Saturday, August 18, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
"...don't tell us how to run (education)," Tex Gov G. W. Bush on Clinton's Education Plan in 1999
Remembering Who Opposed President Clinton's Education Plan
"The federal government should be a limited partner, not a general partner," he explained. "If they feel like sending money back to the states, fine. But don't tell us how to run things."
Farmington superintendent says ruling is victory for all - Daily Journal Online News
News from the mother country:
Call to ban cars nears schools to tackle obesity | News crumb | EducationGuardian.co.uk
Teacher-astronaut turns shuttle into classroom - The Boston Globe
Creationist Museum Acquires 5,000-Year-Old T. Rex Skeleton | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Kucinich: DLC agenda 'indistinguishable' from Neoconservative agenda"The Democratic Leadership Council's agenda is indistinguishable from
the Republican Neoconservative agenda," he went on. "They want to
continue to stay in Iraq. They reject the idea of a not-for-profit
health care system. ... These analysts are ... trying to keep a
politics that really helps support a privileged few at the expense of
the many. So I'm the candidate of the people."
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Fall of Rome & United States (News Espresso )
Donny Dungarees, moments
before he was struck down.
Educational Puppet Pelted With Crayons | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Nancy Duggin: Don't just talk about increasing vocabulary, from The Daily News Journal
Academic alphabet soup
Learn from the fall of Rome, US warned:
America is a great nation, probably the greatest in history. But if we want to keep America great, we have to recognize reality and make needed changes. As I mentioned earlier, there are striking similarities between America’s current situation and that of another great power from the past: Rome. The Roman Empire lasted 1,000 years, but only about half that time as a republic. The Roman Republic fell for many reasons, but three reasons are worth remembering: declining moral values and political civility at home, an overconfident and overextended military in foreign lands, and fiscal irresponsibility by the central government. Sound familiar? In my view, it’s time to learn from history and take steps to ensure the American Republic is the first to stand the test of time. (Full Speech)
News espresso
School superintendents in state call for change in standardized tests.
Khalil Gibran International Academy was to be the first school to study the Arabic language and culture. Its founder spoke fluent Arabic. Debbie Almontaser, a veteran public school teacher was also to be its first principle; however, she stepped down under pressure - New York Times
Danielle Salzberg, picked to Run Arabic School, will take over as the interim principle. He does not speak Arabic but he is a specialist at starting new schools.
Watch for more of this as schools add more technology to track students progress. Software firm sues Kentucky Education Dept.
See the Robocup Competition on Student News - Stories and Video from CNN.com
Teens plead no contest in school plot - Boston.com
If teens don't want school the military wants them as military opens door to more dropouts.
Teachers sue school district, union - Boston.com
Khalil Gibran International Academy was to be the first school to study the Arabic language and culture. Its founder spoke fluent Arabic. Debbie Almontaser, a veteran public school teacher was also to be its first principle; however, she stepped down under pressure - New York Times
Danielle Salzberg, picked to Run Arabic School, will take over as the interim principle. He does not speak Arabic but he is a specialist at starting new schools.
Watch for more of this as schools add more technology to track students progress. Software firm sues Kentucky Education Dept.
See the Robocup Competition on Student News - Stories and Video from CNN.com
Teens plead no contest in school plot - Boston.com
If teens don't want school the military wants them as military opens door to more dropouts.
Teachers sue school district, union - Boston.com
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Teacher Raise Quandary
I heard rumors at my new school that the Hillsborough County Teachers Association (CTA) ballots were already in mailboxes. There was not one in my mailbox. Perhaps it had something to do with my transfer to a new school. I want to go on record stating that I want my ballot. If, for some reason, I do not receive a ballot, what should I do? The vote will not be legitimate until others and I, who transferred, receive our ballots. I will expect no counting of ballots to begin until all have an opportunity to vote.
Apparently, CTA will not acknowledge eskay espresso officially; however, I know some of their staff read the posts. Please, see to it that I receive a ballot. You know my real identity, as do others and you know to which school I transferred. You were in the room when it occurred and I personally spoke with you about it. I need a ballot!
I still have not decided how I will vote. On the one hand, Iwant need my pay for the hours I work, and until the teachers ratify the contract, I am working 20 extra minutes per day on the clock for no pay. My move up a step to level four is automatic so I assume I am now at step 4 and at least I will make last year's step four rate, which is more than I made last year at step three. Therefore, the only issue I have to decide on is the 2% raise for teachers this year.
There are two factors about the slated raise that concern me. First, those at the top steps (I'm not sure if that means the very top or a couple lower as well) are not receiving a 2% raise; instead, they are receiving a $1000 bonus. I have no justification for this but, at the same time, I have heard very few in that category complain. If it affects them and they are not concerned about it then I am inclined to let it go.
The second factor hits closer to home and so, affects me more personally. The administrators are receiving a 5.5% raise while teachers only receive a 2% raise.1 The 2% figure as the teacher raise is no longer in dispute as officials within CTA have acknowledged this fact. Therefore, it troubles me that CTA did not fight for a teacher raise at least commensurate to the one administrators will receive. After all, teachers are the ones that will instruct an additional period this year, which is contrary to commonly accepted practice.2 In most school districts across the nation, secondary teachers instruct five periods per day.
