I'm sure you all know about the thousands of teachers and other school personnel who will lose their jobs this coming school year...because deranged budget cutters; school boards, Sacramento politicians and the public at large are out to break the union. To them, teachers are just numbers to cut. To those who work in the schools, we know who they are: their names, faces, families. Overall, teachers are hard workers, caring human beings whose interest is to improve the education of their students and through them improve the American educational system.
We are well aware that education is an investment. It is the business we are in and we are willing to work hard at it. Unfortunately, we are swimming against the current, in a sea full of sharks. Newspapers, TV, talk radio and others blame teachers for poor schools, neighborhood strife, social ills, students heath, psychological problems and poverty, to name a few.
It has always been fashionable to solve the problems of education by cutting teachers, increasing class size, cutting the arts and music, and after school programs and activities. Now they are going after what teachers have earned through many years of hard work and preparation; their job, retirement plan, heath insurance and their very existence.
And what is your union doing about it? Nothing!
For many years, I battled union representatives on dim-witted issues such as classrooms observations, appropriate dress, being on time, parking lot, bell ringing a minute early and so on. At every turn the union was quick to defend the "poor teachers". But now when you are facing the most serious problems in your lifetime; loss of your job and families welfare, I ask you, "What is your union doing?" I see no rallies, no call to action. All they do is support weak candidates for the Board of Education.
Politicians in Sacramento are scheming to break up the union; you are in danger of losing your job, pension and heath care. Again I ask, "Where is your union?"
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Teacher-parents talk
How often do you talk to parents? When was the last time you phoned to congratulate them on the good grade Johnny received on his math test or Maria's reading unit test. Parents don't usually expect calls from their child's teacher unless there is a problem. No wonder parents get a feeling of anxiety when they hear your voice on the phone. Parents aren't the only ones; teachers get the same anxious feeling when they call home.
I recall meeting with my teachers at the beginning of every school year to review the importance of two way communication. Without fail a high percentage of teachers felt that parent communication is one of their biggest challenges. And now with the news media avalanche, on failing school, low scores, budget cuts, increased class size, teachers names appearing in the newspapers, parents are demanding more from their schools. Our troubled economy is making it more difficult for all of us in education and individual schools and teachers are receiving the brunt of this discontent. The present situation is rife with misunderstandings, flare ups and hot tempers. We all need help in managing this troubled terrain.
Here are some ideas designed to help us as educators. Perhaps you have more:
- Don't wait until the first reporting period. Meet your parents as soon as the new year begins. Establishing dialog with parents early creates good-will for you as well as your students.
- A misconception: As long as kids don't give you problems it's OK to wait; not so. It is your responsibility to meet parents promptly before potential problems begin.
- "I have an open door policy. Parents can come in any time"; not really! setting up appointments to meet parents is more courteous and professional.
- "If I have a problem with a student, I'll let my principal know first." Remember that you are the one whom the child needs to respect you are the boss. Passing problems to the principal diminishes your authority in the eyes of the parent and the students.
Building a positive relationship between you, the teacher, and the parents of your students enhances your standing in the community and school. You are seen as a professional who cares. In turn, they will care for you... especially when it comes to allocation of district and school budgets.
I recall meeting with my teachers at the beginning of every school year to review the importance of two way communication. Without fail a high percentage of teachers felt that parent communication is one of their biggest challenges. And now with the news media avalanche, on failing school, low scores, budget cuts, increased class size, teachers names appearing in the newspapers, parents are demanding more from their schools. Our troubled economy is making it more difficult for all of us in education and individual schools and teachers are receiving the brunt of this discontent. The present situation is rife with misunderstandings, flare ups and hot tempers. We all need help in managing this troubled terrain.
Here are some ideas designed to help us as educators. Perhaps you have more:
- Don't wait until the first reporting period. Meet your parents as soon as the new year begins. Establishing dialog with parents early creates good-will for you as well as your students.
- A misconception: As long as kids don't give you problems it's OK to wait; not so. It is your responsibility to meet parents promptly before potential problems begin.
- "I have an open door policy. Parents can come in any time"; not really! setting up appointments to meet parents is more courteous and professional.
- "If I have a problem with a student, I'll let my principal know first." Remember that you are the one whom the child needs to respect you are the boss. Passing problems to the principal diminishes your authority in the eyes of the parent and the students.
Building a positive relationship between you, the teacher, and the parents of your students enhances your standing in the community and school. You are seen as a professional who cares. In turn, they will care for you... especially when it comes to allocation of district and school budgets.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)