Washington (don't worry we're not moving;)

Washington: Named after the famous George Washington and located in Oregon, Medford to be exact, is the Elementary school that Paul has been working at since late October. Hurray for income! Even more so an opportunity for Paul to use the gifts that God has given him to work with youth. His job title is “Positive Behavior Coach.” This position is more-or-less a dean or counselor however it is based around a “positive behavior model” which simply put means that the students who need extra help or encouragement to behave well are given the support they need.

The best example of how this model works is the classic scenario of a student running down the hallway; now there are a number of ways to stop this child from running.

A) I could set up a series of hidden trip wires in the hall; (That would stop them!! but also would be illegal and I would loose this awesome job I just got.)

B) I could yell at the student and chase them down the hall threatening them to stop or I’ll tell their mommy.

C) I could also tell the student that it hurts my feelings when they don’t listen to me and they should stop or I’ll cry.

D) I could blow a whistle and shout STOP with my hands out in the crossing guard pose.

E) OR I could simply give the directive that the student “please walk” (a positive command).

OH my gosh, you would be amazed at how well such a simple shift can impact a student in a positive way. All I can really say about this job is; at the end of the day I know that I am making a difference in the lives of the kids I come in contact with. That is what truly wakes me up in the morning, (well that and my alarm clock and the occasional jet that flies over, absurdly close to our house.) Honestly I didn’t know how I would handle working with children that are literally ¼ of my size and age, and there are no benefits or teachers salary… but I LOVE it!