They say time flies when you're having fun and fun I've been having. This school year is almost over and that makes me extremely sad.
Today, I was presented with an award from my superintendent. It's called the Traditions of Excellence award. It's a real honor to be nominated by your peers let alone win in total votes against the other nominees. As he gave me my award it was hard not to reflect on my experiences. I had to talk in front of everyone and I gave some real quick speal about how I was honored to have won the award.
Looking back you always think what you could've said-- I should've said how much I love my job. That I love coming to a place where everyone eats, breathes, and sleeps education. I should've said that I work with some of the most phenomenal women that I ever met. That they all are constantly encouraging, inspiring, and motivating me as a professional. I should've said that it takes a village to raise a child and that they have taught me that they are not "my" kids that they are "our" kids. I should've said that they all deserve to that award because I work with some of the most passionate educators. I should've said thank you for making me feel like family, like I am valued. Lastly, I should've told them that they are constantly making me better. Maybe I'll send out an email tomorrow. :)
This year, I had the opportunity to teach the same kiddos as last year, I moved to 2nd grade with them. It has been one of the best years in my career. I have worked harder and smarter than I ever have---This year has been full fun memories... can't believe it ends in 23 days.
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Monday, April 29, 2013
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Dear Senator Luann Ridgeway,...
Dear Senator Luann Ridgeway,
Thank you for your response email regarding SB372, I know you are very busy and I appreciate your time and your response asking for suggestions to address the issues that we are currently facing in education.
After rereading your response letter I feel that there are some discrepancies between your response and SB372 and I am hoping that after reading my response that maybe you will understand a little more about the parts of SB372 that I oppose and other issues in education that are not directly linked to the bill.
As mentioned in your response, I agree with looking at reforms that will make education more effective, efficient and improve student achievement. The area of reform that I am concerned about is teacher tenure and merit pay. Teacher tenure improves the relationships between teachers and supports fair and equal treatment of teachers. Tenure recognizes teachers for staying in a particular school district or grade, and is commiserating with ‘years of experience’ as referenced by other professions. As an Elementary teacher I am constantly collaborating with teachers on ideas to implement within my own classroom to improve student achievement. As a tenured teacher I also provide guidance and support for new teachers.
Unfortunately, there are teachers within our educational system who are not the best, but there are procedures in place to get them out of schools. If an administrator or district wants to terminate a tenured teacher, there is an established process for this and it can be done. As with other professions, it is a matter of following the process and documentation. I am not against changing this process to make it more timely and standard; however, this does not require elimination of tenure. There should also be a process in place whereby teachers can report poorly performing principals or administrators without the fear or repercussions. Currently, this is not possible. While administrators are not affected by SB372, I feel this is something that should be addressed in reform efforts.
As for the section within SB372 regarding merit pay for educators, I am for merit pay but not as stated in SB372. SB372 suggests having teachers in three tiers within each school. This means 33% of the teachers would make the top pay over the other tiers while last tier would make not even enough to support a family. Being a teacher is a good middle class job. No one is getting rich teaching. Teachers, like others, have mortgage payments, student loans, as well as other financial obligations. Teachers are responsible for the education of our country’s youth and deserve to be paid accordingly. I feel that it is unfair to have teachers at a poverty level salary. We want to attract the right teachers, and make education better for the children in the state of Missouri not hinder it. Having teachers compete for merit pay is not the answer, particularly as it is difficult to assess each teacher individually based upon the demographics of the class.
I have a student I want to tell you about. This first grader has been struggling with basic reading. I have tried many different strategies to help this learner. I finally found an intervention that worked for this student and the light bulb has clicked on! How rewarding that is to see! Strategies tried previously by other teachers had not worked for this student. Now if SB372 passed as currently written, what incentive does that give me to share this strategy with other teachers? SB372’s not about helping all children succeed… it's about competing amongst peers for top tier salary. It would have a profound effect on teaching philosophy. It takes a village to raise a child, as Hilary Clinton said a few years ago. It’s not about individual performance.
