I’ve been pretty distracted from my usual blogging lately for many reasons, a few of them having to do with my pursuit of National Board certification. Mainly, though, I have a problem, one that is the exact opposite of writer’s block. There is too much happening in education right now, most of it not so great, and where do I even start? With Bill Gates, whose conception of what public schools should be is representative of his ignorance about the way things really work? With President Obama, who continues to push for merit-based pay? Or with the recent movement against collective bargaining?
The Changes In Secondary Schools Over The Last Hundred Years
by Louise on January 25, 2011Posted in Miscellaneous
Although secondary schools have always worked to educate their students, schools have changed dramatically over the last hundred years. For the most part, these changes have been positive. An education is available to many more people today, and advances in technology and culture have changed both the way classes are taught and the way students learn. Here are some of the ways that secondary schools have changed over the last hundred years
Perceptions
by Miriam on December 22, 2010Posted in Miscellaneous, Professionalism, Relationships, Student
Being a teacher is, on a very small scale, like being a celebrity. Within the school, you’re recognized wherever you go, and everyone has an opinion about you. Sometimes, students praise us enthusiastically and we’re immensely gratified, but other times, student perceptions can send teachers into spirals of despair. Unlike celebrities, we don’t ask for the scrutiny that comes with our job, but we do have to develop tougher skins to deal with it.
Fingers in the Pie
by Miriam on December 14, 2010Posted in Education Policy, Education Reform
It’s the holiday season, so I spend a lot of time thinking about pie by looking up recipes online, or by eating my two favorite kinds (Dutch Apple and pumpkin). It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like pie, probably because it’s such a versatile dessert, in mode (and a la mode) year-round. Just because people eat pie, though, doesn’t make them expert bakers. I’ve never made a successful flaky crust. I cheat, and buy a frozen one in the grocery store. And just because everyone has, at some point, gone to school does not mean that they should be making management-level decisions in education.
Getting “Highly Qualified” Teachers for Nothing
by Miriam on November 29, 2010Posted in Education Policy, Education Reform, Professionalism
When teachers become certified, we do not stop learning. Rather, the journey just begins as we attend endless meetings, engage in coursework, undergo more rigorous certification processes, and earn higher degrees. Teachers are notoriously over-educated, particularly in proportion to how much we’re paid. The question is, how much of this continuing education is really valued?
Teachers + Politicians = Yeah, Right
by Miriam on November 22, 2010Posted in Education Policy, Education Reform
Last week, my school was the recipient of a top honor: a visit from our hallowed governor, Martin O’Malley, and the even more famous Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. Duncan’s agenda was pretty simple: tour some classrooms and then meet with some teacher representatives to discuss concerns about the direction of education in our nation’s schools. Predictably, while Duncan had time to visit the classrooms (after all, nothing says great photo op like meeting kids for a few seconds), he ran out of time and didn’t have the chance to have a conversation with teachers. While his priorities don’t surprise me, I am quite angry about the blatant disregard for educator feedback that Duncan’s behavior reflects.
Picking on the Underdog: Shocker!
by Miriam on November 12, 2010Posted in Education Policy, Miscellaneous
A few weeks ago, a friend of my husband’s updated his Facebook status, as he does several times daily, to reflect his thoughts. This time, he went after teachers. Why? Because that day, teachers nationwide were given the option of attending professional conferences, and he was personally affronted that his kids were missing out on a day of education. In the midst of the many comments that his status update elicited, he expressed a thought that we’ve all heard before: teachers are overpaid, particularly when our vacation time comes into consideration.
Who’s the Boss…er, the Teacher? Danza, Step Up!
by Miriam on October 31, 2010Posted in Miscellaneous
Want to watch a scintillating reality show that has the potential to set all of America abuzz? No need for blind dates, sexy hot tub scenes, or humiliation elimination rounds when someone belts out a wayward bad note on American Idol. Nope, time for the brand-new, hip setting for reality TV: a classroom.
Rhee Out
by Miriam on October 13, 2010Posted in Education Policy
If you listen really hard, you’ll hear it: the sound of D.C. teachers cheering at top volume. Michelle Rhee is stepping down as chancellor, and after a longer tenure than most endure in that school system it’s about time.
Goodbye, Rhee?
by Miriam on September 17, 2010Posted in Education Policy, Education Reform
In the wake of D.C. mayor Adrian Fenty’s loss for reelection, D.C. schools chancellor Michelle Rhee has been quoted as saying that she feels “guilty” for the election results. In other words, she’s claiming responsibility for her friend’s downfall. As people wonder if she’s on her way out, it pays to reflect about the political influence that teachers truly hold, and why politicians should keep us in their good graces.