I rarely see commercials, but about a week ago I caught one I wish I hadn't. Simply put, it told Idaho that I'm not a competent teacher and the children in my classroom are getting a below-parr education. Fortunately I don't remember specifics or even the name of the organization who sponsored the add or their motivation for spreading this ugly news across my state. Sadly though, numbers and statistics sound convincing to the listener without proper background knowledge, and too many will most likely believe that indeed the children of this state are doomed.
I shook it off fairly easily, and that's partly because I think I have a knack for doing what Burgess advises. I've always kept my nose to the grindstone so to speak when it comes to educational politics. Those who know me best might even say I keep my head in the sand, and there's much truth to that too. (My educator family members had to tell me which state superintendent to vote for.) I don't necessarily recommend my extreme type of ignorance when it comes to what's being said or decisions being made "out there" in regards to education, but I also don't know that the benefits of reading every article, listening to every newscast, or being in the middle of each heated argument about education outweigh the negative residue or unrest that accompanies those situations.
Even I can assemble the puzzle pieces and see that there seems to be a lack of understanding and support for teachers these days, and it's not the best timing either. With all the curricular changes being made in schools across the nation, a few extra pats on the back might be nice. I can only control what I can control though, so I hypothetically close my door to all the nonsense and simply teach. Huddled together with my 23 little ones in the safety and sanctuary of my room is where I find my validation.
I read too many articles-it's depressing to see what people out there think of us. That faction has a lot more money to put the negativity out there than we teachers have to combat it. I think it's a real testament to our passion and dedication that we do what we do every day without ever getting any appreciation for it. Except from the kids-they are usually very appreciative of our efforts and fortunately, that's all the validation I need! :)
ReplyDeleteNot Just Child's Play
Miss Trayers, their notes, hugs, and growth are definitely the validation that I hold on to.
DeleteJust what I needed! Our state is having a similar battle...it seems most everyone is against teachers and the public education system. Sometimes--if I take my head out of the sand--I get frustrated and discouraged, but then I just keep pressing on because I know what I am doing in my classroom and our school is doing for kids. I know why I do what I do...and that is all the validation I need!
ReplyDeleteCrystal
*happily inserting head back in sand*
Teaching Little Miracles
Crystal, knowing the why is great validation. Keep on keeping on!
DeleteTammy, I look forward to, and seek out and share your posts each week - especially the Saturday Sayings. Your thoughts are so spot on and the quotes you offer come from so many authors my colleagues and I respect and look to for guidance. Today though I am concerned with your statement to tune out the negativity. A year ago a leader in our state told us we may not think we are interested in politics, but politics is very interested in us. That became all too true this past week when New York State passed into law mandates that will undermine all I've learned in my 30 years as a first grade teacher about what is effective for learning and healthy for children. You may not have control, but you do have influence. If you realize that too late, as we did, not only will you and dedicated colleagues lose the profession they love, children will lose irreplaceable parts of their childhood and education. Please look into this while there may still be time in your state to head off this damage.
ReplyDeleteMerry Sunshine, thank you for the complimentary remarks. I sure appreciate your support and thoughts. I'm sorry to hear about what is happening in your state. I really don't advocate my kind of ignorance. I'm extreme for sure and should work on being more informed. I'm most comfortable being influential in my school and more specifically classroom. I don't want to be careless about bigger issues but it also know that the politics out there seems way over my head and makes me uncomfortable. I feel out of my league there.
DeleteCrystal, We did what you are doing, but last week in one late night session our legislators and governor pushed through changes that mean if we continue to close our door and teach the way we know is best for students we will lose our jobs in two years. Teaching to tests is the only way to survive under our new laws, so many are looking for an unexpected second career. Please read my comment above and do what you can before this happens in your state. We were not the first - look into Wisconsin, Louisianna, Michigan and Massachusetts. We are just the latest - hopefully you still have time.
ReplyDeleteMerry Sunshine, this is sad to hear. I do hope teachers in your state can hold on to what is best for kids in light of all the chaos. Stay strong.
DeleteIt does seem that the news lately about education and teachers is all doom and gloom. It can become depressing if you listen to all of it or listen to it too much. Most of us can only control what is going on in our rooms so starting there and being sure we are doing what is best for our students is a great place to start and to continue. If we were all to do that, look at the changes that could be made or the greatness that could be continued!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, yes in my room is where the change starts. That's where I feel the most comfortable wielding my influence.
DeleteThe other day we went to a CPA to get our taxes done. She asked what my job was and I told her I'm a teacher. She said "Thank You for what you do. That's such an important job." It actually felt awkward to be told that, I don't know why. But I thought it was very sweet. Sometimes I feel like teachers are getting beat up, until something like that happens.
ReplyDeleteChrissy
First Grade Found Me
Chrissy, that's a moment worth holding on to. I'm glad that she recognized the benefits of what you do each day.
DeleteI'm so happy to hear you describe yourself this way because I'm exactly the same! I just can't listen to the "education" news and keep up with all the politics either. It totally bums me out!
ReplyDeleteBL Designs
Barb, yeah, I just have better things to do, like become a better teacher. plus, I'm just not good with all the politics.
DeleteSadly, teachers seem to have become the scapegoat for our society. We have had to become parent and counselor to so many children. We are only part of the puzzle to raising confident, thoughtful and kind citizens of the world. Thanks for giving such great food for thought!
ReplyDeleteJenny
Jenny, I know what you mean. We've taken on more than our share of the job.
DeleteSomehow I missed this post from last week. It seems the same in my state. My takeaway - appreciate those positive comments you do get from parents. And encourage the teachers around you. Want to get better at that! Sara
ReplyDeleteSara, I appreciate your takeaways very much!
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