Teaching

The Save Our Schools rally on Saturday was about sending a message that teachers do more than "just" teach and that there is a fundamental misunderstanding about what exactly teachers do.  People who view teachers as just "babysitters," or "get the summers off," have no idea what it means to want to teach children and young adults. 

From the Save Our Schools Website:
We, a collection of people from all walks of life and every corner of this nation, embody a mixture of ideas and opinions regarding how we can improve educational opportunities for all children. We stand united by one belief – it’s time for teachers and parents to organize and reclaim control of our schools.

As concerned citizens, we demand an end to the destructive policies and rhetoric that have eroded confidence in our public schools, demoralized teachers, and reduced the education of too many of our children to nothing more than test preparation.

A well-educated society is essential to the future of the United States of America. Our students must have access to a fully funded, world-class public education system, and it is our responsibility to hold our government accountable for providing the means to achieve it. Please join us!


I want anyone who thinks they can just step right in and become a teacher to try it.  Yes, I dare you.  It takes a person who truly cares about their subject, and most importantly, their students.  It's not for everyone.  I work incrediblely long hours during the school year.  I am at school at 7:30 and don't leave until 5:30 or 6:00 every night.  During the day, I am constantly "ON" - in front of a classroom of students - being held accountable for the lesson I am presenting everyday.  When I am not in class, I am still available.  Available for spur of the moment student meetings, study sessions, sometimes crying sessions and kleenex are involved.  I then take work home with me, grading, lesson planning, committee work - all the other "stuff" I need to do and didn't get time to do because I have an "open door policy" for my students.  If they need me, I'm there - that's how I roll.  :-) 

Being a teacher is like no other job.  There is no other job that allows you to influence so many people.  It just so happens that teachers inspire and kindle a love of learning.  Isn't that what makes an "enlightened citizenry?"  Citizens who are global thinkers, who care about their community, have empathy for others, and in turn when they become lawyers, or doctors, or stay-at-home-moms, they think critically about issues in their community and make change for the better. 

Sure, doctors, and lawyers, and police officers are all important for society.  Absolutely.  But TEACHERS.  Teachers can motivate, empower, build self-confidence, make students think, and all of this is for a better FUTURE.  Because after all, it's the kids that will be running the world, right?

Here is an article written in the Washington Post about the Save Our School rally last Saturday. Please read Matt Damon's Speech.

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Those nay-sayers need to think back to their favorite teacher.  What did that teacher do for you?  How did that teacher change your life?  Lawrence O'Donnel tries to make a point about why teachers have become targets instead of other public servants.  I think he gets a little off track, but I see his point.  What do you think?