Saw a great article from the Wichita Eagle about the reality of teaching that I thought I would share since it's about that time to gear up for a new school year...
"As a 33-year veteran of the public high school classroom, I am increasingly both puzzled and disheartened by the overwhelmingly negative criticism of teachers – puzzled because each school year I meet hundreds of parents who seem genuinely appreciative of the excellent education that their children receive, and disheartened by the knowledge gap between public sentiment and the challenges that teachers face.
Thus, I’d like to “teach” a few truths about the realities of teaching, in hopes of closing this gulf of misunderstanding:
• Schools have changed dramatically over the past decade because of technology, changing federal and state mandates, economics, and a host of complex sociological factors at play. If you have not “darkened the door” of a school in the past few years, then you are not qualified to criticize teachers.
• Students’ needs are overwhelming – so much so that teachers alone simply cannot meet them. Students are not empty vessels, sitting quietly with hands folded, eagerly awaiting their teachers’ outpourings of wisdom, which they quietly record in their notebooks. Poverty is their greatest foe, second to hunger and lack of adequate guidance from parents. If you believe that all kids jaunt off to school well-fed, well-clothed and ready to learn after a good night’s sleep, then you are sadly mistaken. Teachers simply cannot meet all the needs of children – although many desperately try, by committing their emotional energy and money from their own pocketbooks.
• Teachers do not work eight hours a day, 10 months a year. The eight hours a day that school is in session is only the beginning of a teacher’s day. Teaching demands countless hours of planning, reading, grading, coaching, writing, meeting with colleagues and taking classes. Teachers often work 12- to 15-hour days, often sacrificing time with their own families. Unless you are a teacher or live with one, however, you likely do not fathom what goes on behind the scenes on behalf of students.
• Most teachers are capable, caring and competent professionals. However, just like in all professions, a few are probably better suited for other jobs. Such is the case with lawyers, doctors, businesspeople and politicians. To hold teachers to a different standard than other professions, and pay them much less than they might otherwise earn in the private sector, makes no sense.
• Our best and our brightest students are not entering the profession because of poor salaries, lack of public respect, and impossible and unrealistic expectations. Older teachers are retiring the minute they possibly can, and young teachers often leave the profession after only a few years. This trend spells disaster.
Understanding the challenges that teachers face, and supporting and recognizing them for their efforts, are the first steps in address this serious problem that threatens to undermine our civilization."
- Jennifer Stark Fry
Little bit of happiness: Got the house cleaned and ready for a visit from my parents tomorrow. Also, the dog and I got a change of scenery when we took a different route on our evening walk... it's the little things :)
Daily quote: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view -- until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." -To Kill A Mockingbird
Cheers to
Happiness,
Audra
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