Life in the Classroom
I have been overwhelmed with emotion on what to write, simply because I do not want to get in trouble as a substitute teacher violating policy. I have substituted in many different classes this year, but my joy has been in the classes that encompass teaching students that are trying really hard, but may not grasp a certain concept. You may read, see, even experience life as a teacher, but until you have actually walked in the shoes of a teacher (or substitute teacher), you do not know what goes on in the classroom. The truth is ugly. I have been one of the very lucky ones to be on both sides of the classroom: that as a former teacher in Dallas I.S.D. and now a substitute in two school districts, that I will not name. I think the scariest part of teaching is two-fold: there are students that are smart, but make incredibly bad choices to disrupt their peers to get attention. This bothers me, but what is the scariest part about school is that our children are not learning the way we did as students. Many students are left behind to follow along and barely get by, and many of these students, unfortunately do not know how to read. I have come to the conclusion that no matter how many students may be pulled for extra help, Saturday school, or one on one tutoring outside of class, they may never learn how to read. How in the world is this happening? I am laying out the truth and it is a VERY UGLY TRUTH: the STAAR has become our only measuring tool to "assess" students in the main stream classroom. I am TERRIFIED to think other countries are educating their youth to think for themselves, only after they are taught responsibility at home, respect for their teachers and peers, without fear or bias of retribution of any type of bullying.
I have seen with my own eyes to know where the great U.S.A. is headed if we as a nation do not take a step towards the future of our children, grandchildren, and those who don't have a voice. My son is incredibly smart and is a fabulous reader because I made sure I read every night to him, even when I was pregnant. This epidemic, and yes it is an epidemic, of students having no respect for teachers, staff, and administration MUST start at home. Single parents, I know it is hard to parent without a mate because I have done this. However, if you do not take the time to listen to your child, they will become a statistic. We do not need jails or prisons filled with students who can do better, if equipped with support at home. Teachers are giving themselves to their students, for what? If we don't have support from parents, guardians, siblings, a family member, or friend that influences your child, then what are we left with? Teachers can only do so much, and they go above and beyond what is expected of them. Sure there are a few clock punchers, but for every teacher I have witnessed, seen, or come in contact with, they pour their lives into their teaching. Teachers take home papers to be graded while neglecting their children, because teaching is not an 8 a.m.-- 3 p.m. job. Teachers come early in the morning for breakfast duty. Many principals are on duty early in the morning as well as night attending any, and every sporting event, PTA meeting or staff meeting with their boss. I have been one of the lucky ones to see what a great school is and what isn't.
Parents, guardians, grandparents, and family members, I am begging you to PLEASE listen to your children. They need you. Stand up to the STAAR, read to your child(ren), take back our right to educate our children, because if we can start a movement to educate the whole student, we will be the winners! Texas is ranked 48th out of 50 states for educating the future of tomorrow. We CAN'T be bullied into thinking reading should be second (or even third) behind testing. Parents take a stand! We need to instill positive self-worth, self-esteem, and empowerment in our kids. They don't need to be bawling their eyes out because they have to take another test. Give them the gift of reading, understanding, and compassion. Without reading, acquiring knowledge is mute. I say this not only as a parent, but as a teacher trying to reach each and every student's life I come in contact with. Do NOT succumb to dumbing down the standards such as comprehension, reading, and basic math skills, because our kids need more. I am a better student, mom, teacher, and wife because I received a stellar education from Dallas I.S.D. over twenty years ago. Testing was becoming an issue after I graduated in 1992 from the great Woodrow Wilson High School, but I never knew how it would impact me as a teacher. TAKE BACK LEARNING! REFUSE THE STAAR AND PEARSON. What do we have to lose? Everything if we don't listen to our kids.
