Learning is a process of empowerment.
And that dynamic energizes the phrase, "We're stronger together," a favorite axiom of Larry Linthacum, Jefferson City Public Schools superintendent.
People learn from many sources, including other people who share their knowledge, experiences and aspirations.
In advance of Thursday's first day of classes, the superintendent asked educators during an address on Monday to concentrate on three priorities identified by a staff survey last year.
Those priorities - learning, workplace culture and student behaviors - ultimately are intertwined.
When educators are focused on teaching and students are attentive, learning flourishes. Classroom disruptions, however, interrupt teachers and distract students.
The survey revealed student discipline as the No. 1 concern, which prompted administrators to create a Behavioral Task Force to establish consistent consequences for disruptive behavior.
"Bottom line," Linthacum said, "is we want to have clear expectations and have a line in the sand. And when they cross it, they're going to held accountable."
That line begins with the basics - appropriate dress and respect for others.
Sadly, rudeness has become endemic in society. From the language of some political candidates to the actions of some cell phone users, we witness countless examples of behavior that ignores decorum and common courtesy.
Linthacum acknowledged the school district faces challenges to decrease discipline problems, increase graduation rates and raise student performance.
Realistically, these issues defy immediate solutions and will require long-term effort.
But the strategy exists to meet the challenges and the time to begin is now.
We urge school board members, administrators, faculty, district patrons, parents and students to work together this school year to strengthen all aspects of education.