In today's society we are so quick to criticize on social media.  Whether it be politics, our neighbor, our town, school, or sports we all have opinions.  Sitting behind a computer screen in the comfort of our homes makes us say things we normally wouldn't do in most other situations.  

Too often we are seeking the opinion and support of others while trying to bring someone down.  Too often we don't have all the information of which we are making an opinion.  Too often we post when angry or sad.  Too often our view is not the entire picture.  Too often we type things we wish we never would have.  

Saying bad things about a political figure head is often done and is the freedom we have here in the United States. Saying bad things and putting down a coach or teacher or school is much more personal.  These are the same people who shop at the same stores as you do.  These are the same people that are friends with some of your friends.  These are the same people who have kids that may be your son or daughters classmates and friends 

The teachers/coaches and schools work hard everyday to do what they feel is the best for your kids, my kids, our kids.  There are things you may not agree with and there are things that I don't agree with.  But, is social media the right way to handle things?  Are you trying to solve a problem or are you just venting and trying to hurt?  

Here at Mount Vernon I have been very fortunate to work with some amazing kids, parents, community members, administration and collegues.  All of which are educated and care deeply about our kids.  The end game is usually pretty similar but the process may be different.  

I have on multiple occasions wanted to write a nasty email back to someone or post somrthing on social media sites and in some occasions have done what I am asking most of you not to do.  I am not perfect.  With a lot of experience, some fine tuning from some amazing people I am associated with, I have come up with this approach. I write the letter via email or social media but I never hit the send button.  I sit on it and I don't react.  I bounce ideas and thoughts off the people I trust in my life.  I take time, lots of time.  In most cases after a lot of time and some opinions I delete it, I realize it will not help the situation, it will not make me feel better, and most importantly it will not help the situation.

I encourage everyone to work with the person you may not agree with, have a civil conversation and understand there is nothing wrong with agreeing to disagree.  Find a way to discuss these things behind closed doors.  Have enough confidence in yourself that you don't need Facebook or Twitter "buddies" to help you fight your fight.  

I know personally, I love the kids I get the opportunity to coach and teach here at Mount Vernon High School and Middle School. I also know that everyday I make mistakes and work hard to fix them when I do.  I tell my kids everyday I am not perfect, but I try to make decisions that will give them the best opportunity for success.  

I write this today not because of a specific incident I have had here at Mount Vernon or any other school.  Instead I write this to hopefully prevent such a thing, I write this today from coversations I have seen on these social media sites.  I write these things from the various books I have read.  

I am including a 9 step process that a collegue has written about this.  Please feel free to read it and send me an email or give me a call so we can discuss my ideas and his ideas.  I am always working to become a better coach, a better person.  I would love your feedback.

Coach Pedersen

lpedersen@mountvernon.k12.ia.us