This is nothing against the school administrators who, like teachers, just do your job while others hash out these issues. Besides, no one can blame administrators for being happy with a 5.5% raise, which is above the national inflation rate of 3 percent. In effect, administrators are truly receiving a bona fide 2.5% raise since it is over and above the inflation rate.3 This is another trick of business: to call anything up to inflation rates a raise. An increase up to the inflation rate is merely an adjustment to make current salaries equal to the spending power of last year. A real raise begins after having met the current inflation rate.
Returning to the teacher raise of 2%, the negotiators now acknowledge this the true amount of the raise. Teachers are not even getting the inflation rate, which means spending power this year is 1% less than it was last year. The answer, it seems to me, is to split the difference with administrators (sorry administrators it is nothing personal only business).4 The combined percentage of 2% and 5.5% is 7.5%, which when split down the middle is 3.75% for each party. This way everyone reaches the inflation rate and receives a ¾ percent real raise.
There in is my quandary of how to vote: for or against.
Apparently, CTA will not acknowledge eskay espresso officially; however, I know some of their staff read the posts. Please, see to it that I receive a ballot. You know my real identity, as do others and you know to which school I transferred. You were in the room when it occurred and I personally spoke with you about it. I need a ballot!
I still have not decided how I will vote. On the one hand, I
There are two factors about the slated raise that concern me. First, those at the top steps (I'm not sure if that means the very top or a couple lower as well) are not receiving a 2% raise; instead, they are receiving a $1000 bonus. I have no justification for this but, at the same time, I have heard very few in that category complain. If it affects them and they are not concerned about it then I am inclined to let it go.
The second factor hits closer to home and so, affects me more personally. The administrators are receiving a 5.5% raise while teachers only receive a 2% raise.1 The 2% figure as the teacher raise is no longer in dispute as officials within CTA have acknowledged this fact. Therefore, it troubles me that CTA did not fight for a teacher raise at least commensurate to the one administrators will receive. After all, teachers are the ones that will instruct an additional period this year, which is contrary to commonly accepted practice.2 In most school districts across the nation, secondary teachers instruct five periods per day.
This is nothing against the school administrators who, like teachers, just do your job while others hash out these issues. Besides, no one can blame administrators for being happy with a 5.5% raise, which is above the national inflation rate of 3 percent. In effect, administrators are truly receiving a bona fide 2.5% raise since it is over and above the inflation rate.3 This is another trick of business: to call anything up to inflation rates a raise. An increase up to the inflation rate is merely an adjustment to make current salaries equal to the spending power of last year. A real raise begins after having met the current inflation rate.
Returning to the teacher raise of 2%, the negotiators now acknowledge this the true amount of the raise. Teachers are not even getting the inflation rate, which means spending power this year is 1% less than it was last year. The answer, it seems to me, is to split the difference with administrators (sorry administrators it is nothing personal only business).4 The combined percentage of 2% and 5.5% is 7.5%, which when split down the middle is 3.75% for each party. This way everyone reaches the inflation rate and receives a ¾ percent real raise.
There in is my quandary of how to vote: for or against.
- I am not the only one concerned about the disparaty between administrator and teacher raises. (The Tampa Tribune, 2007, July 24) [back]
- If one compares contracts across the nation it becomes apparent that in only a minority of districts do secondary teachers instruct for more than five (5) periods per day. [back]
- This is another trick of business: to call anything up to inflation rates a raise. The current inflation rate is 3 percent. [back]
- Administrators are not paid hourly, they receive a salary regardless of total hours per week. Therefore, their pay does not have to be adjusted for the extra 20-minutes per day. [back]
Friday, August 10, 2007
It's a Good Day to Feel Bad
Do you hear that collective sigh of relief? That is from certain people in
Hillsborough County Public Schools Administration (HCPS) and the Hillsborough County Teachers Association (HCTA) who are gosh darn thrilled that certain teachers are back at work with less time to express themselves! Fair enough folks, they have every right to be happy about that.
It was so great to go back to work today. Oh, how much I love the academic work-a-day. My new school seems to be fabulous; if this holds true they will be a great group with which to work. Our principle could not have been any more cordial. She seems to have a deep affinity for our school. It is encouraging to hear your boss say she loves where she is and wants to stay for a very long time to come. There seem to be two kinds of principles that I have encountered in my short time as a teacher. One is on the way up and seems to be at just one stop along the way. The other is dedicated to where he or she is and means to stay to build lasting relationships. I suppose both have there good points but I tend to be more comfortable with the latter.
All of us new teachers to the school enjoyed excellent treatment including plenty of get to know stuff and tokens of apparel, some useful books and a coffee mug—gotta' love the mug. They topped off the day with a scrumptious lunch, which was dining at its finest.
Now I want to go on to something a little heavier.
