Episode #23: Work on Your Relationship With Athletics

The ABC's High School Teachers Really Need to Know

There is no question that athletics has an important and necessary place in our schools. However, the balance is becoming increasingly disproportional and kids (and their childhoods and families) are paying the price academically. Effective teachers understand they shouldn't be at war with athletics. Instead, teachers should be part of the solution. Teachers should make it clear that they expect athletes to do EXTRA since athletics are EXTRAcurricular. Teachers should expect athletes to practice academically, give maximum effort, be proactive, and achieve at a high level since participating in athletics is a privilege. As coaches in the classroom, teachers should support our athletes to be at their best, balance, and overcome academic adversity. We are in a unique position to do just that. The same expectations should be communicated to your parents.