It's A Wonder I Stayed In Public Education!
March 29th 2010 17:33
When I was a new teacher, I wanted to find the key to unlocking success within my students. My desire was to teach them how to become learners. So, I start breaking down the parameters on how students learn. I wanted to know where my students fell off the beam.
Starting with the psychologist, I asked questions. I wanted to know what could I do in the classroom for the processing deficits of my students. I received blah, blah answers that sounded like the teacher’s voice on Charlie Brown.
I was not satisfied, somewhere, someone was trying to lessen these problem for challenged learners; I wanted to be part of the solution. I still needed to learn more about everything, I found educational areas of innovation and best practice. I turned no idea down I was open to learning.
This upset some of my colleagues. Why? I have no idea. Rocking the boat. Doing too much.
Of course, when I wanted to create, utilize innovation and attend conferences or workshops I had to go to the ADMINISTRATION. The administration makes decisions about taking time off work, what fund a substitute teacher’s pay is allocated and registration fees before attendance or implementation takes place. Like Hollywood, I have to go pitch my idea and plan of action. Well, I’ve had some pitches go well and some let’s just say you be the judge.
I've been told many things throughout the years. Here are a few actual statements from ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF:
• That's great, we don't have money for that
• That's great, ask Title I to pay for it
• Ok we will pay your sub but not the conference, hotel, material, etc
• Sorry there is no money
• Why are you doing this?
With these kinds of responses it’s a wonder why I continued on. I did continue on and over 90% of my training and expertise in education has come from my own resources. Yes, my own pocket. The school system did not care how much of my own money I spent as long as they were not spending it. Here’s a question for you. How many teachers today are updated on best practices in education?
Not many. If the teacher is waiting for the school to pay, they can keep waiting. Don’t believe me ask your kid’s teacher the last conference, innovative lecture or new software training they have been to. The answer won’t be pretty in public school. How can we be better if we don’t use better tools and paradigms? Learn the learner; know the learner, teach the learners.
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Comment by moonglow
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Comment by Lisa Johnson
It's All Geek To Me
Many families are choosing to home school. Home school sports leagues have been started. I have utilized some of many home school curriculum websites. They are good.
It is my charge that all kids receive an appropriate education based on their needs. I don't think I am asking too much.
Comment by Dianna G
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Here in Toronto, our public school board is, for the most part, not very impressive or helpful. Unless you fit their cookie cutter image, you have to jump through hoops to get the help and accomodation you need.
I'm currently attending an alternative school that's run by the same board but feels like a totally different place. A couple of the teachers seem like ordinary high school teachers, but one thing that I've found with these teachers is a much greater flexibility both in the way they teach and details about work.
It makes me think maybe the TDSB is good for something after all...
~Dianna
Comment by Journeywoman
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That's really impressive, you sound truly dedicated to being a great teacher. I'm amazed the private school system didn't head hunt you ages ago! (Or did they...?)
Comment by Lisa Johnson
It's All Geek To Me
Dianna G,
Thank you so much for your comment. The things you like in the alternative setting, the teacher flexibility, are differences made to individuals. This the backbone of helping any student succeeds. It's the students needs that should be met not the teachers.
I'm glad you are finding success. Keep up the good work and ask for what you need to be successful. If you don't know with in a few emails I could tell you.
Happy Learning!
Comment by Lisa Johnson
It's All Geek To Me
Thank you so much for your response and positive comments.
I have been asked to move to different locations and a few private locations. The situations were not better.
I specialize in struggling learners. Most places have difficulty with this population. Private means that the parents are paying and the school has power over whom it admits. Unfortunately, schools do not want the problem child or struggling learner.
I am writing a book about my experiences and I hope to be a jumping board for change in this current system.