Everyday Heroes In Action

We Must Tell Their Stories

A time traveler visiting from the future might conclude that we worship athletes, movie stars, and singers. And, in fact, they do seem to be our heroes and role models.

While their talents are admirable, how many of these "stars" behave as heroes—helping others in need, displaying respect for other living things? Yes, of course, there are some famous people who are heroes -- and we should honor their good deeds -- but we must also recognize the deeds of everyday heroes around us.

What Lessons Do Young People Learn from Heroes?
When we tell students stories about people we admire, what are we teaching them? We're teaching them the attributes we respect and behaviors they should emulate. When we speak up about athletes (and spectators) or other "stars" who engage in criminal behavior, we remind students that these behaviors are not acceptable.

We must remember to tell the stories of the everyday heroes. People we may personally know who are doing the right thing and helping others. Here are three NEA members that you may know about, one of whom is a hero herself, and the other two who are spreading the word about the heroes around us:

• Pregnant botany  teacher Shannon Bridges (Alabama) who risked everything to save her student's life. The lesson her student, Hannah, learned: "I never knew a teacher could love a student like that." (Enterprise Ledger, March 2007)
  
  
• The men and women who serve in our military to support our country. Check out Cherie Reid's (New Jersey) Web site: Kids Thank a Veteran. Her goal is to show the men and women in the U.S. military that we care. The site also offers information and teacher activities on other topics related to patriotism.
  
  
• The peace makers who have received the Nobel Peace Prize. Retired teacher John Attig (Oregon) is promoting the Nobel Peace Laureate Project, which is erecting a Peace Park to honor the 22 Americans who have won the prize and to provide a space for quiet contemplation. The Nobel Peace Laureate Project Web site also has free educational materials for teachers about the peace makers.

Help Students Become Heroes Themselves
Help your students discover the meaning of holidays and heroes by becoming heroes themselves—by participating in these events in September and October:

» One Day's Pay – Celebrate September 11 as a national day of kindness, service, and reflection by volunteering, helping others in need, or doing something good for your community.

» Constitution Week – Promote an understanding of the U. S. Constitution during the week of September 17-23.

» Lights on Afterschool! – On October 18, call attention to the need for after-school programs that keep kids safe, help working families, and improve academic achievement.

» Kid's Care Week – During the week of October 21-27, young people focus their compassion on a specific social issue through a service project.

» Make A Difference Day – On October 27, celebrate a national day of helping others.

» National Character Counts Week – During the week of October 21-27, celebrate the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Free lesson plans and handouts with free registration. 

Related Content

» Honor Your School and Community Heroes - Lesson ideas.