I have written about my sensitivity to others' feeling, which can be to a fault. I am passionate about a few things. One is teaching and another is the desire to address this issue of treating teachers in condescending ways, particular in a public forum.
I did not go to my first school board meeting until this year. (I probably should have gone sooner.) However, when I was at the meeting for the first time I witnessed some (not all) school board members speak to teachers during the public meeting in a most unsavory manner. They were condescending, degrading, and they talked down to teachers in general as if they were children. The shock I felt that night witnessing such a display has not abated. I was quite literally appalled. Later, I tried to console myself by thinking it was an isolated incident. To my horror, it happened the next meeting I went to, and it continued for as long as teachers expressed themselves in front of board. It was hypocritical at best and despicable at worst to have behaved that way toward the subject of and reason for the board's existence.
Some time has past since then and the issue faded from public view, although my desire to rid it from public discourse remains as strong as ever. However, it became more of a mission for me than something I had to endure in person. Then, a commenter posted an email allegedly from a high-ranking official in the local teacher's union and horror rose up once more. The email could have been a hoax; however, its structure and its content convinced me it was legitimate.
My mission is to rid our community of public displays of disrespect toward teachers by those who rule above them. It is not only a poor image to portray to the public it can be dangerous. Teachers have a difficult job everyday maintaining order in the classroom. The last thing they need is for their superiors to ridicule them in a public forum and talk down to them as if they were children. What might a student prone to be disruptive in class think if he or she were to see that kind of behavior toward a teacher by an adult? That authority that separates teacher from student will have been undermined. The student will feel more like he or she is dealing with someone on more of a peer level. He or she will be more inclined to feel less restrained from acting up in class the next time the urge hits. Really, this sort of thing needs to cease.
I wrote a post pointing out these things yesterday and today I felt bad for anyone whose feelings I might have hurt. I know none of us does these things with malice in mind. It is usually frustration, anger, or both. I felt the passion yesterday as I do today to try to bring this sort of thing to the attention of those that matter.
Obviously, I do not know that I stepped on some toes and probably hurt some feelings. Maybe, not a single concern occurred to anyone else, but it did to me. Therefore, even if no feelings were hurt, I suffered my sensitivity to the feeling of others and I punished myself.
I said it best in a post I wrote back in May of this year:
If, indeed, feelings were hurt please know that I respect the other person as someone who has worked long and hard in service of others. If we disagree on certain things, my respect for the other person is not less for it. There are many things in this complicated world to disagree about but there are many more on which to agree.
Hillsborough County Public Schools Administration (HCPS) and the Hillsborough County Teachers Association (HCTA) who are gosh darn thrilled that certain teachers are back at work with less time to express themselves! Fair enough folks, they have every right to be happy about that.
It was so great to go back to work today. Oh, how much I love the academic work-a-day. My new school seems to be fabulous; if this holds true they will be a great group with which to work. Our principle could not have been any more cordial. She seems to have a deep affinity for our school. It is encouraging to hear your boss say she loves where she is and wants to stay for a very long time to come. There seem to be two kinds of principles that I have encountered in my short time as a teacher. One is on the way up and seems to be at just one stop along the way. The other is dedicated to where he or she is and means to stay to build lasting relationships. I suppose both have there good points but I tend to be more comfortable with the latter.
All of us new teachers to the school enjoyed excellent treatment including plenty of get to know stuff and tokens of apparel, some useful books and a coffee mug—gotta' love the mug. They topped off the day with a scrumptious lunch, which was dining at its finest.
Now I want to go on to something a little heavier.
I have written about my sensitivity to others' feeling, which can be to a fault. I am passionate about a few things. One is teaching and another is the desire to address this issue of treating teachers in condescending ways, particular in a public forum.
I did not go to my first school board meeting until this year. (I probably should have gone sooner.) However, when I was at the meeting for the first time I witnessed some (not all) school board members speak to teachers during the public meeting in a most unsavory manner. They were condescending, degrading, and they talked down to teachers in general as if they were children. The shock I felt that night witnessing such a display has not abated. I was quite literally appalled. Later, I tried to console myself by thinking it was an isolated incident. To my horror, it happened the next meeting I went to, and it continued for as long as teachers expressed themselves in front of board. It was hypocritical at best and despicable at worst to have behaved that way toward the subject of and reason for the board's existence.
Some time has past since then and the issue faded from public view, although my desire to rid it from public discourse remains as strong as ever. However, it became more of a mission for me than something I had to endure in person. Then, a commenter posted an email allegedly from a high-ranking official in the local teacher's union and horror rose up once more. The email could have been a hoax; however, its structure and its content convinced me it was legitimate.
My mission is to rid our community of public displays of disrespect toward teachers by those who rule above them. It is not only a poor image to portray to the public it can be dangerous. Teachers have a difficult job everyday maintaining order in the classroom. The last thing they need is for their superiors to ridicule them in a public forum and talk down to them as if they were children. What might a student prone to be disruptive in class think if he or she were to see that kind of behavior toward a teacher by an adult? That authority that separates teacher from student will have been undermined. The student will feel more like he or she is dealing with someone on more of a peer level. He or she will be more inclined to feel less restrained from acting up in class the next time the urge hits. Really, this sort of thing needs to cease.
