One Man's Journey ... with Kids
By Paul Menge, Upper School Assistant Director
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Paul Menge is surrounded by just some of the many Blake students who have given him "meaningful experiences and wonderful memories."
It was in the late 1980s that I happened upon an article in a local magazine comparing and contrasting the sizes, the teacher-to-student ratios and the philosophies of four Twin Cities-area schools. What caught my eye, however, about one particular school, with which I was not yet familiar, was the story of a teacher there. It described his unique approach to teaching Russian. It told of how he mentored his students and worked in collaboration with his colleagues. It explained his personal journey as an educator within the school, as he was given the opportunity to fill a number of different roles over the years. Through his story, the article described a school where relationships were highly valued and education was a journey traveled together between students and faculty. Moreover, both faculty and students were encouraged to stretch and grow throughout their careers there. The article convinced me that, if given the chance, I wanted to work there, at The Blake School.
 Since the day such an opportunity arose, I have experienced and benefited from what Chuck Ritchie (the teacher in the article) described then about Blake that still holds true today. I have had the chance to learn from wonderful mentors like Chuck, some who have since moved on, others who remain at Blake today. I have learned not so much through any overt direction they have provided me, but more so what I have gleaned through their examples in working with them. I have learned that treating students and colleagues with genuine respect is clearly a priority at Blake. This allows for a common trust that everyone here is doing his or her very best, and thus encourages us all to do so each day. I have discovered that building a consensus in decision making is about more than making everyone feel good, it makes for better decisions. I have realized that combining established and traditional methods for success with innovative new techniques helps maintain a strong yet fluid approach to work in a college preparatory school.
And most importantly, what I have learned is this: it's about the kids. Regardless of what they are studying or where they are heading off to college one day, they are kids now. As their instructors, we are entrusted to care for them through intellectual stimulation, but also by caring, nurturing and listening to them both in and out of the classroom. These common sense tenets of education, demonstrated to me through the example of so many here at Blake, create camaraderie and synergy. That camaraderie continues to have a powerful positive impact on those within our School community and on me.
In my own time at Blake, I've had the privilege of working in a number of roles. I have taught full time in the science department, coached girls' soccer and served as a grade dean. In all of these roles I've drawn on the examples and lessons I've learned from my colleagues and students. Because of them I've been given both meaningful experiences and wonderful memories. I've watched with satisfaction as students completed rigorous studies of biology and debated ethical issues involving the use of biotechnology. I've sat in amazement listening to both students and faculty speak eloquently about important and personal topics during assembly speeches. This fall, I listened with pride as a group of young women encouraged and advised each other as we prepared for a sectional play-off soccer game, the culmination of a most successful season. And through all of these experiences, I've continued to grow and stretch as an educator. For that I am most thankful.
This year, I feel privileged once again to serve in a new role, assistant Upper School director. I enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with students and colleagues in new ways, as we continue together on our journey in education. Nearly 30 years after reading that article, I feel truly fortunate to be here, at The Blake School.
•Bulletin, February 2007
•Also in Blake Today
•From the Head of School
•From the Board of Trustees
•From Admissions
•Director's Corner
•From Advancement
•Highcroft Community Give Thanks at Celebration of Gratitude
•Profiles in Giving: The Annual Fund
•Honoring Our Past, Preparing For The Future:
The Jack Edie World Citizen Endowment Fund
•Grandparent and Special Friend Day
•Feature: Teaching The Language of Art at Blake
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