Another story I can share is from a couple of years ago. Due to turnover within the school, we had a couple of newer teachers assigned to teach the same grade as myself. Since I was the more experienced teacher, when children were assigned to classrooms I was given more of the ‘difficult’ or ‘challenged’ children. This is just an example of how the distribution of students is not always equal in assessing teacher performance. So, if SB372 passes with no clear plan for evaluation this would be chaos. There are so many factors to be considered and applied fairly across the board. In your response, you shared your concern about administrators and concerns of other educators. Would the state spend even more money hiring someone to be trained to assess the teachers? What would be the criteria for how this would look like? I would suggest looking at the methodology used for merit pay from a school district in Chicago. Teachers are given their base salary. Teachers are then graded on attendance, parent participation surveys, professional growth and development efforts, the amount of extra time they spend tutoring, etc., and on individual student growth based on the entry level of the student’s performance. They are not graded solely off standardized testing, which as we both know, is not administered by all teachers and again vary by the student demographics. Teachers in this Chicago school system are given the opportunity to make more money than their base pay by earning it.
America's schools are behind academically compared to other countries, declining steadily since the 1970's. It is important to remain in the rankings with other countries such as China, India and Germany. The difference between education in our country compared to other countries is America’s love for standardized testing. Every year, our students spend a huge chunk of their school years preparing for standardized government tests, not because it contributes to the education but rather it’s necessary to maintain school funding. If teachers are busy preparing for an annual test, this decreases their time to work on higher level, independent, and critical thinking skills.
In America, teachers are expected to address and tolerate social problems. Yet, in other high performing countries they have a zero tolerance for disobedience in school. I would like to see more efforts made to support teachers in dealing with the various socioeconomic situations. America provides public education to all children while in other high performing countries children from wealthy or connected families are given the opportunity to go to school for an education. The other children often learn a trade instead of a basic education. To continue to be able to provide education for all, teachers need support systems. I agree that teachers should be accountable; however something needs to be done about parent accountability as well. In schools where the students come from poverty levels, many of the parents are absent, do not value education, or do not have the education themselves to help their children by reinforcing skills at home. This year, I had a student come to my class who was performing two grade levels below his current grade level. We have spent most of the year, including many hours outside of the classroom, trying to help him catch up. The student has made progress, but is still not up to grade level after seven months. I have recommended he be retained in this grade for another year so that he could catch up and have a successful educational experience. This child's parent refuses retention and as part of NCLB he has that right. So now this child will go on to the next grade to be even further behind! We need to look at this closer as it is not working! We do not tell carpenters how to build things or pilots how to fly planes, yet parents tell teachers how to do their jobs. Why is it fair that teachers are held responsible for children's education when their parents don't value it?
Being a teacher is one of the hardest jobs in the world. You can't really understand it unless you eat, sleep, breathe, and live it. Children are our future. We all know this, we all agree on this. It's been the saying decade upon decade. I appreciate the efforts you are making to help our children. It takes a small village to raise a child; it will continue to take a collaborative effort by the community, the teachers, the parents to help our children in Missouri succeed. Please consider voting NO to SB372 as it is not what is best for anyone. I encourage you to look into some successful things happening in other states and considering proposing new legislation that better meets the educational needs of Missouri children.
Thanks,
Andi
(On a sidenote, blog peeps-- If you would like to write a senator in your area and voice your concerns about SB372 visit MissouriNEA and there will be a prewritten letter...All you have to do is sign and send it via email or feel free to write something yourself. Thanks for your support.)
Thank you for your response email regarding SB372, I know you are very busy and I appreciate your time and your response asking for suggestions to address the issues that we are currently facing in education.
After rereading your response letter I feel that there are some discrepancies between your response and SB372 and I am hoping that after reading my response that maybe you will understand a little more about the parts of SB372 that I oppose and other issues in education that are not directly linked to the bill.
As mentioned in your response, I agree with looking at reforms that will make education more effective, efficient and improve student achievement. The area of reform that I am concerned about is teacher tenure and merit pay. Teacher tenure improves the relationships between teachers and supports fair and equal treatment of teachers. Tenure recognizes teachers for staying in a particular school district or grade, and is commiserating with ‘years of experience’ as referenced by other professions. As an Elementary teacher I am constantly collaborating with teachers on ideas to implement within my own classroom to improve student achievement. As a tenured teacher I also provide guidance and support for new teachers.
Unfortunately, there are teachers within our educational system who are not the best, but there are procedures in place to get them out of schools. If an administrator or district wants to terminate a tenured teacher, there is an established process for this and it can be done. As with other professions, it is a matter of following the process and documentation. I am not against changing this process to make it more timely and standard; however, this does not require elimination of tenure. There should also be a process in place whereby teachers can report poorly performing principals or administrators without the fear or repercussions. Currently, this is not possible. While administrators are not affected by SB372, I feel this is something that should be addressed in reform efforts.