I wrote a post pointing out these things yesterday and today I felt bad for anyone whose feelings I might have hurt. I know none of us does these things with malice in mind. It is usually frustration, anger, or both. I felt the passion yesterday as I do today to try to bring this sort of thing to the attention of those that matter.
Obviously, I do not know that I stepped on some toes and probably hurt some feelings. Maybe, not a single concern occurred to anyone else, but it did to me. Therefore, even if no feelings were hurt, I suffered my sensitivity to the feeling of others and I punished myself.
I said it best in a post I wrote back in May of this year:
I am torn between feeling indignation because she was condescending and a desire to let her know I do not hold any personal animus toward her... As I have stated before, I am not good at driving home stinging repartee. I always cave to my sympathetic concern for another's feelings. The moment I detect someone has taken what I say too personally, I just want to allay their hurt and let them know I meant no harm by what I said. I think it is in the stars that sometimes I speak before I think (or censor) and that's not such a good thing for someone as sensitive to others as I am. (Can I Quote You On That, 2007, May 11)
If, indeed, feelings were hurt please know that I respect the other person as someone who has worked long and hard in service of others. If we disagree on certain things, my respect for the other person is not less for it. There are many things in this complicated world to disagree about but there are many more on which to agree.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
A Raise By Any Other Name Would Smell As Sweet
I have not had much to say concerning the collectively bargained teacher raise. Mostly because I am at the newer (read lower) end of the steps and, therefore, am grateful for any increase—if you know what I mean.
Another group that seems quiet in the discussion is those in the most experienced (read higher) end of the steps, therefore, are grateful they are still eligible to retire. These folks do not want to rock any boats—if you know what I mean.
That leaves those in the middle to carry the torch and let the rest of know how you feel about it. (I find it interesting that those benefiting from the extra increases due to a "mistake" in formulating the steps are in this group. The most powerful group gets a little extra for placation.)
Not having a firm foundation on which to build an argument for or against the proposed raise, I will use quotes from the mainstream media and the new media. I will comment as I feel the need.
"Hillsborough teachers slated for 8% raise" (The Gradebook, 2007, July 18, headline)
"Most Hillsborough teachers will see about an eight percent raise under the contract agreement reached this afternoon between the district and the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association." (The Gradebook, 2007, July 18)
"Teachers to get 8 percent raise"
"As districts locally and statewide fret about budget cuts, Hillsborough feels confident." (St. Petersburg Times, 2007, July 19, headline)
"TAMPA - Most Hillsborough teachers can expect to see about an 8 percent raise this year." (St. Petersburg Times, 2007, July 19)
"Unions representing Hillsborough teachers and blue-collar workers agreed on raises Wednesday averaging 8 percent for teachers…" (Sun Herald. 2007)
"…there is a straightforward 2% across the board increase for all teachers except the top level…" (The Gradebook, 2007, July 18, comm. July 25, 5:38 PM)
"They should be ecstatic," said Yvonne Lyons, executive director of the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association…" (Lyons, St. Petersburg Times, 2007, July 19)
"…4.3% is an increase in salary because of the longer day. It is not advertised as a raise, nor was it even reported in the newspaper any differently…" (Lyons, 2007, The Wall, comm. 8.08.07, 7:33 PM)
I think the quotes above speak for themselves. The main issue as others and I saw it was that the increased was hyped to the point that the impression was of a raise of eight percent for teachers.
In case the negotiators want to say they cannot control the press, I offer the following as evidence to the contrary. When it involved the misstatement in a mainstream newspaper about enrollment, there was a correction published within 24 hours. See for yourself.
"...this school year, enrollment will likely drop by nearly 4,300 students..." (St. Petersburg Times. 2007, July 31, p. 1.A)
"The Hillsborough school district is projecting flat enrollment for the coming school year… A story and chart published Tuesday contained incorrect information." (St. Petersburg Times, 2007, Aug 1, pp 1.A)
Next we revisit the substantial raise promised to teachers because of having to teach an extra period this year. This is out of the ordinary as customary practice in most school districts, which teach five periods per day. A high-level official of the Hillsborough County Teachers Association (CTA) claimed to have received assurances, from the superintendent of schools that the money saved because of that decision (approx. $35-million) would go to teachers.
"Elia promised teachers a significant raise months ago when she determined all would teach an eight-hour day and those in high school would teach six instead of five classes a day…" (Sun Herald. 2007)
Finally, I present the issue of demeaning teachers. At my first school board meeting that occurred this year, I was appalled at what I witnessed toward the end of the night. A couple of school board members, frustrated by the dissent from teachers over some of these issues, outwardly demeaned, ridiculed, and talked down to teachers at the podium. Further, these same board members took the time to chastise publicly all teachers who "dared" to display outward displeasure with some of the board's decisions.
