Written by Ellen King, Learn and Serve AmeriCorps*VISTA
Recently I sat down with Julie Rickel, Community Service-Learning Director at L’Anse Creuse Public Schools to ask her how service-learning is sustainable in her school district. I even caught it on video! Be sure to watch it to learn how a former grantee (who started to receive funding in ’93!) has continued with service-learning.
Recently, the Learn and Serve – Michigan Team developed a survey calling for responses on “Why Do You Do Service-Learning” and “Why Will You Continue To Do Service-Learning.” We will continue to share the responses we received throughout the year.
This post features Sue Wilson, Academic Service Learning Coordinator at the Clarkston Community School District.
Why Do You Do Service-Learning?
Service learning is vitally important in Clarkston. It empowers our students, teachers, families, and community! All students are empowered because they get the opportunity to take the skills they are learning (no matter what level) in the classroom and use them in the real world. Students of all ages learn to collaborate, make decisions, and experience satisfaction in making a difference in their community. It's hard to see this type of learning from textbooks and worksheets! Teachers are empowered as they become a facilitator rather than the "keeper of all knowledge" when students take ownership in their service learning project. Families are empowered when they have opportunities to volunteer and/or share their expertise in their children's classrooms. And, finally, our community is empowered when its businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and schools are working together because it's the right thing to do.
Why Will You Continue To Do Service-Learning?
As an educator, service learning requires passion, organization, and a willingness to think "outside the box." Service learning is not a program that fades because Washington has decided to cut funding. It is our civic duty as parents and educators to continue to provide service learning experiences for our kids. If we don't, who will? Yes! We will continue to do service learning!
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If you are interested in seeing your response appear on our blog, follow this link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6SX3BPR and take our short survey to tell us why you do service-learning and why you will continue to do service-learning:
Sue Wilson can be reached at sawilson@clarkston.k12.mi.us for more information.