As for the section within SB372 regarding merit pay for educators, I am for merit pay but not as stated in SB372. SB372 suggests having teachers in three tiers within each school. This means 33% of the teachers would make the top pay over the other tiers while last tier would make not even enough to support a family. Being a teacher is a good middle class job. No one is getting rich teaching. Teachers, like others, have mortgage payments, student loans, as well as other financial obligations. Teachers are responsible for the education of our country’s youth and deserve to be paid accordingly. I feel that it is unfair to have teachers at a poverty level salary. We want to attract the right teachers, and make education better for the children in the state of Missouri not hinder it. Having teachers compete for merit pay is not the answer, particularly as it is difficult to assess each teacher individually based upon the demographics of the class.
I have a student I want to tell you about. This first grader has been struggling with basic reading. I have tried many different strategies to help this learner. I finally found an intervention that worked for this student and the light bulb has clicked on! How rewarding that is to see! Strategies tried previously by other teachers had not worked for this student. Now if SB372 passed as currently written, what incentive does that give me to share this strategy with other teachers? SB372’s not about helping all children succeed… it's about competing amongst peers for top tier salary. It would have a profound effect on teaching philosophy. It takes a village to raise a child, as Hilary Clinton said a few years ago. It’s not about individual performance.
Another story I can share is from a couple of years ago. Due to turnover within the school, we had a couple of newer teachers assigned to teach the same grade as myself. Since I was the more experienced teacher, when children were assigned to classrooms I was given more of the ‘difficult’ or ‘challenged’ children. This is just an example of how the distribution of students is not always equal in assessing teacher performance. So, if SB372 passes with no clear plan for evaluation this would be chaos. There are so many factors to be considered and applied fairly across the board. In your response, you shared your concern about administrators and concerns of other educators. Would the state spend even more money hiring someone to be trained to assess the teachers? What would be the criteria for how this would look like? I would suggest looking at the methodology used for merit pay from a school district in Chicago. Teachers are given their base salary. Teachers are then graded on attendance, parent participation surveys, professional growth and development efforts, the amount of extra time they spend tutoring, etc., and on individual student growth based on the entry level of the student’s performance. They are not graded solely off standardized testing, which as we both know, is not administered by all teachers and again vary by the student demographics. Teachers in this Chicago school system are given the opportunity to make more money than their base pay by earning it.
America's schools are behind academically compared to other countries, declining steadily since the 1970's. It is important to remain in the rankings with other countries such as China, India and Germany. The difference between education in our country compared to other countries is America’s love for standardized testing. Every year, our students spend a huge chunk of their school years preparing for standardized government tests, not because it contributes to the education but rather it’s necessary to maintain school funding. If teachers are busy preparing for an annual test, this decreases their time to work on higher level, independent, and critical thinking skills.
In America, teachers are expected to address and tolerate social problems. Yet, in other high performing countries they have a zero tolerance for disobedience in school. I would like to see more efforts made to support teachers in dealing with the various socioeconomic situations. America provides public education to all children while in other high performing countries children from wealthy or connected families are given the opportunity to go to school for an education. The other children often learn a trade instead of a basic education. To continue to be able to provide education for all, teachers need support systems. I agree that teachers should be accountable; however something needs to be done about parent accountability as well. In schools where the students come from poverty levels, many of the parents are absent, do not value education, or do not have the education themselves to help their children by reinforcing skills at home. This year, I had a student come to my class who was performing two grade levels below his current grade level. We have spent most of the year, including many hours outside of the classroom, trying to help him catch up. The student has made progress, but is still not up to grade level after seven months. I have recommended he be retained in this grade for another year so that he could catch up and have a successful educational experience. This child's parent refuses retention and as part of NCLB he has that right. So now this child will go on to the next grade to be even further behind! We need to look at this closer as it is not working! We do not tell carpenters how to build things or pilots how to fly planes, yet parents tell teachers how to do their jobs. Why is it fair that teachers are held responsible for children's education when their parents don't value it?
Being a teacher is one of the hardest jobs in the world. You can't really understand it unless you eat, sleep, breathe, and live it. Children are our future. We all know this, we all agree on this. It's been the saying decade upon decade. I appreciate the efforts you are making to help our children. It takes a small village to raise a child; it will continue to take a collaborative effort by the community, the teachers, the parents to help our children in Missouri succeed. Please consider voting NO to SB372 as it is not what is best for anyone. I encourage you to look into some successful things happening in other states and considering proposing new legislation that better meets the educational needs of Missouri children.
