In my time as a teacher, I have come to know with certainty that each year I learn a great deal from my students. This rings especially true for this class, with these students, who have guided me through a year of unfamiliar territory. Although retired DHS English teacher Kathy Lindquist, who started the class, provided me with the materials I needed to navigate the course, experience consistently proves to be the greatest teacher.

Breaking away from a more traditional teaching approach for a project-based class left me constantly questioning what I was doing. How was a project that turned out to be about attempting to save a former train station an English class? How could I step back, let students “own the project” and not tell them exactly what they needed to do? Relinquishing control is not easy for a teacher. How could I best account for each student doing his or her part and ensure the class was fair? How could I grade progress with a project like this? Did Kendra deserve an ‘A’ because she tracked down Brookes Townsend at a mini-golf course?

This past summer, as a part of a grant received by DPS, I trained with the Center for Civic Education. During the training, we were repeatedly told to “trust the process” and that, in the end, the outcome did not matter––we were assured that the learning happens through the experience. While the experience has been far from perfect, and while I can reflect and see what I can do better next year, I am confident this year has been a learning experience for all of us. The learning has gone beyond understanding national, state, and local government. It has been about learning to work together—especially on an idea not everyone wanted to initially pursue. It has been about stepping up to lead when others would not. It has been about having uncomfortable conversations with someone not doing his or her part. It has been about finding a starting point, developing an action plan, and seeking alternatives when encountering roadblocks. It has been about stepping out of comfort zones and reaching out to people beyond the school. It has been about having the courage to share our work with others.

I am proud of this group and what they have accomplished. Even if the station is not saved, part of it will be preserved in the relics we hope will be made as a result of this group’s efforts. Taking action and working together on a common goal is how we move forward as a community. I am grateful to have learned from this class throughout the journey. And while I know there is a train-related metaphor somewhere in all of this, I will spare you from it.

I wish this group all the best next year and beyond.

-Mr. White