As I drove home that evening and thought about what I had witnessed, and in light of my high regard for teachers, I pledged to myself to work toward the day when no board member would speak that way to teachers. Now, I am shocked to see it coming from the very organization that is supposed to be standing up for teachers. If high-level officials in this organization do not respect teachers then the problem runs deeper than I originally thought.
The danger being when students see adults around them treating teacher this way, it makes it that much more difficult for the classroom teacher to maintain authority. It is difficult enough to keep 30 students at a time in line and orderly without some in positions of power demeaning teachers in public. Here is a case in point where someone on the editorial staff of The Tampa Tribune took a condescending tone when addressing teachers in a public format.
"Florida law is clear: 'During a declared state or local emergency... school boards in the affected area shall participate in emergency management...Even an elementary school student would understand this." (The Tampa Tribune, 2007, June 8)
Please, school board members, union officials, and administrators do not fall victim to this practice.
Once again I present quotes as evidence. The first quote comes from a comment made on The Wall, a blog dedicated to teacher issues.
"I looked in your file and see that you were born in 1953. I'm somewhat shocked that a teacher your age would send such a ridiculously childish email." (Lyons, 2007, The Wall, comm. 8.08.07, 7:33 PM)
"Our settlement is to be celebrated, not ridiculed." (Lyons, 2007, The Wall, comm. 8.08.07, 7:33 PM)
"I doubt you will have any influence on your colleagues." (Lyons, 2007, The Wall, comm. 8.08.07, 7:33 PM)
As one can see here and here some of this pains me to write. This is for consumption by members of the community who need to make informed decisions about how to spend their tax dollars. Additionally, it is important to enlighten the public on vital issues that affect the orderly conduct in the classrooms, which might contain one of their children.
Another group that seems quiet in the discussion is those in the most experienced (read higher) end of the steps, therefore, are grateful they are still eligible to retire. These folks do not want to rock any boats—if you know what I mean.
That leaves those in the middle to carry the torch and let the rest of know how you feel about it. (I find it interesting that those benefiting from the extra increases due to a "mistake" in formulating the steps are in this group. The most powerful group gets a little extra for placation.)
Not having a firm foundation on which to build an argument for or against the proposed raise, I will use quotes from the mainstream media and the new media. I will comment as I feel the need.
"Hillsborough teachers slated for 8% raise" (The Gradebook, 2007, July 18, headline)
"Most Hillsborough teachers will see about an eight percent raise under the contract agreement reached this afternoon between the district and the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association." (The Gradebook, 2007, July 18)
"Teachers to get 8 percent raise"
"As districts locally and statewide fret about budget cuts, Hillsborough feels confident." (St. Petersburg Times, 2007, July 19, headline)
"TAMPA - Most Hillsborough teachers can expect to see about an 8 percent raise this year." (St. Petersburg Times, 2007, July 19)
"Unions representing Hillsborough teachers and blue-collar workers agreed on raises Wednesday averaging 8 percent for teachers…" (Sun Herald. 2007)
"…there is a straightforward 2% across the board increase for all teachers except the top level…" (The Gradebook, 2007, July 18, comm. July 25, 5:38 PM)
"They should be ecstatic," said Yvonne Lyons, executive director of the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association…" (Lyons, St. Petersburg Times, 2007, July 19)
"…4.3% is an increase in salary because of the longer day. It is not advertised as a raise, nor was it even reported in the newspaper any differently…" (Lyons, 2007, The Wall, comm. 8.08.07, 7:33 PM)
I think the quotes above speak for themselves. The main issue as others and I saw it was that the increased was hyped to the point that the impression was of a raise of eight percent for teachers.
In case the negotiators want to say they cannot control the press, I offer the following as evidence to the contrary. When it involved the misstatement in a mainstream newspaper about enrollment, there was a correction published within 24 hours. See for yourself.
"...this school year, enrollment will likely drop by nearly 4,300 students..." (St. Petersburg Times. 2007, July 31, p. 1.A)
"The Hillsborough school district is projecting flat enrollment for the coming school year… A story and chart published Tuesday contained incorrect information." (St. Petersburg Times, 2007, Aug 1, pp 1.A)
Next we revisit the substantial raise promised to teachers because of having to teach an extra period this year. This is out of the ordinary as customary practice in most school districts, which teach five periods per day. A high-level official of the Hillsborough County Teachers Association (CTA) claimed to have received assurances, from the superintendent of schools that the money saved because of that decision (approx. $35-million) would go to teachers.
"Elia promised teachers a significant raise months ago when she determined all would teach an eight-hour day and those in high school would teach six instead of five classes a day…" (Sun Herald. 2007)
Finally, I present the issue of demeaning teachers. At my first school board meeting that occurred this year, I was appalled at what I witnessed toward the end of the night. A couple of school board members, frustrated by the dissent from teachers over some of these issues, outwardly demeaned, ridiculed, and talked down to teachers at the podium. Further, these same board members took the time to chastise publicly all teachers who "dared" to display outward displeasure with some of the board's decisions.