Thanks,
Andi
(On a sidenote, blog peeps-- If you would like to write a senator in your area and voice your concerns about SB372 visit MissouriNEA and there will be a prewritten letter...All you have to do is sign and send it via email or feel free to write something yourself. Thanks for your support.)
Thursday, March 10, 2011
What happened to DEMOCRACY???. .
Missourians-- pay attention to the Wisconsin Unions and what the teachers, public employees, and the middle class workers are facing because WE are next, it will eventually happen to us. After everything that happened in Egypt last month, we are now seeing chaos in our own country; a country that has rarely seen such large and tense demonstrations. We are watching people storming the Wisconsin capital doors with picket signs and 'It's About Freedom' t-shirts, people are now rising up and wanting to be heard. We should all go help demonstrate for the dispossessed in Wisconsin, every single one of us. It's a time to come together and fight; fight for this assault on working families, the attack on public employees, and this slander on education. The rich keep getting richer and the poor keep getting poorer. Republicans are waging war on the middle class!!!
Wednesday's disrespect for the people was blatantly shown when Wisconsin Republicans passed a bill that stripped public sector unions of some of their rights. Their disrespect for the people of Wisconsin and their rights is an outrage that will never be forgotten. Less education, less health care, and fewer jobs means hurt people and a hurt economy.Where is President Obama? And why is he not addressing the bullying the Wisconsin Government is doing?
What's an even bigger travesty to our nation it that the teacher's are being used as the scape goat in the middle of all of this mayhem. The country is not in turmoil because of teachers. If teaching were just a "job" then pay them babysitter wages or minimum wage and teachers would make more than they do now. Teachers do pay in to their health care anywhere from 20-50%, which is comparable if not more in some cases than those in the private and/or corporate world. Teachers pay into their own pension, as well, from their own salary. When they finally can retire, often into their 60's, their pension contributions will have been paid 95% out of their very own pockets! Many districts, towns, and the government do NOT match contributions as many who have a 401k. Teachers subsidize their retirements by contributing to an unmatched 403b plan. Teachers pay out of pocket for supplies and extras, lunches and coats or sneakers for children that don't have it. They pay for graduate classes and many have Master's and PhD's in their field. Do other 'jobs' have such requirements? Missouri Teachers-- This is what we are facing!! It's starting now, small, but it is starting with HB 628. Union busting bills are being introduced in at least 10 states, including Missouri. ( MNEA Union)
Unions work together, labor and management to reach a mutual agreement. Teachers have made many concessions, taken increases on co-pays, premiums contributions, pay freezes or no raise at all which in turn means they actually take home less and less each year. Teachers need to make a living wage just as any other professional or any other American for that matter. Who is paying your health care? How much do you actually contribute to it? Who is paying for your medicare? Who is paying for your pension when you retire? A union is simply a voice! There are many reasons why the economy is in the state it is in and it is real simple to choose an easy target to blame the unions. This will not solve the problem, nor will ignorance.
America, you need to truly get informed. You need to educate yourself on the facts, not the twisted hype or spin that the media sensationalizes. If you don't, then you are continuing to live in ignorance and the real problems will never be resolved. Teachers are not the problem, public employees, and middle class workers are not the problem, they are part of the solution and they are doing everything they can to survive in this economy. Taking away their voice is simply wrong. What happened to Democracy? As the beginning of democracy is beginning in Middle East we are now seeing it end in the midwest. That is what the people in Wisconsin are thinking, that is what many of us are thinking. Nothing says democracy like voting with no notice, preventing the public from observing, and locking the doors of the capitol. We have to stand up for what is right.
People power is a beautiful thing. I support you #wiunion.
Wednesday's disrespect for the people was blatantly shown when Wisconsin Republicans passed a bill that stripped public sector unions of some of their rights. Their disrespect for the people of Wisconsin and their rights is an outrage that will never be forgotten. Less education, less health care, and fewer jobs means hurt people and a hurt economy.Where is President Obama? And why is he not addressing the bullying the Wisconsin Government is doing?
