tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707703066300530859.post7613140867103393528..comments2024-03-15T02:09:23.712-06:00Comments on for the love of learning: Transferring TeachersAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15047405950514440042noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707703066300530859.post-34012441165146817752013-11-12T14:50:09.238-07:002013-11-12T14:50:09.238-07:00Hey Joe!
I think you stole the "Imagine Thi...Hey Joe! <br /><br />I think you stole the "Imagine This" scenario right out of the last few years I was teaching. It fits it perfectly. The only difference was, I quit, tried a charter school for a year, and quit teaching altogether. It was too painful, too menacing, and too egalitarian to stay. <br /><br />Michelle, hold out as long as you can. I did too.<br /><br />Somewhere, someone will get where we're coming from. Unfortunately, at least in the U.S., it's going to get worse before it gets better. Get ready for the implosion of public education. <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707703066300530859.post-88991900954913800602013-11-08T15:32:04.075-07:002013-11-08T15:32:04.075-07:00Hi Joe,
Your post resonated with so many of the ...Hi Joe, <br /><br />Your post resonated with so many of the thoughts going on in my head! I have recently encountered this idea that going 'above and beyond' accentuates an imbalance among the school team, and it has been suggested that I simply follow along with the majority. For example, while writing comments for social studies is not "required" for progress reports, I filled the box with meaningful feedback for both students and parents. However, when they lined up in comparison with the core comments [i.e. Language], they were perceived as being 'too much', and I was asked to remove them. The reasoning: it is unprofessional practice to 'out number' the comments that others had written. As I recent permanent hire, I obliged and recorded only check marks for 'progressing well'. I am, however, struggling with this internally -- since when has good enough ever been 'good enough' for our students? I don't want good enough from them -- I want them working hard to achieve their best, whatever that is based on their individual needs and interests. I know I am seen as progressive in my teaching practice, but I do what I do to engage and differentiate for the needs of my students. Don't they deserve the best from us? Standing out in the crowd can be uncomfortable, and you're not always well liked for being different than the majority, but I'm OK with that. I'm struggling with the balance between being seen as a collaborative and supportive member of the school team, and my personal desire to give the most of myself for my students -- that means, I'm going to give them feedback in whatever length or detail, regardless of the standard, because it's what I know is best for them. <br /><br />What advice might you offer? I know I can always count on the support of my PLN!<br /><br />Michelle<br />(@Michelle_Horst)<br />Miss Horsthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13062308935023838257noreply@blogger.com