Teaching imho is much like parenting and life itself. There are ups and there are downs. There are times of brilliance, stupidity, love, hate, and every emotion and reaction in between. The things that make each of us go on living are the wondrous moments. I watched on comedy central on October 30th the Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear. The entire thing was organized, uplifting, fun, and left me with an incredible sense of hope.
This whole sanity thing is what we need to embrace. Tolerance and working with each other is not anything new but the media especially, has forgotten how important it is to our greatness as a nation. We can do this and in fact every single day we have these opportunities and rise to the occasion. We have more in common with each other than we know. We can agree to disagree and still come to a compromise to solve the problems that need to be solved. It is time that the media focuses on the solutions and stop making every single issue a crisis that polarizes us.
So I raise a glass to working with all of you. To wondrous moments- may each of us have many more of them!!!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Listening to the debate, the discussion, the struggles and the solutions to our education dilemma in this country I think it boils down to one thing. It has taken me a long time to really articulate this and I hope that you do not think that my solution is simple or too obvious.
I think that improving education is all about respect. This word is fraught with much emotion. If a community respects and reveres education, if a parent and student respect and value education and our government and legislators regard education with the respect that it should be given than most every problem in education would and could be solved. It is of course not that simple or easy but it is what is at the root of an education system that is fundamentally struggling.
If one thinks about what has happened in the recent past it is a fairly clear pattern of disregard for the education of our youth that has broken down. Yes the family unit has changed, our country has more impoverished, disenfranchised and downtrodden, and our leaders have failed us in important ways. Fundamentally though it comes down to whether we regard teachers, schools, children and the educational process. It seems clearer all the time to me that we are trying to fix a broken system without digging deeper into the issue. It would be much smarter to begin to think of ways in which we can start to change our society and put action into having respect and regard for others.
A classroom of students that are ready to learn, have parents and society that values learning and expects this from the school and the student is what is sorely lacking. Give a teacher a class of students of any background, any economic status, any level of ability and he/she do what she/he has been trained to do. We are asking our teachers to go at it alone- we have to be a social worker, disciplinarian, police officer, truant officer, cheerleader, parent...all in the hopes of trying to get our students to WANT TO LEARN. This is crazy. If all one had to do is teach, and teach well, then our jobs would be simple. You cannot expect that a teacher is going to be able to swim upstream with the behavior problems, disrespect and all of the other challenges and actually teach each and every student to their utmost potential. Respect is what is missing. In countries that are successfully educating their students the most common denominator is respect in the country for education.
I think that improving education is all about respect. This word is fraught with much emotion. If a community respects and reveres education, if a parent and student respect and value education and our government and legislators regard education with the respect that it should be given than most every problem in education would and could be solved. It is of course not that simple or easy but it is what is at the root of an education system that is fundamentally struggling.
If one thinks about what has happened in the recent past it is a fairly clear pattern of disregard for the education of our youth that has broken down. Yes the family unit has changed, our country has more impoverished, disenfranchised and downtrodden, and our leaders have failed us in important ways. Fundamentally though it comes down to whether we regard teachers, schools, children and the educational process. It seems clearer all the time to me that we are trying to fix a broken system without digging deeper into the issue. It would be much smarter to begin to think of ways in which we can start to change our society and put action into having respect and regard for others.
A classroom of students that are ready to learn, have parents and society that values learning and expects this from the school and the student is what is sorely lacking. Give a teacher a class of students of any background, any economic status, any level of ability and he/she do what she/he has been trained to do. We are asking our teachers to go at it alone- we have to be a social worker, disciplinarian, police officer, truant officer, cheerleader, parent...all in the hopes of trying to get our students to WANT TO LEARN. This is crazy. If all one had to do is teach, and teach well, then our jobs would be simple. You cannot expect that a teacher is going to be able to swim upstream with the behavior problems, disrespect and all of the other challenges and actually teach each and every student to their utmost potential. Respect is what is missing. In countries that are successfully educating their students the most common denominator is respect in the country for education.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
I won't run a marathon or be in a beauty contest...
Four months ago I started down the road to better physical health. You might be asking what does this post have to do with technology in education. I will get to that in a moment. I am like most teachers dedicated to helping others succeed and learn in life. Often times this means neglecting or not paying attention as closely as one should to our own health. This can become something that is a minor or major problem down the road. If I look around in the school environment, staff and students are more overweight and sicker than ever before. This is costing us lots of money as a society and we need to get proactive in changing it.
Like many people, I have lots of excuses for not doing what I should for better health. I have lots of reasons to do things to be healthier too. I made a commitment and I decided to lose weight, eat healthier and exercise. This is much easier said than done. I am good for a month or two but then generally lose my drive. I found a website Sparkpeople, that appealed to my need for accountability. This website is a dream for those of us that like technology. The philosophy is being healthy and it is customized by you, for you. It is easy, similar to weight watchers and is free. It automatically looks up calories for food, lets you know how many calories you burn exercising, gives you nutrition information...all with a click or two of the mouse. I have been exercising on my stationary bike and walking. I eat better and feel good. If I am honest about it, I am looking better (vain, I know) too.
My family is along for the ride too. We have for the first time diet food in the house. I look at labels and buy low fat, low sugar foods. I am cooking differently as well. These are good changes and I look forward to continuing the journey to wellness.
The Sparkpeople website made it easier for me to stick with something that is a challenge. I am not a nutritionist or a physical trainer. I am just me- a wife, mother, teacher, friend, concerned person on this planet who is trying to lead a healthier life. I won't be running in a marathon or winning a beauty pageant but I can be prioritizing me in regard to health and wellness.