As I drove home that evening and thought about what I had witnessed, and in light of my high regard for teachers, I pledged to myself to work toward the day when no board member would speak that way to teachers. Now, I am shocked to see it coming from the very organization that is supposed to be standing up for teachers. If high-level officials in this organization do not respect teachers then the problem runs deeper than I originally thought.
The danger being when students see adults around them treating teacher this way, it makes it that much more difficult for the classroom teacher to maintain authority. It is difficult enough to keep 30 students at a time in line and orderly without some in positions of power demeaning teachers in public. Here is a case in point where someone on the editorial staff of The Tampa Tribune took a condescending tone when addressing teachers in a public format.
"Florida law is clear: 'During a declared state or local emergency... school boards in the affected area shall participate in emergency management...Even an elementary school student would understand this." (The Tampa Tribune, 2007, June 8)
Please, school board members, union officials, and administrators do not fall victim to this practice.
Once again I present quotes as evidence. The first quote comes from a comment made on The Wall, a blog dedicated to teacher issues.
"I looked in your file and see that you were born in 1953. I'm somewhat shocked that a teacher your age would send such a ridiculously childish email." (Lyons, 2007, The Wall, comm. 8.08.07, 7:33 PM)
"Our settlement is to be celebrated, not ridiculed." (Lyons, 2007, The Wall, comm. 8.08.07, 7:33 PM)
"I doubt you will have any influence on your colleagues." (Lyons, 2007, The Wall, comm. 8.08.07, 7:33 PM)
As one can see here and here some of this pains me to write. This is for consumption by members of the community who need to make informed decisions about how to spend their tax dollars. Additionally, it is important to enlighten the public on vital issues that affect the orderly conduct in the classrooms, which might contain one of their children.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Teachers Are Special People
While reading a comment from the Concierge at Motel Special Ed I was reminded of a post I wrote a while ago; it was originally published on February 26 of this year. It spoke to my special feelings about teachers and I thought this would be a good time for a rerun. Therefore, here is how I feel about teachers.
I was sure of two things as a young boy growing up in Tampa: Ellie May Clampett* would love me if only we were to meet and my teachers at Anderson Elementary were not paid to teach. The Ellie-May thing we can go into another time, but the illusion that teachers were not paid is something I deal with to this day. Teaching is a new career for me so; I have not had years in the profession to taint my view of it.
I hold a rather idealistic notion of what kind of person teaches students in school. A teacher is someone who dearly loves children and devotes his or her life to teaching them. Teachers feel so passionately about being with and teaching children, they do it not for money but out of the pure goodness of their hearts.
As a young boy, I truly loved each and every teacher during my elementary school years. I was fortunate in that I spent all six of my grammar school years at one school, Anderson Elementary. I loved that school. Every new school year came with a new teacher who guided me through the lessons and was very special to me. I knew my teachers loved those of us in the class and taught voluntarily, which meant without receiving a paycheck. To me, if they got paid then somehow it diminished their dedication to us kids.
Knowing my teacher was in the classroom for no other reason than to be with her students gave me a feeling of safety and security. I interacted with my teacher as I did with my parents, which meant she occupied a high place right next to them. I can say without hesitation that I loved each and every one of my teachers, at least those in elementary school. Actually, even in junior high and high school I continued to hold all of my teachers in high regard.
The disappointment, though, came during my fourth or fifth grade. I do not remember the exact time, but I remember where I was when it dawned on me—teachers get paid to teach. I was walking past the nurse’s office near the front of the school, and, for some reason that escapes me; it occurred to me TEACHERS ARE PAID! They don’t necessarily teach out of the kindness of their hearts. They aren’t there because they want to be nowhere else. To this day, I can still feel the rush of disappointment I felt when that realization struck.
I didn’t think about it much after I graduated high school, college and went to work in the steel industry. However, after a good run in the business world I wanted to do something where profit was not the primary goal. I wanted to do something in the public service arena. Quite by accident I found myself substitute teaching and knew right away teaching was my calling.
Since I am the same person, only older and wiser, I still have a special place in my heart for teachers. The problem is that when I entered the profession as one, I saw the entire behind the scenes flaws that everyone has, including teachers. Now, I battle with how should a teacher act and what character traits make the best teachers. I continue to be pulled in two directions: 1) that teachers are on a pedestal and are to be held to higher standards; or 2) teachers are like anyone else who works, it’s the job they have chosen to perform.
I do not know if I will ever sort out the tug-of-war in my mind about teachers. I do know teaching is my beloved vocation and I only want to teach. I also know most teachers are just folks like everybody else. They are articulate though, and curious and compassionate, and they love kids, and they remain young at heart, and they care about what people think, and they are smart, and they know how to do many things, and they are great conversationalists, and they have great senses of humor. They are a pretty good group of people after all.
**It occurred to me this time around that some of you young whippersnappers might not have ever heard of Ellie May Clampett. I will tell you that she was at least one young boy's dream girl. The rest you will have to Google for yourself.
