I love this image as it encapsulates what my job is all about. Too often I hear, “That’s not fair!” I hear it from tired, hardworking teachers who pour their hearts and souls into their students. I hear it from parents who are amazing advocates for their children. And I hear it from students who don’t understand why their friends’ requests for 'special treatment' are approved, but their own requests are denied. And as I work within the Inclusive Education space, I also occasionally find myself exclaiming, “That’s not fair!”
One way this is difficult for me is the confidentiality factor. It is very clear what supports are 'fair' when a student comes to school with a cast on their leg. Everyone understands and is supportive of their 'special treatment'. The majority of students we support, however, have invisible struggles they are self-conscious or even ashamed of.
Confidentiality means that I can’t say anything to their friends, or their friends’ parents, or sometimes even their teachers about what they are struggling with. I have to remain silent as I watch them grapple with their difficulties which can then be complicated by having to deal with the misunderstandings of those who have no idea what they are going through.
There is a parable in Matthew chapter 20 that I have had trouble understanding in the past, but feel I have a better understanding of now that I have spent time in Inclusive Education. Jesus tells the story about an employer who goes out and hires people for a day’s work, promising to pay them a denarius in return. The employer, however, hires people all throughout the day, so some workers have worked all day, and some only one hour. But they all are given 1 denarius at the end of the workday.
Unsurprisingly, full day workers cried, “That is not fair!” And instead of explaining why he did what he did, the employer answers, “I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?” (Matthew 20:13-15).
Life is not fair. It’s Biblical. And on reflecting, I would not want it to be fair. I have made so many mistakes in my life and a completely 'fair' existence would not leave room for compassion, forgiveness, and mercy. I am so thankful for an all-knowing God who affords me those things as I stumble through this life.
I hope and pray that I can follow His example while I endeavour to foster understanding and compassion in our school community. And I am so grateful for the support I receive from school administration, teachers, parents, my Inclusive Education team, and our students as we partner together with the shared goal of supporting every child.
Mrs Tammy Pannekoek
Secondary Inclusive Ed Coordinator
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