Godzilla Speaks to Educators: Five Quotes to Consider

What can a mega-monster flick like Godzilla teach us about K-12 education? You’d be surprised! The lovable lizard, who’s seesawed between chaotic threat and human protector, has been frightening and delighting audiences for 60 years.

The characters affected by the nuclear monster’s shenanigans have said some pretty memorable things, too. Education World has collected five favorite quotes and applied them to classroom struggles that can seem as massive as Godzilla himself.
 

“Godzilla and Biollante aren’t monsters. It’s the unscrupulous scientists who create them who are monsters.”

— Dr. Genichiro Shiragami

Don’t unwittingly encourage students to be unscrupulous. Teach about avoiding plagiarism and proper use of online sources. Consider whether the competitive culture of your school condones succeeding at any cost. Use a systemic approach to promote academic integrity and prevent cheating. And most importantly, set a good example for students.
 

“We’re all human. As humans we are responsible for each other. We are related. Refuse us and you abandon your brothers. We must learn to help each other.”

— Ichiro Sakai

One of the most beneficial professional development strategies is collaboration. When you’ve got the time and energy, help out a fellow educator or seek his/her advice. This will build community within the school and improve everyone’s teaching practices.
 

“Godzilla is inside each one of us.”

— Yuji Shinoda  

Sometimes we have to acknowledge when we’re not acting like our usual, rational selves. If you’ve knocked down students’ emotional “buildings,” make sure to apologize. Remember to empathize with young people, and remember that effective discipline teaches positive behaviors, instead of simply punishing negative ones.
 

“If we do not defend ourselves from Godzilla now, what will become of us?”

—Ogata

It can be tempting to just grit your teeth and say nothing when you feel unsupported or when you disagree with decisions made by others. But there’s great value in speaking up. Sharing your thoughts and perspectives can actually decrease stress and help prevent burnout.
 

“Frankly, none of us have ever faced a situation quite like this one before. I would not be asking any one of you to take this leap if I did not have complete faith in your ability to succeed. Your courage will never be more needed than it is today.”

—Admiral William Stenz

It takes courage to believe in yourself and your students. It takes fortitude and perseverance to take on new school-wide initiatives and classroom strategies, especially when the rewards are not immediate. Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and trust in your ability to succeed.

Article by Jason Cunningham, EducationWorld Social Media Editor
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