I work in the 'real world' too

As  worked with students in previous years, I would tell them that in the 'real world' things work differently: rarely can you turn in late work without consequences; it's important to follow all directions; your parents can't call you in to excuse you from work; and it's necessary to take responsibility for yourself.

However, I've come to realize that the world of school is the 'real world' for my students. It's where they learn foundational information to move forward. It's where they make and lose friends, learning how to get along with others. It's where they learn how to function as part of teams; and it's where they learn responsibility.

Yet, there are plenty of critics who make statements like, "“In the real world, compensation is always tied to performance." Excuse me? The real world? Where do I work? I'm pretty sure teachers, like other professions such as first responders, nurses, social workers, also work in the real world. 

I am curious as to what the 'real world' looks like! What is its definition? I'm not sure education critics have any clue as to what the 'real world' looks like for educators. It's not like we work in a world with rainbow ponies that fart glitter and candies out their bottoms. 

What about administrators who deal with budget issues, staffing, evaluations, and student discipline? Does it count as the 'real world' when an administrator works to save a suicidal student's life only to have said student commit suicide? What about guidance counselors? Do they live in a world of pretend? The guidance counselors I know are busy helping students graduate on time, find a career and/or educational path, counsel students who are struggling mentally, emotionally, and/or academically. That's not the 'real world?'

What about teachers? We're not sitting in our rooms playing Solitaire or computer games; we're working with students, counseling them, answering emails and phone calls, setting and maintaining SMART goals, planning, grading, worrying about particular students. Let me say this: until an educational critic has to call Social Services because someone they care about (student) is being abused at home, you cannot tell me I don't work in the 'real world.'

And coaches? I don't think they're dialing their bookies or smoking cigars in their offices. Instead, they are teaching young people the importance of integrity, teamwork, and caring about others. Granted, they do get to wear comfy clothes and sneakers all day, but without our coaches, where would some of our young people find love, acceptance, and others who believe in them?

The fallacy about tying teacher compensation to 'real world' expectations leaves out the human aspect: students are not product nor are they machines. They are unpredictable and volatile. There is no 'bottom dollar' where humans are concerned. 

I'm sure in the real world, bosses don't have to bandage bleeding fingers, or give a damn about someone who's struggling with the work or with their identity. It's easy to eliminate those who don't work as employers want them to (not something teachers can do). 

Granted, I don't make a profit for some corporation, but I do make a difference. And that's real enough for me.