There are few things that get me on a soapbox like the term "education reform." It's not like there aren't changes that need to be made to the American education system. My problem is how these changes are made, and who is making them. A politician has as much business legislating my classroom as I have negotiating foreign relations. (Which is to say, none.)
Just because something looks good on paper does not mean that it is practical or even particularly helpful. I believe that mainstreaming has its place, but I also think that it is ridiculous to pretend that all kids are four-year university bound. Because they aren't. College isn't for everyone. Some people don't need it to do what they want to do. (This is where I would list off successful people who didn't go to college if I hadn't temporarily lost my will to Google.) Some kids only need certificates to do what they want to do. For instance, my sister will be graduating next week with her R.N. degree. She attended a local community college, which has a nursing program that is ranked one of the best in the state. When she gets a job, she will be making more money than I currently make. Who am I to tell her that wasn't the right path?
Add to it that in my state, politicians are big fans of unfunded mandates, requiring more work of teachers and students, while stripping resources left and right. The state has won't pay schools what they have been promised, but expect us to work miracles with less and less. It just gets me all worked up! (And let me just say that the people on the State Board of Education are almost as bad as the people in state legislature!)
Every day, I am faced with the intense needs of my students. They don't all come to me ready to learn. Some need attention, some intervention, and some need more than I can possibly provide in a school environment. My work goes home with me every single day, even if there aren't papers to grade. Doing this job is as difficult as it is rewarding and some days difficult wins out. Some days I even think about doing something else, something easier on the soul. But, I know I won't. I am a teacher through and through, and you can't legislate that, no matter how hard they try.
I've always felt that way--you are what you are. And we've forgotten that teaching is as much a calling as anything else. Wonder how to legislate that?
ReplyDeletehere, here!
ReplyDeletei had a button that said, "those who can, teach. those who can't, make laws about teaching!"
i especially like the part about not everyone will/needs to go to college! so many college grads cant find jobs now!
All legislators need a huge dose of reality. Plunk their sorry butts in a classroom of 35 kids and have them wrangle them and try to teach them. Maybe then they will sing a different tune. I swear politicians don't know their butt from a hole in the ground when it comes to real life situations.
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you! I say thank you beause I so admire teachers like yourself who have to deal with the "behind the scene" headaches of pleasing the administration & BOE and their demands, with less money, uncooperative parents, etc. If only you had the children in your classroom to focus on - even that would be a fulltime job!
ReplyDeleteSo, again I say thank you.
Oh sing it to the choir, sister!
ReplyDeleteThey expect more out of everyone especially in the job crunch we have going on. Gotta have a degree or else it's to the streets.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, kudos to teaching (and enjoying) 8th graders! I think junior high is the neatest bunch of students (taught both high school and junior high - junior high kids win hands down!)
ReplyDeleteSecondly - AMEN! I love your quote that politicians know as much about teaching as you about negotiating foreign relations! We need to put MORE money in to our schools and STOP teaching to the test!
Great post! Hopping by from A to Z! Here is my A to Z Challenge. I hope you stop by!