I was sure of two things as a young boy growing up in Tampa: Ellie May Clampett* would love me if only we were to meet and my teachers at Anderson Elementary were not paid to teach. The Ellie-May thing we can go into another time, but the illusion that teachers were not paid is something I deal with to this day. Teaching is a new career for me so; I have not had years in the profession to taint my view of it.
I hold a rather idealistic notion of what kind of person teaches students in school. A teacher is someone who dearly loves children and devotes his or her life to teaching them. Teachers feel so passionately about being with and teaching children, they do it not for money but out of the pure goodness of their hearts.
As a young boy, I truly loved each and every teacher during my elementary school years. I was fortunate in that I spent all six of my grammar school years at one school, Anderson Elementary. I loved that school. Every new school year came with a new teacher who guided me through the lessons and was very special to me. I knew my teachers loved those of us in the class and taught voluntarily, which meant without receiving a paycheck. To me, if they got paid then somehow it diminished their dedication to us kids.
Knowing my teacher was in the classroom for no other reason than to be with her students gave me a feeling of safety and security. I interacted with my teacher as I did with my parents, which meant she occupied a high place right next to them. I can say without hesitation that I loved each and every one of my teachers, at least those in elementary school. Actually, even in junior high and high school I continued to hold all of my teachers in high regard.
The disappointment, though, came during my fourth or fifth grade. I do not remember the exact time, but I remember where I was when it dawned on me—teachers get paid to teach. I was walking past the nurse’s office near the front of the school, and, for some reason that escapes me; it occurred to me TEACHERS ARE PAID! They don’t necessarily teach out of the kindness of their hearts. They aren’t there because they want to be nowhere else. To this day, I can still feel the rush of disappointment I felt when that realization struck.
I didn’t think about it much after I graduated high school, college and went to work in the steel industry. However, after a good run in the business world I wanted to do something where profit was not the primary goal. I wanted to do something in the public service arena. Quite by accident I found myself substitute teaching and knew right away teaching was my calling.
Since I am the same person, only older and wiser, I still have a special place in my heart for teachers. The problem is that when I entered the profession as one, I saw the entire behind the scenes flaws that everyone has, including teachers. Now, I battle with how should a teacher act and what character traits make the best teachers. I continue to be pulled in two directions: 1) that teachers are on a pedestal and are to be held to higher standards; or 2) teachers are like anyone else who works, it’s the job they have chosen to perform.
I do not know if I will ever sort out the tug-of-war in my mind about teachers. I do know teaching is my beloved vocation and I only want to teach. I also know most teachers are just folks like everybody else. They are articulate though, and curious and compassionate, and they love kids, and they remain young at heart, and they care about what people think, and they are smart, and they know how to do many things, and they are great conversationalists, and they have great senses of humor. They are a pretty good group of people after all.
**It occurred to me this time around that some of you young whippersnappers might not have ever heard of Ellie May Clampett. I will tell you that she was at least one young boy's dream girl. The rest you will have to Google for yourself.
Whom Do You Really Call
When your house is burning down, whom do you call; someone that sells water hoses, fire trucks, consultants, or firefighters?
When your house is broken in to, whom do you call; someone that sells bulletproof vests, weaponry, consultants, or police officers?
When someone is injured, whom do you call; someone that sells gurneys, medications, consultants, or paramedics?
When you need a product or service from a company, whom do you call; someone that sells inventory, office supplies, consultants,the CEO (Are you some kind of communist?), or salespeople?
When your child needs help learning, whom do you call; someone that sells textbooks, instructional materials, consultants, or teachers?
When you want to improve community firefighting, whom do you call someone outside the community, someone not a firefighter, consultants, or community firefighters?
When you want to improve community policing, whom do you call someone outside of the community, someone not a police officer, consultants, or police officers?
When you want to improve community emergency services, whom do you call someone outside of the community, someone not a paramedic, consultants, or community paramedics?
When you want to improve community education, whom do you call someone outside of the community, someone not a teacher, consultants, or community teachers?
Why do people outside of the community, who want to sell something, who are not teachers and who are consultants control education reform?
When your house is broken in to, whom do you call; someone that sells bulletproof vests, weaponry, consultants, or police officers?
When someone is injured, whom do you call; someone that sells gurneys, medications, consultants, or paramedics?
When you need a product or service from a company, whom do you call; someone that sells inventory, office supplies, consultants,
When your child needs help learning, whom do you call; someone that sells textbooks, instructional materials, consultants, or teachers?
When you want to improve community firefighting, whom do you call someone outside the community, someone not a firefighter, consultants, or community firefighters?
When you want to improve community policing, whom do you call someone outside of the community, someone not a police officer, consultants, or police officers?
When you want to improve community emergency services, whom do you call someone outside of the community, someone not a paramedic, consultants, or community paramedics?
When you want to improve community education, whom do you call someone outside of the community, someone not a teacher, consultants, or community teachers?
Why do people outside of the community, who want to sell something, who are not teachers and who are consultants control education reform?
Whom Do You Call
Question:
When your house is burning down, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone that sells water hoses to the firefighters.
