We educators often talk about our standards for what it means to be a “good” student. Parents too, want their kids to be “good.” I’m fascinated by the gap between being “good” and having the social courage to do good, especially when doing the right thing puts one at risk for peer disapproval.

Educators and parents often give lip service to the importance of students’ doing the right thing (in academic as well as in social situations). But when it comes to teaching kids to be good people who actively seek opportunities to help others and speak out against injustice, how much actual teaching is being done? If we don’t prioritize the kind of character education our young people so desperately need, we’re failing them. We can do better. It’s a new school year. Let’s get on it.