Sunday, March 24, 2013

Teachers, I need your help.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I'm currently taking a class that revolves around the idea of giving teachers a voice in a time when our professional judgment is being undermined and derided.

I had this vision of creating a video that includes teachers explaining why they press on despite educational policies that are having a deleterious effect on good teachers staying in the classroom. Many educational reformers think these policies are weeding the garden by causing bad teachers to leave, but they've been pulling up and destroying thriving crops just as much, if not more than the weeds.

It's taken me a while for the vision of my video to finally come to light, but after watching this teacher-created video that made the rounds on Facebook yesterday, I finally know what I want to do...



I've decided I'd like to take the suggestion of my friend Cindy Minnich and have teachers write a statement for why you stay in the classroom on a piece of paper, take a picture of it and send it to me. Something along the lines of this:


If you like this idea but don't want to be in the actual video yourself, you can still help me. Write your response in the comments or email it to me, and I will be the bearer of your message.

So here's what I need from you:

  • In clear, concise writing, either in a picture you email me or a message that you send me via comments or email, tell me why you stay in education. 
  • If you do send a picture, I'd love for it to be taken in your classroom if possible, but if not, anything is better than nothing. :)
  • Tell me your name (if you prefer not to give your full name, at least give me your first name and last initial) and where you teach (just the city and state is fine). 
  • You can email me your picture/response at: bethshaum at gmail dot com

Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to provide!

15 comments:

  1. One morning this year, it really snowed. We rarely get snow here, and we were super excited about our SNOW DAY! As I am pulling out our homemade sleds I realize that our district did not cancel school(which is unheard of here!) I pouted all the way to school! As I am walking into my classroom, one of my students almost tackles me and yells, "My wish came true! I get to play in the snow with you!" That is why I stay. No matter how bad things get, the students bring me back to what is really important-them. You have to do it for them. If you are in it for any other reason, it won't be enough.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have a passion for a group of children. Children who walk into a school year and may have already mastered up to 90% of the curriculum that will be taught that year. I believe every child has the right to LEARN every day - even kids who need to move beyond the grade level curriculum. They deserve to have the same chance to struggle, be challenged, and learn how to work hard to learn. Thankfully, my job allows me to work with these students. I still have freedom to be creative in my lessons and to expect creative and interesting responses from them. Each day I create, and they create, and we create together. I'm here to help them find their passions so they can make a difference in the world. That is why I teach.
    Maria S - West Chester, PA

    ReplyDelete
  3. I stay because I honestly believe that I influence lives...and they influence me. I believe that students will become healthier academically, emotionally, mentally, and socially because they know me and because I care about them. I have seen education shift the trajectory of a student's life, and students have shifted my life's trajectory. That is the beauty of teaching.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oops...I forgot - Becky K - Cedar Springs, MI

    ReplyDelete
  5. I stay because I've had "non-readers" stop me in the hall to tell me they cried during a book, tell me they are reading on a higher level than they ever have before AND ENJOYING IT, tell me they loved the book I recommended and can I help them find something else. I stay because my students have become like my Young Adult Book Club and I get paid to hang out with them.
    Summer B. Scotts Hill, Tn

    ReplyDelete
  6. Good morning. Thanks so much for sharing my video! I would love to add to yours and will work on my picture this afternoon. It won't be in my classroom, since I am in Finland and my classroom is in New York, but I will try to find a nice backdrop.
    All best, Christine
    christinemccartney.net

    ReplyDelete
  7. Can't wait to see your video when you finish!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh! I'm in! When do you need it by!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I'd like it by this weekend if possible.

      Delete
  9. Are you still looking for pictures? I'm on spring break this week, so it will need to be at home. Is that ok? I'm happy to help. It sounds like a terrific project!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! Send me something! :) It doesn't need to be in your classroom.

      Delete
  10. Sent you the text and a video I made. Hope it helps. I can't wait to see your video. Thanks for asking the question. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I stay because I love my job! I started teaching in 1985 in Maryland and teaching has taken me literally around the world (I have taught in Asia, Europe, and the US). I am happy to be in a school where I can teach and not just follow someone else's script.
    Erika Victor in Berlin, Germany

    ReplyDelete
  12. I stay because every day what I do matters. It's that simple and that huge.

    Carrie Gelson
    Vancouver B.C.
    Canada

    ReplyDelete
  13. A passionate teacher changed my life. I want to pay it forward, inspiring future generations of children to fall in love with books. (Picture on it's way!)

    Tenille Shade
    Denton, Texas

    ReplyDelete