What's an even bigger travesty to our nation it that the teacher's are being used as the scape goat in the middle of all of this mayhem. The country is not in turmoil because of teachers. If teaching were just a "job" then pay them babysitter wages or minimum wage and teachers would make more than they do now. Teachers do pay in to their health care anywhere from 20-50%, which is comparable if not more in some cases than those in the private and/or corporate world. Teachers pay into their own pension, as well, from their own salary. When they finally can retire, often into their 60's, their pension contributions will have been paid 95% out of their very own pockets! Many districts, towns, and the government do NOT match contributions as many who have a 401k. Teachers subsidize their retirements by contributing to an unmatched 403b plan. Teachers pay out of pocket for supplies and extras, lunches and coats or sneakers for children that don't have it. They pay for graduate classes and many have Master's and PhD's in their field. Do other 'jobs' have such requirements? Missouri Teachers-- This is what we are facing!! It's starting now, small, but it is starting with HB 628. Union busting bills are being introduced in at least 10 states, including Missouri. ( MNEA Union)
Unions work together, labor and management to reach a mutual agreement. Teachers have made many concessions, taken increases on co-pays, premiums contributions, pay freezes or no raise at all which in turn means they actually take home less and less each year. Teachers need to make a living wage just as any other professional or any other American for that matter. Who is paying your health care? How much do you actually contribute to it? Who is paying for your medicare? Who is paying for your pension when you retire? A union is simply a voice! There are many reasons why the economy is in the state it is in and it is real simple to choose an easy target to blame the unions. This will not solve the problem, nor will ignorance.
America, you need to truly get informed. You need to educate yourself on the facts, not the twisted hype or spin that the media sensationalizes. If you don't, then you are continuing to live in ignorance and the real problems will never be resolved. Teachers are not the problem, public employees, and middle class workers are not the problem, they are part of the solution and they are doing everything they can to survive in this economy. Taking away their voice is simply wrong. What happened to Democracy? As the beginning of democracy is beginning in Middle East we are now seeing it end in the midwest. That is what the people in Wisconsin are thinking, that is what many of us are thinking. Nothing says democracy like voting with no notice, preventing the public from observing, and locking the doors of the capitol. We have to stand up for what is right.
People power is a beautiful thing. I support you #wiunion.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Resolution: My Job
Day 50,324: Ok, I've lost count of the days but the resolution continues. Today, I'm thankful for my job. Crazy some days, sensational others but I get to work in a field that displays one of my passions. I love learning and I love kids.
Tonight was SCIENCE NIGHT aka student-led conferences. Back in the day, when I was a youngster, we called nights like tonight "Open House". Our "Open House" began at 4:30pm and the families poured into my classroom where the kiddos were given the oppurtunity to show off their super scientist skills.
Kids went from station to station showing off their knowledge about the properties of matter. They were so engaged and so enthusiastic sharing every little detail they could remember from class about solids, liquids, and gases. Their parents were in awe taking in all of their little yet big words. I heard numerous comments like, "Jack and Jane just love learning. Thank you for all you do."
The warm fuzzies felt nice from their kind words. But they didn't feel as good as the warm fuzzies I got from my kids and how proud of them I was tonight. They bring a smile to my face on so many occasions... I'm thankful for nights like tonight. It is part of the plan of staying happy.
Tonight was SCIENCE NIGHT aka student-led conferences. Back in the day, when I was a youngster, we called nights like tonight "Open House". Our "Open House" began at 4:30pm and the families poured into my classroom where the kiddos were given the oppurtunity to show off their super scientist skills.
Kids went from station to station showing off their knowledge about the properties of matter. They were so engaged and so enthusiastic sharing every little detail they could remember from class about solids, liquids, and gases. Their parents were in awe taking in all of their little yet big words. I heard numerous comments like, "Jack and Jane just love learning. Thank you for all you do."
The warm fuzzies felt nice from their kind words. But they didn't feel as good as the warm fuzzies I got from my kids and how proud of them I was tonight. They bring a smile to my face on so many occasions... I'm thankful for nights like tonight. It is part of the plan of staying happy.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Passion
Listening to the song “Closer” by Goapele reminds that what I am living for is not in vain. In previous blogs, I have expressed the frustration with my boss, my frustration with the educational system, with standardized testing and my frustration with America.
To some that may have sounded like bitching, complaining.. maybe whining. The economy is bad, I know! Some say "I should shut out my frustrations and be grateful to have a job". I feel like my passion has gotten construed with the frustrations. There are no "and/but's"...the truth is...it is much more than that. I have been frustrated beyond words for months because I love what I do for a living with my entire heart and soul.
