“Character education in AZ: Teaching the golden rule” published

GOLDEN RULE MOMENTS

Character education in AZ: Teaching the golden rule

Albert Celoza

Special for The Republic USA TODAY NETWORK

For many years, the AZ Department of Education has supported nonpartisan, secular, and core ethical values that transcend various differences. The Arizona Interfaith’s AGREE initiative offers a free, accessible golden rule-based curriculum rooted in empathy, respect, civility, and kindness. To understand the implementation of character education, I spoke with Mr. Sean Foudy, a fourthgrade teacher, about our shared commitment to fostering good character.

‘I believe the most effective way to teach kindness is to embody it,’ Mr. Foudy explained. ‘Students are always observing— how we speak, treat each other, and handle challenges. I strive for consistency, honesty, and kindness. When I fall short, I take responsibility and am never afraid to apologize to a student.’

Mr. Foudy integrates character education into academics. In literature, students explore profound questions about fairness, bravery, and doing the right thing. American history lessons highlight individuals who championed justice and led with conviction, providing natural opportunities to discuss values in real-world contexts. His school, Saint Francis Xavier, reinforces this shared language with sayings like ‘kids for others’ and ‘build it up.’

“Our buddy program is also crucial. My fourth graders are paired with preschoolers, which brings out their best qualities. They become more patient, thoughtful, and aware of their impact.’

Service is another key component. During their Thanksgiving retreat, students bake pies and make quilts for families in need, offering hands-on ways to practice compassion and community engagement. Collaborating with organizations like St. Vincent de Paul helps solidify these lessons.

Teachers in Arizona are beset with many challenges. A 2023 Governor’s Educator Retention Task Force reported that departing teachers cited burnout as a key factor in their decision to leave. Also mentioned is the lack of respect and student behavior problems. Certainly not to be ignored is the desire for just and fair salaries.

Challenging student behavior and declining societal esteem make other careers more appealing to teachers. Increasing societal disrespect for the profession leads to students and parents feeling more emboldened to complain about teachers to school administrators.

What also wears away at teachers’ morale are overburdened regulations and micromanaging of the classroom by mandates based on trends that lead to constant disruption of the learning environment. (Disruption has been in vogue in areas of corporate and social innovation.) A teacher from the Tempe School district noted that there is diminishing teacher morale to a job that is already stressful and exhausting. Failure to address teacher burnout will negatively impact students.

With low social esteem for teachers and dismal trends in the educational environment I asked what inspires and energizes Mr. Foudy after more than twenty years of teaching in public and private schools.

‘What keeps me going are those moments when a student realizes they’re capable of more than they thought— when something clicks, and you can see it in their face. That kind of growth, even when small, reminds me why this work matters. I’m also motivated by the energy and ideas of others.”

‘Outside of school, I’m influenced by books, music, film, and travel—anything that helps me see the world in a new way. I try to bring that into the classroom to help learning feel connected to the wider world.”

‘I teach because I care about kids and believe in their potential, to help students feel seen, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked. I teach to keep learning and to pass along what I’ve learned so far. And honestly, I teach because it’s fun. No two days are the same. Kids bring a kind of energy and honesty that keeps the work alive and engaging.’

Albert Celoza is the executive director of the Arizona Interfaith Movement