The True Value of School Facilities: A House is Not a Home 🏫💡

Published on: March 25, 2019

by Paul Romani (M.Ed.)

It’s a common adage that a house doesn’t make a home; the people within it do. This concept should easily translate to our understanding of school facilities, yet often, it doesn’t. Why do so many parents fall into the trap of equating a school’s worth with its physical structure rather than the quality of its educational staff?

Understanding What Truly Matters in Education 🍎📚

At the heart of any educational institution are its educators. Just as a house requires a loving family to become a home, a school needs a dedicated and capable teaching team to truly be a place of learning and growth.

According to The Rand Institute, “teachers are estimated to have two to three times the effect of any other school factor, including services, facilities, and even leadership.”

Unfortunately, it’s all too common for schools to heavily promote their state-of-the-art school facilities, sprawling sports fields, and high-tech classrooms, while information about the people who matter most – the teachers – remains sparse and superficial.

Many school websites are structured in such a way that they highlight architectural aesthetics and school facilities, leaving visitors puzzled about where to find detailed information about the teaching staff. Often, what little information is provided about the educators covers only the basics: names, classes they teach, and perhaps some qualifications.

Rarely do schools delve into the more telling details like teaching experience, educational philosophies, or personal achievements that truly give insight into the caliber of education they offer.

The Misdirected Focus on School Facilities 🏢🚫

This oversight leads to a skewed perspective among parents, who may end up focusing on the least significant aspects of a school—the physical buildings. However, shiny new school facilities are just the window dressing; they should not be the main attraction. A luxurious auditorium or a state-of-the-art science lab, while beneficial, does not guarantee a quality education. These elements are only as advantageous as the staff who utilize them to enrich students’ learning experiences.

Pear Tree School: A Case Study in Transparency and Pride 🌟📖

Contrast this with Pear Tree School, which takes a markedly different approach.

At Pear Tree School, we believe in transparency and pride when it comes to our educators. Our website and brochures provide extensive details about our staff because we are incredibly proud of them and understand that they are the core of our educational offering. We showcase their levels of experience, educational philosophies, and the unique qualities they bring to their classrooms. We want parents to know exactly who is teaching their children and how these teachers are equipped to provide the best education possible.

What Parents Should Look For in a School 🧐👨‍🏫

When choosing a school, it’s crucial for parents to delve deeper into who will be educating their child. Ask pointed questions about the teachers’ qualifications, experience, and teaching styles. Inquire about how the school supports its teachers in their professional development and how they are integrated into the school’s culture and mission.

After all, these are the individuals who will be shaping young minds and fostering the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators.

Beyond the Bricks and Mortar School Facilities: Building a Community of Learners 🌍🤝

A school should be more than just its school facilities; it should be a vibrant community that fosters a sense of belonging and encourages students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The true essence of a school lies in its ability to cultivate a supportive environment where students can explore their passions and develop their skills.

This environment is created by people—not buildings.

Conclusion: A Call for a Shift in Priorities 🔄✨

In the end, just as a beautiful house can feel empty without a loving family, a school without passionate, skilled, and dedicated teachers is merely a shell. It is imperative for educational institutions to shift their focus back to what truly matters—the educators who bring learning to life. And for parents, it’s vital to look beyond the surface, to the heart of the school’s community: its teachers.

Let us remember that the next time we admire school facilities, what really deserves our attention are the everyday heroes who use these spaces to inspire, educate, and nurture our children. After all, they are the cornerstone of any great school.