2. Someone that sells fire trucks to the firefighters.
3. Someone that consults with firefighters on best ways to put out fires.
4. Firefighters
Question:
When your house is broken in to, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone that sells bullet proof vests to police officers.
2. Someone that sells weaponry to police officers.
3. Someone that consults with police officers on best police practices.
4. Police Officers
Question:
When someone is injured, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone that sells gurneys to paramedics.
2. Someone that sells medications to paramedics.
3. Someone that consults with paramedics on rescue techniques.
4. Paramedics
Question:
When you need a product or service from a company, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone that sells inventory to salespeople.
2. Someone that sells office supplies to salespeople.
3. Someone that consults with salespeople on sales techniques.
4. The CEO (Are you some kind of communist?)
4. Salespeople
Question:
When your child needs help learning, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone that sells textbooks to teachers.
2. Someone that sells instructional material to teachers.
3. Someone that consults with teachers on educational best practices.
4. Teachers.
Question:
When you want to improve community firefighting, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone outside the community that sells firefighting products.
2. Someone who is not a firefighter that sells firefighting products.
3. Someone who is not a firefighter that consults on firefighting techniques.
4. Community Firefighters
Question:
When you want to improve community policing, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone outside of the community that sells policing products.
2. Someone who is not a police officer that sells policing products.
3. Someone who is not a police officer that consults on policing techniques.
4. Community Police Officers
Question:
When you want to improve community emergency service, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone outside of the community that sells paramedic products.
2. Someone who is not a paramedic that sells paramedic products.
3. Someone who is not a paramedic that consults on paramedic techniques.
4. Community Paramedics
Question:
When you want to improving community education, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone outside of the community that sells teaching products.
2. Someone who is not a teacher that sells teaching products.
3. Someone who is not a teacher that consults on teaching techniques.
4. Community Teachers
Question:
Why do people outside of the community and people that sell textbooks, instructional materials, teaching products, consulting services and who are not teachers control educational reform?
Answer: ???
When your house is burning down, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone that sells water hoses to the firefighters.
2. Someone that sells fire trucks to the firefighters.
3. Someone that consults with firefighters on best ways to put out fires.
4. Firefighters
Question:
When your house is broken in to, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone that sells bullet proof vests to police officers.
2. Someone that sells weaponry to police officers.
3. Someone that consults with police officers on best police practices.
4. Police Officers
Question:
When someone is injured, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone that sells gurneys to paramedics.
2. Someone that sells medications to paramedics.
3. Someone that consults with paramedics on rescue techniques.
4. Paramedics
Question:
When you need a product or service from a company, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone that sells inventory to salespeople.
2. Someone that sells office supplies to salespeople.
3. Someone that consults with salespeople on sales techniques.
4. Salespeople
Question:
When your child needs help learning, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone that sells textbooks to teachers.
2. Someone that sells instructional material to teachers.
3. Someone that consults with teachers on educational best practices.
4. Teachers.
Question:
When you want to improve community firefighting, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone outside the community that sells firefighting products.
2. Someone who is not a firefighter that sells firefighting products.
3. Someone who is not a firefighter that consults on firefighting techniques.
4. Community Firefighters
Question:
When you want to improve community policing, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone outside of the community that sells policing products.
2. Someone who is not a police officer that sells policing products.
3. Someone who is not a police officer that consults on policing techniques.
4. Community Police Officers
Question:
When you want to improve community emergency service, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone outside of the community that sells paramedic products.
2. Someone who is not a paramedic that sells paramedic products.
3. Someone who is not a paramedic that consults on paramedic techniques.
4. Community Paramedics
Question:
When you want to improving community education, whom do you call?
Answer:
1. Someone outside of the community that sells teaching products.
2. Someone who is not a teacher that sells teaching products.
3. Someone who is not a teacher that consults on teaching techniques.
4. Community Teachers
Question:
Why do people outside of the community and people that sell textbooks, instructional materials, teaching products, consulting services and who are not teachers control educational reform?
Answer: ???
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Should We Pay...
Should we pay police according to how many criminals they get off the streets?
Should we pay firefighters according to how many fires they successfully put out?
Should we pay Judges according to how many criminals they put behind bars?
Should we pay doctors that work in government clinics according to how many patients they cure?
Should we pay nurses that work in government clinics according to how many patients show improvement in their medical conditions?
Should we pay postal workers according to how many letters they deliver?
Should we pay county road crews according to how many potholes they fill?
Should we pay top executives according to how many employees earn incentives for earning the company profits? What, are you a communist or something?
Should we pay teachers according to how many students show improvement in learning?
All is fair when all is fair.
Should we pay firefighters according to how many fires they successfully put out?
Should we pay Judges according to how many criminals they put behind bars?
Should we pay doctors that work in government clinics according to how many patients they cure?
Should we pay nurses that work in government clinics according to how many patients show improvement in their medical conditions?
Should we pay postal workers according to how many letters they deliver?
Should we pay county road crews according to how many potholes they fill?
Should we pay teachers according to how many students show improvement in learning?
All is fair when all is fair.
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