Last night, at the Board of Education Meeting, I was reminded why I am so passionate about my life; my career-- education. We all have passions whether it be music, or poetry, or fashion, etc. Like many of us... the passion drives me and consumes me. It inspires me. It motivates me and it uplifts me. It also can anger the hell out of me! It is like a relationship- in that there are good and bad times. I can never see myself not being involved with education.
I went into education because I knew that I wanted to change the world, literally. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to give to kids what my teachers had given to me- a love for learning. I have always known that it was in my fate to teach.
Last night, I heard presentors from the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels discussing the future of our kids. We all were there for the same reason- our passion. It didn't matter the curricula we were teaching, the age of our students, the building we taught in, our personal philosophies of education... we were there for the same unspoken reason. I was reminded that I love education because of everything it encompasses- good, bad, indifferent. It's more than [Get them here, Get them fed, Get them home]. Education is life long.
The growth from year to year in a child is amazing. The world is ever changing. The kids in it are ever changing. It is my resposibility to continue to learn these changes so that I can do what I was supposed to do in my life; teach. I hope this blog clears up any confusion... education is my heart, my life, my passion.
To some that may have sounded like bitching, complaining.. maybe whining. The economy is bad, I know! Some say "I should shut out my frustrations and be grateful to have a job". I feel like my passion has gotten construed with the frustrations. There are no "and/but's"...the truth is...it is much more than that. I have been frustrated beyond words for months because I love what I do for a living with my entire heart and soul.
Last night, at the Board of Education Meeting, I was reminded why I am so passionate about my life; my career-- education. We all have passions whether it be music, or poetry, or fashion, etc. Like many of us... the passion drives me and consumes me. It inspires me. It motivates me and it uplifts me. It also can anger the hell out of me! It is like a relationship- in that there are good and bad times. I can never see myself not being involved with education.
I went into education because I knew that I wanted to change the world, literally. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to give to kids what my teachers had given to me- a love for learning. I have always known that it was in my fate to teach.
Last night, I heard presentors from the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels discussing the future of our kids. We all were there for the same reason- our passion. It didn't matter the curricula we were teaching, the age of our students, the building we taught in, our personal philosophies of education... we were there for the same unspoken reason. I was reminded that I love education because of everything it encompasses- good, bad, indifferent. It's more than [Get them here, Get them fed, Get them home]. Education is life long.
The growth from year to year in a child is amazing. The world is ever changing. The kids in it are ever changing. It is my resposibility to continue to learn these changes so that I can do what I was supposed to do in my life; teach. I hope this blog clears up any confusion... education is my heart, my life, my passion.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
One Small Moment
It's 4:45pm on a Friday. My day has ended. The kids have all gone home. My classroom is completely quiet. It's my time. My time to relax. My time to enjoy some quality time with myself for two days before starting the maddness again on Monday. Every week, I vow it's going to be a great week. It will be the week that there will really be balance in my life, yet just thinking about next week brings on feelings of being overwhlemed and out of sync. Generally, I leave work feeling this way and discouraged quite often. I leave questioning, "Is this what I really want to spend my life doing?" It's funny how one small moment can make you remember what it is all about....
Just a little bit ago, I pulled out letters I'd sent to my kiddos' parents at the beginning of the school year inviting them to take a few moments to write me about their children, asking them to think about things that might be important for me to know as well as their hopes and expectations for the 2009 - 2010 school year. As I read, I was reminded that this year's kids are Miley Cyrus fans, animal lovers, gymnasts, creative artists, Bakugan-maniacs, football players and future geniuses. They are dubbed silly, shy, smart, mature, sensitive, playful and imaginative.
As I read these letters from the parents, I was struck by the love between the lines, the hopes & dreams that were in their words, and the faith/trust they have in me. No one wrote that they wanted their child to score high on the MAP test in two years or attain a DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) reading level of 18 by the end of first grade, or even meet the state standards. It's not that they don't want those things for thier children, but the things they chose to write me about-- the things they considered most important for me to know were not about test scores, reading levels, or state standards. The content of these letters, the love in these letters, left me feeling a way that I had not felt in a long time.
Now, I'm sitting here my desk and rememebering that I really love being a teacher! I can't let myself get caught up in the incessant push for high test scores, the endless editorials about the fate of public schools, and the misguided politicians and their plans for reform. I can't let myself get caught in this frantic pace that knows no end or I will end up feeling overwhelmed and miserable for the remaining months of the school year. In all that is going on in education, I cannot let go of what I know is best for kids. My classroom still needs to be a joyful place where I can take the time and appreciate all of the wonderful things and love these little things about my kids that their parents wrote me about. It's amazing how one small moment changed my thinking.. I'm looking around my empty classrom right now and I feel excited for Monday and what next week will bring.
