Reply to Ditch the PTA, join the Parents' Coalition?

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[quote=Anonymous]I have to echo the second PP's thoughts.

I've been in the system for quite a long time; this is my second career.  I lasted.  Sadly, I can't say the same for many others - either new teachers or those transitioning into this field from another career.

Although I'm not thrilled with the curriculum, I am creative enough to make it more than it is WHILE hitting the significant indicators.  I differentiate b/c I have multiple reading levels in all of my classes.  So I spend HOURS finding materials that cover the same subject matter that's easily accessible for low readers and challenging for high readers.  Aside from research, there are HOURS of planning based on materials - planning unit after unit, lesson after lesson.  And then there are HOURS of grading.  I had to give up AP literature b/c the planning and grading were interfering too much with my personal life.  NO JOB is worth more than my own kids.

And while I've come across the most wonderful parents over my many years in the system, I will place blame on parents first if a child constantly misbehaves.  I've seen both ends - children in homeless shelters, children driving SUVs to school.  Dysfunction is dysfunction - whether it's from neglect or enabling.

So to those of you who think we have it made, try the job for a day.  You'll sink; that much I can guarantee.  Sadly, it's the public's opinion that makes our lives more and more miserable each year.  So when you complain about poor quality, put your money where your mouth is, as school systems are now becoming a revolving door due to poor working conditions, low pay, and ugly perceptions as to who we are and what we do.

It will only get worse, and those of us in the classroom are not to blame. Many of YOU are.

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous] Today, teachers do the minimum in the classroom.  [b]They are silent when school systems implement nonsensical programs[/b]--Curriculum 2.0 and [b]don't seem to care a bit [/b]that they are churning out barely able students.  Let us see teachers and unions fight to teach our children well and I'll become a supporter.  Until then, I feel more teacher accountability is needed.  [/quote]

First, are you a teacher?

As a teacher I cannot tell you how many times I have been OUTRAGED with what I have seen around me. I have had students fail my class (a requirement for graduation) and watch them walk across the stage anyway. Grades simply get "overturned" becuase a lower graduation rate is not acceptable. My first year teaching I had 13 students drop out senior year but only five of them were listed as actual "drop-outs" because they came to the school and actually withdrew themselves. The other eight were still on the books because they didn't complete paper work.

Kids get passed through over and over again. They come to high school unable to read above a first grade level. How did they get there? Because middle schools aren't allowed to retain students so they just get passed along. This should be enough to anger every single parent.

I have complained at staff meetings, union meetings, the state, etc.. about VARIOUS problems I see in education. The result? You get blacklisted, surplussed, stuck with lousy classes, etc. It isn't that simple. So don't kid yourself that teachers are stitting around just collecting paychecks and having a fun summer at the beach. We are furious but really have NO voice. The county is just too big.

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