learn from and get glimpses of God from, just as they may catch glimpses of Him through and with me; people that will encourage me as I also seek to encourage them. As much as possible, I want to ensure any power differences that is there or can occur doesn't become a defining aspect of our friendships (they have to be able to challenge me also). An important part of these is intentionally ensuring they get my time.

On one level it can sound like the childish playground games of identifying 'who's my best friends versus those that aren't' though exclusion is not my aim. I will continue to be approachable to most. It's more a recognition of my own limitations, and possibility in order to get a sense of personal "effectiveness" as well as being where I am wanted. Matt 5:46ff will continue to haunt me however, and so I will continue to engage in activities and projects with a broader outlook in addition to my more individual efforts.

So in addition to a few individuals in Melbourne, I'm committed to a year 12 student (not at my school) with one of the churches I'm involved with here, a few fellow teachers and someone in Bendigo (though that is more on a formal basis due to us belonging to a particular network). I've also joined a youth service up here on a voluntary basis which may result in more possibilities. And I'm still trying to work out what intentionality means with students at my school (where there is of course a greater power disparity issue).

If I wasn't single, I would be less ambitious and more realistic, and follow the Star Wars' Sith Lords/Jedi model - "two there are, a master and an apprentice" (in addition to my partner and family of course).

the luxury of religion

I can't tell you how many times I hear people talk about how much trouble they have fitting God into their lives... and I'm not referring to those that don't believe in God - I'm talking about the 'true believers'.

Religion, for so many people, is either like donuts or panadol: the former that you fit in after everything else is roughly in order and you can afford it to treat yourself; or the latter, where it is just a way of numbing and escaping current reality.

The majority of the adult population (at least the ones fully employed) seem to complain about how 'time-poor' they are already. Most people (Christians and otherwise) say they don't have time enough to pursue the things that make them truly happy (or do so, and find they have little time left over for other stuff). And the truth is, life as an adult, can be fairly full... especially if you're in a relationship, or to ramp it up more, with kids. Religion (Christianity, other faiths, sporting or other interests, etc) becomes an additional responsibility to fit into our already cramped iCal or Outlook calendar of appointments and events.

Maybe it's because young people have relatively so much time on their hands (if you're a young person, believe me you will increasingly look back each year you get older and wonder how much more time you used to have) that they are able to more accommodate becoming followers of Jesus into their lives - and so are less likely to hold on to it as they get older and more of 'life' takes over... until they get into late middle-age and 'life' starts to settle down again relatively speaking...

Listening to Christians talk, being Christian takes up a lot of time - especially if 'you do it right'. 'Church' (however you define or experience it) takes time. So does regular prayer time... and don't even talk about personal bible study. Then there's small groups, additional church ministry responsibilities, etc. All these things are seen as on-top-of-my-life, as externals, as luxury items for modern day-to-day survival. They are things people sacrifice - or fight against sacrificing as a statement for 'who they really are' (like obsessed footy fans). I have seen so many well-intentioned 'committed Christians' that will not sacrifice their Christian commitments of responsibilities, and yet confess just how taxing and tiring it is to still cram and juggle everything into their lives - and desperately dream of escaping this earthly existence; craving divine Ecstasy tablets to numb their reality; or hoping to fast-forward until a time when they have less responsibilities.

Most followers of Jesus know the right things to say about "God" and their faith - ie they can't live without God, life would have no meaning without Him, blah blah blah blah. But it's a bit like listening to their favourite band - they like it when they experience it, but they can also survive without it for quite a while when it came down to the crunch.

We all experience brokenness of some sort in our lives - whether it is regrets over things done or not done; injuries or hurts suffered; loss of body parts or innocence, hopes or dreams. We all survive living life somewhat dimmed from 'its full potential'. Life without God on a permanent or more temporary basis - can and does go on - for people. We kid ourselves when we fall into Christian cliches of saying we will never go on living without Christ in our lives - because for the majority of Christ followers - it seems like that is exactly how they live. And I am not exempt.

Maybe that's why the post-this-life possibility of another life is so attractive...

Maybe that exists... but I think if we're going to get a real handle on being followers of Jesus, we've got to avoid thinking of our life with Christ as donuts, or panadol, or even an after-life holiday retirement village.

Following Christ isn't about what it does for your life after all... isn't it suppose to be about God's purposes? Isn't it suppose to be about us dying and giving it all away (slowly back away... this sounds like suicide cult thinking)? Isn't it about the fact that our lives are no longer ours? (No disclaimers following... no matter how comforting it would be to soothe your self-centred western hedonistic individualism).

Jesus talks a lot about following him involves embracing suffering - not escaping it. We have to suffer... not because we are masochists... but because we know that existence isn't good enough for everyone in it.. and the only way it's going to get better is if more people sacrifice what the world considers a 'good life' in order to help bring about the new world order... and time is short... not because the tv show we call life is about to be cancelled and replaced by another better rating show... but because the more we are inactive or only make feeble attempts, the more we shake our puny fists at God and say your way isn't the right way... and that the downtrodden, neglected, hurting, etc can wait until the next commercial break before others even think about doing anything to help them.

Until we see that the world needs the Kingdom of God urgently, we are living lives pursuing the non-God dream of consumeristic pain-free utopia surrounded by shiny gadgets and distractions to reality... where the gospel of Paris Hilton exerts a greater influence on our lives than any other gospel. Unless this is the lens in which we view our world and our lives, religion will always be a luxury item like donuts and ice cream, or panadol to help us survive the stresses of a 'real life' (where God value-adds to our lives rather than be the centre of it).

Is the joy God promises us is to always be in the midst of fantasy music-filled victory rallies, or being thankful for the little blessings in our lives? Or is the joy of God more about seeing his dream becoming increasingly real around us? Why aren't we selling more the real message that following Jesus involves joy through and with suffering - rather than the more la-la-land message that Jesus will help you to overcome your suffering?

When I talk with Christian youth and adults, I can't offer them anything to make their lives 'better' from their perspective - to feel less stressed in the midst of the current lives, or promise that life will become smoother for them. In fact, many of those that know me well, think I'm being sarcastic whenever I even try to say things like that. They know I see them as individuals, and would never presume that I expect them to use my life as a blueprint to follow (they know I expect them to sort our their own future with God) and where ever God takes them that there is joy in becoming more like Christ... but it is a future where suffering is part and parcel of life... where faith is a necessity, not an add-on like a car DVD-player or donuts...

Hmmm, donuts...