It’s easier to build “strong children” than to repair broken men.

The academic process rigorously challenges students to become better and better … students. They learn how to write the perfect essay; obey a teacher’s instructions; complete homework on time; sit in rows; and any number of other school-specific tasks.

While becoming a better student ensures that they are more likely to learn, remember, and apply their academic skills in a variety of situations, there’s something more I want for my students: To be strong people.

Becoming a strong student has its perks, but many qualities of a good student are restricted to the academic environment. If an individual becomes a strong student, there’s no guarantee that they’ll demonstrate the qualities of a strong person beyond the strict academic behaviors. So while much of my classroom manage  emphasizes those academic behaviors, I also intently focus on helping my students to become much more.

Strong Student vs. Strong Person

Here’s a rough breakdown of the differences between being simply a strong student, and how that looks in the life of someone becoming a strong person:

Strong Student	Strong Person
Good at academics	Good at applying academics to life
Concerned about getting good grades	Concerned about developing proficiency in each skill set
Always knows what they’re working on	Always knows what they’re working toward
Expresses only agreeable opinions	Respectfully expresses what’s truly on her heart and mind
Learns things for the test	Learns things to learn things
Focuses on English, science, math, history, etc.	Focuses on responsibility, motivation, kindness, passion, etc.
Is in competition with other classmates for grades, resources, and attention	Is in concord with classmates to share information, resources, and attention
Asks questions to conform to teacher’s expectations	Asks questions to expand his learning and curiosity
Believes in her ability to do good schoolwork	Believes in her ability to overcome obstacles
Does the minimum to get the desired grade	Does the maximum to get the desired learning
Is deterred by failure	Is inspired by failure