tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post3672394990557758350..comments2024-01-12T14:51:23.690-08:00Comments on All Things Wildly Considered: Education and the Obama StanceFrank Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18214921895704057150noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-65022738846662283642010-10-01T21:41:50.200-07:002010-10-01T21:41:50.200-07:00Derby, You are very right about the profession of ...Derby, You are very right about the profession of educating others being a "calling." I am so happy that you are doing this work so well while putting children first. I would have tremendous anxiety now about beginning a career that I can say I once truly loved. Today you face the added pressures of being "everything to everyone."<br /><br />Competition and comparison to ideals can be very important for students; however, typical learners are often too uncooperative. Family has such an influence on behavior and attitude.<br /><br />I prefer the less stressful, more independent environment where a teacher can put time into strategies for imparting subject matter with a personal touch. Time, to me, was the resource I desperately needed. Maybe if the system allowed master teachers with a lighter class load but more critical concentration...? <br /><br />The tremendous pressures you feel are very much a part of the system that seeks to address all problems related to education in a very short time. When I was actually teaching, not keeping records or making objectives or doing any one of dozens of clerical tasks, I often felt elated. <br /><br />But, as the job seemed to involve more and more "clutter," I was forced to choose which task to complete, and I felt somewhat ineffective. I can't imagine how such demands on time keep spiraling.<br /><br />Being a good teacher is almost an impossible goal because if you want to be a good teacher, you soon find out "the sky is the limit." But, that is also what drives you to be better and better. <br /><br />To me, the best reward of the job is teaching students like you who meet the challenges they face with the right purpose. I know you do a great job - thanks for being so dedicated. Just take time to breathe and enjoy in the midst of the battle.Frank Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18214921895704057150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8352780903142089915.post-82149654617077292102010-09-28T17:59:59.310-07:002010-09-28T17:59:59.310-07:00Interesting no one else has posted. I'm not af...Interesting no one else has posted. I'm not afraid to be first. And, after a day like today... I have some VERY honest reflection. After 18 years in education... and being evaluated EVERY year of my 18 years (for many of those years, evaluated MULTIPLE times - per district policy) - I was very much TOLD whether I was doing a good job or not as an educator. And... I can still be terminated, even now being tenured - I can be put on a corrective action plan, if I fail to meet standards. Sure, it's harder for me to lose my job - but if I'm not doing my job, my principal has the ability to "put me on notice". Our students, parents and communities deserve the best from their teachers. This profession is a calling, it's not a just a "job". But I will tell you that all my education hasn't prepared me for what I now face - in addition to my bachelor's degree, masters degree and additional graduate hours... I often feel like i need a law degree, a pharmacuetical degree, an MD, and probably now...my administrative certification...and a social work degree (I'm already a professional school counselor). Today I de-escalated a kid by taking him on a walk (I was in a skirt and heels); I sat through two meetings where I must be up on special ed law and protocol (and I was in charge). And, then switch gears to address the needs of the 200 plus identified gifted students in our building. My colleagues expect me to know about bipolar disorder and schizophrenia (as I have students who have these diagnosis; I make frequent calls to social services; and along the way I must document most every phone call and contact I make regarding students. I carry additional liability insurance on myself - over a $1 million dollar policy - in case a parent decides to sue. Why do I do this? Because I care about the students and families I serve and I believe in the community in which I live and raise my child. There is INDEED a lot of pressure to succeed. I'm not sure all parents see it the same way... as I track down their students who don't come to school. The problems start EARLY. I can tell in middle school...and sometimes earlier... the students who will be successful and those who will be in the court record section of the paper. We have kids wearing "ankle bracelets" (yes, like Lindsey Lohan} in our school. No - we're not inner city - we're a small town. so, for the teachers to "teach"... we HAVE To have parents, parent. we HAVE to have community standards that support the schools. I love what I do most days... but it's a very different world than it was when i graduated in 1988. Regardless of what country we compete with - we've got to have family and community support. I'll work more days (and would love JUST a little more pay - i don't really get the summer off, as most think; and neither does my husband, a high school principal). If those days will bring me students who WANT to learn and parents who support the school and teachers...and what our mission is: educating their kids to be citizens of the world.Derby Akersnoreply@blogger.com