Just a little bit ago, I pulled out letters I'd sent to my kiddos' parents at the beginning of the school year inviting them to take a few moments to write me about their children, asking them to think about things that might be important for me to know as well as their hopes and expectations for the 2009 - 2010 school year. As I read, I was reminded that this year's kids are Miley Cyrus fans, animal lovers, gymnasts, creative artists, Bakugan-maniacs, football players and future geniuses. They are dubbed silly, shy, smart, mature, sensitive, playful and imaginative.
As I read these letters from the parents, I was struck by the love between the lines, the hopes & dreams that were in their words, and the faith/trust they have in me. No one wrote that they wanted their child to score high on the MAP test in two years or attain a DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) reading level of 18 by the end of first grade, or even meet the state standards. It's not that they don't want those things for thier children, but the things they chose to write me about-- the things they considered most important for me to know were not about test scores, reading levels, or state standards. The content of these letters, the love in these letters, left me feeling a way that I had not felt in a long time.
Now, I'm sitting here my desk and rememebering that I really love being a teacher! I can't let myself get caught up in the incessant push for high test scores, the endless editorials about the fate of public schools, and the misguided politicians and their plans for reform. I can't let myself get caught in this frantic pace that knows no end or I will end up feeling overwhelmed and miserable for the remaining months of the school year. In all that is going on in education, I cannot let go of what I know is best for kids. My classroom still needs to be a joyful place where I can take the time and appreciate all of the wonderful things and love these little things about my kids that their parents wrote me about. It's amazing how one small moment changed my thinking.. I'm looking around my empty classrom right now and I feel excited for Monday and what next week will bring.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Whatever It Takes.
I’m a teacher. I’ve taught elementary school for five years. I’ve always told people, “I have the best job in the world.” I have always felt like I made a difference. Like, I could change the world. At the end of the day, I felt energized. Lately, more often than not, I feel demoralized....
This year our school found out that it did not make AYP (Annual Yearly Progress). Now the average person might hear this and say, “Oh, that school must have a bunch of stupid kids, or lazy teachers, or maybe they all just suck." But, the devil, as always, is in the details. Unfortunately, what looks good on paper, doesn't always translate to good practice, as is the case with No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
The fact is.. because of NCLB schools are losing many amazing teachers. I, myself, have never before felt the strains of NCLB as I do this year. NCLB requires states to set reading and math target scores progressively higher each year, with a goal of all students testing at grade level by 2014. Remember that year as is it key to NCLB. It is the year that every child will be achieving at 100% at or above grade level in reading and math. Ahhhh, the year when I can say my job is done and take a sabbatical leave from education. In reality, it will be the year the all schools will be failing.
This year, my school, fell short of NCLB goals causing us to receive the "needing improvement" label. This is a scary thing for educators as it means work harder, cram in more curricula, teach teach teach to the test or else you will possibly lose your job. You start to feel like your previous efforts were meaningless and you are a worthless excuse for a teacher. It is defeating. It is frustrating.
As an educator, I know these standardized tests are only one measure, one snapshot, of student achievement. Unfortunately, it the make-or-break assessment that determines our status with the Department of Education. They are the numbers that are published in the paper. They are the scores that home buyers look at when deciding if they should move into a neighborhood. They are the numbers that are pulled out and held over us, whenever administrators feel the need to put the blame on someone. They are what decides if a school is up to par or not.
My support comes from my coworkers; my peers. I say this proudly, I teach with phenomenal teachers. Everyday they hit the ground running. Everyday it's about what is best for students. Everyday it's the attitude of "What else can I do?" We promote high levels of learning because it is our job! The fear of NCLB has ruined a lot of wonderful things but it will not ruin me. I am a great teacher. I work with great teachers. We do "Whatever It Takes".
When I drive home demoralized after another meeting where our success is dissected with a machete knife, I remember different students I had in classroom over the years and where they are and how I attributed to that. I think about my efforts now and my efforts then.. I think about all of the celebrations with student's learning I've had... and somewhere I feel a little but energized again.