Like many people, I have lots of excuses for not doing what I should for better health. I have lots of reasons to do things to be healthier too. I made a commitment and I decided to lose weight, eat healthier and exercise. This is much easier said than done. I am good for a month or two but then generally lose my drive. I found a website Sparkpeople, that appealed to my need for accountability. This website is a dream for those of us that like technology. The philosophy is being healthy and it is customized by you, for you. It is easy, similar to weight watchers and is free. It automatically looks up calories for food, lets you know how many calories you burn exercising, gives you nutrition information...all with a click or two of the mouse. I have been exercising on my stationary bike and walking. I eat better and feel good. If I am honest about it, I am looking better (vain, I know) too.
My family is along for the ride too. We have for the first time diet food in the house. I look at labels and buy low fat, low sugar foods. I am cooking differently as well. These are good changes and I look forward to continuing the journey to wellness.
The Sparkpeople website made it easier for me to stick with something that is a challenge. I am not a nutritionist or a physical trainer. I am just me- a wife, mother, teacher, friend, concerned person on this planet who is trying to lead a healthier life. I won't be running in a marathon or winning a beauty pageant but I can be prioritizing me in regard to health and wellness.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Ups and Downs
It has been weeks since my last blog post. Let's be real, it has been months since the last post :P We are now at the end of June and I want to reflect on this spring.
For a time I was in the midst of proctoring MAP tests and was caught up in the assessment wheel of education. This would have been a mixed topic to blog about. On the one hand the students did well so this is good news, on the other hand, the testing is stressful. So much rides on the scores and the assessment is really not matched yet to our curriculum. Hence valuable instruction time is spent on getting students ready for the skills tested.
On a professional note, I volunteered and then was voted into a 2 year executive board member position of the Uniserve Council that my school district is served by. I had been serving as the representative from the district and now I have increased accountability. I have an interest in serving on the political action committee so we will see how things progress.
This spring I decided to get into better physical health with changing my eating and exercise habits. It has been a really good journey thus far. I went online and found a community of like minded people to inspire and share with. If you have any interest at all in doing this I would recommend Sparkpeople It is similar to Weight Watchers but free and has so much information and cool things to help you keep track of your health. I have learned a lot and have stayed motivated and lost 18 pounds so far. I eat better and exercise daily. I feel good!
I hope that your summer is off to a good start and I promise to post again much sooner.
For a time I was in the midst of proctoring MAP tests and was caught up in the assessment wheel of education. This would have been a mixed topic to blog about. On the one hand the students did well so this is good news, on the other hand, the testing is stressful. So much rides on the scores and the assessment is really not matched yet to our curriculum. Hence valuable instruction time is spent on getting students ready for the skills tested.
On a professional note, I volunteered and then was voted into a 2 year executive board member position of the Uniserve Council that my school district is served by. I had been serving as the representative from the district and now I have increased accountability. I have an interest in serving on the political action committee so we will see how things progress.
This spring I decided to get into better physical health with changing my eating and exercise habits. It has been a really good journey thus far. I went online and found a community of like minded people to inspire and share with. If you have any interest at all in doing this I would recommend Sparkpeople It is similar to Weight Watchers but free and has so much information and cool things to help you keep track of your health. I have learned a lot and have stayed motivated and lost 18 pounds so far. I eat better and exercise daily. I feel good!
I hope that your summer is off to a good start and I promise to post again much sooner.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Judging others- Who me?
I was skyping with my son about what I think are important topics. Marriage, divorce, relationships, work, job satisfaction, money, belief systems, education, good choices...In the conversation I had a small aha moment- a little revelation about myself that I will share. I feel a bit embarrassed about this because prejudice and judgments have a negative connotation to them.
I judge people based on how they treat others. I am not proud or feeling good or bad about this - it is what it is. I think that there are things about how we treat others that say something about the person on the inside that we would never know about them in a casual sort of way.
If you are a true friend- you are honest and have regard for that person. You can agree to disagree with someone and still have respect for them as a human being. Because this individual has integrity and speaks with their deeds in a way that is supportive and not out of spite, it is easier to listen to the truth. We are lucky indeed if we have found a mate that is our true friend. This does not mean that we will always get along or have peace and harmony. Not sweating the small stuff that really does not matter in the big scheme of things is a good relationship lesson :)
When I see patience, understanding, kindness, and a general regard and respect for others I think very highly of that individual even though we might not agree on very many other things that are integral in life.
The opposite is also true for me. I am annoyed, put off and at times downright angry when people are disrespectful, impatient with others, mean or self important- even if we might agree on some very important aspects of life.
So yes, I do judge others- as prejudice as that might sound :P
I judge people based on how they treat others. I am not proud or feeling good or bad about this - it is what it is. I think that there are things about how we treat others that say something about the person on the inside that we would never know about them in a casual sort of way.
If you are a true friend- you are honest and have regard for that person. You can agree to disagree with someone and still have respect for them as a human being. Because this individual has integrity and speaks with their deeds in a way that is supportive and not out of spite, it is easier to listen to the truth. We are lucky indeed if we have found a mate that is our true friend. This does not mean that we will always get along or have peace and harmony. Not sweating the small stuff that really does not matter in the big scheme of things is a good relationship lesson :)
When I see patience, understanding, kindness, and a general regard and respect for others I think very highly of that individual even though we might not agree on very many other things that are integral in life.
The opposite is also true for me. I am annoyed, put off and at times downright angry when people are disrespectful, impatient with others, mean or self important- even if we might agree on some very important aspects of life.
So yes, I do judge others- as prejudice as that might sound :P
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