This year our school found out that it did not make AYP (Annual Yearly Progress). Now the average person might hear this and say, “Oh, that school must have a bunch of stupid kids, or lazy teachers, or maybe they all just suck." But, the devil, as always, is in the details. Unfortunately, what looks good on paper, doesn't always translate to good practice, as is the case with No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
The fact is.. because of NCLB schools are losing many amazing teachers. I, myself, have never before felt the strains of NCLB as I do this year. NCLB requires states to set reading and math target scores progressively higher each year, with a goal of all students testing at grade level by 2014. Remember that year as is it key to NCLB. It is the year that every child will be achieving at 100% at or above grade level in reading and math. Ahhhh, the year when I can say my job is done and take a sabbatical leave from education. In reality, it will be the year the all schools will be failing.
This year, my school, fell short of NCLB goals causing us to receive the "needing improvement" label. This is a scary thing for educators as it means work harder, cram in more curricula, teach teach teach to the test or else you will possibly lose your job. You start to feel like your previous efforts were meaningless and you are a worthless excuse for a teacher. It is defeating. It is frustrating.
As an educator, I know these standardized tests are only one measure, one snapshot, of student achievement. Unfortunately, it the make-or-break assessment that determines our status with the Department of Education. They are the numbers that are published in the paper. They are the scores that home buyers look at when deciding if they should move into a neighborhood. They are the numbers that are pulled out and held over us, whenever administrators feel the need to put the blame on someone. They are what decides if a school is up to par or not.
As a teacher, I measure progress and achievement for my students on a daily basis. I set the bar high, expecting a lot. I don’t argue with the importance of assessment; it informs my instruction for each child. I don’t argue with the importance of accountability; I believe in it strongly--for myself and my students.
I have empathy for our administrators who have to stand up and be told that we are “needing improvement” in our schools. I have empathy for our administrators who have to turn around and drill it into us, telling us we must do things “this” way to get results. I feel for them. They are judged on the numbers, as well. I think about the stress they are going through. I think of this as daily, as I feel unsupported and unappreciated in my efforts in the classroom by my administrator.My support comes from my coworkers; my peers. I say this proudly, I teach with phenomenal teachers. Everyday they hit the ground running. Everyday it's about what is best for students. Everyday it's the attitude of "What else can I do?" We promote high levels of learning because it is our job! The fear of NCLB has ruined a lot of wonderful things but it will not ruin me. I am a great teacher. I work with great teachers. We do "Whatever It Takes".
When I drive home demoralized after another meeting where our success is dissected with a machete knife, I remember different students I had in classroom over the years and where they are and how I attributed to that. I think about my efforts now and my efforts then.. I think about all of the celebrations with student's learning I've had... and somewhere I feel a little but energized again.
Monday, September 7, 2009
God Bless America
It seems dismally sad on our society that there is controversy over the President addressing school children regarding education (CSpan 11AM- 9/08/09). Since when has the President of the United States ever reached out to our youth to inspire them like Obama has? Why is it wrong for him - the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES - to address the children of our country to encourage them to get a good education, study hard, make good choices?
Are we that afraid? Is this what you want to teach your children? Is there so little trust in teachers that it is felt they will not be able to discuss contrary ideas with their students?
I am a teacher and I believe in freedom of press, speech and ideas. Regardless, how you may feel about Obama-- He is our President. To think that this kind of criticism is given around Obama's message for students to reach inside themselves and contribute to bettering their schools and community is completely insane.
Respecting one's President and his dedication and commitment to education is NOT synonymous with agreeing with his policy agenda - I voted for the man, but I am not particularly thrilled with his educational policies, however I have a great respect for his own personal commitment to intellectual development and, as a teacher, I believe having that commitment communicated to students would be a helpful thing. This whole controversy seems like just another sad incident in ever growing anti-intellectual trend of our country.
Are we that afraid? Is this what you want to teach your children? Is there so little trust in teachers that it is felt they will not be able to discuss contrary ideas with their students?
I am a teacher and I believe in freedom of press, speech and ideas. Regardless, how you may feel about Obama-- He is our President. To think that this kind of criticism is given around Obama's message for students to reach inside themselves and contribute to bettering their schools and community is completely insane.
Respecting one's President and his dedication and commitment to education is NOT synonymous with agreeing with his policy agenda - I voted for the man, but I am not particularly thrilled with his educational policies, however I have a great respect for his own personal commitment to intellectual development and, as a teacher, I believe having that commitment communicated to students would be a helpful thing. This whole controversy seems like just another sad incident in ever growing anti-intellectual trend of our country.
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