Week 1.1
"Those who can't do...teach."
I'm sure most of you have heard or overheard that quote somewhere before. Maybe in a joke, or from a disgruntled student, at a dinner party, or during a parent/teacher meeting. I take this type of "joke" very personally! Teaching has been and will always be a huge responsibility. This profession is one of the few that requires a Masters degree and forces you to continue with professional developments. Admittedly, I have run across educators who I believe were not dedicated to providing the best education to their students. I have come into contact with FAR MORE teachers who are passionate about their work and are eager to make a difference!!!
In this role, you become a nurturer, confidant, facilitator, coach and most important you begin to help this child shape the type of learner and individual they will continue to be far after high school. I know teachers who have provided food or clean clothing for students when there was none available, given Christmas gifts when Santa wasn't going to make it this year, and shown support to students who were struggling through parental divorce or death. I know teachers who have saved lives by fighting against abuse, and bullying. Overall, teachers fight hard to ensure a safe environment where kids can build relationships, learn from mistakes, dream about their future, and consider the types of citizens they would like to be.
Check this out: Taylor Mali on "What Teachers Make"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxsOVK4syxU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Do you know a teacher who has gone to great lengths to support one or more of their students?
I really enjoyed hearing the words "what you make" It really made me think that it is a true statement. Teachers do make a differece and they make exeptional kids. It is not a matter of the amount of money you make it is about the difference you make.Teacher wear so many different hats, it actually hard to keep up with. they provide security, safe places, a shouldern to lean on, make someone happy, makr a student believe that they are specil and so many more things. They teach responsibilty, encourage friendship, and respect.
ReplyDeleteLorena Bunker
And sometimes the important part is knowing when to wear which hat! Do I wear my "teacher" hat and scold my student for not bringing in his homework...or my "nurturer" hat and try to understand and comfort the child who might be coming from a difficult situation at home.
DeleteThis video is very powerful. It tells of how teachers, passionate teachers, teachers who care for their students, go above and beyond what the system requires them to do. I experience it with my class everyday. Going beyond and taking that extra effort for a student will make a difference for them now or in their future, and that is worth more than any pay check or acknowledgement given. I work with a teacher that visit a young lady in jail every week. The young girl was a student of hers. She had no family support and the support she got at school did not help her correct her mistakes before it was too late. My co-worker has been tutoring her so she can get her GED and this young lady is a spokes person for other high school students that come in to the prision to see what their lives can be if they do not straghten up. This young lady has expressed to my co-worker how it is her and her teaches that makes her reaalize life is worth living and doing her best. She has five more years in prison and my co-work plans on coming every week for those years. That is dedication to one student that will make a difference, and she does not get paid for it.
ReplyDeleteWow that is really a teacher who makes a difference! That really takes a lot of time and dedication, what a great story. I always feel that your not going to impact every single student, but you will impact at least one student. I am sure this particular teacher makes a difference on so many students, even the students that only hear the young lady speak are being influenced by this teacher indirectly. The young lady has this motivation to speak to other students, and this motivation and education comes from someone (the teacher). Love this!
Delete-Danielle K.
That is incredible dedication! Certainly impacts the outcome of this student's life. I can't imagine what would have happened, had this child had no one to show her the way!
DeleteAt first the quote was upsetting and still may be. But after watching the video on "What teachers Make" it really made me think about what I do and why I do it. Sometimes in the middle of a busy work week you loose track of what is important and why you do what you do. I think people forget the impact that teachers have on children, teens and even adults. I have never seen this video before but I really enjoyed it. I look forward to sharing this video with co-workers. The video made that horrible quote not so bad.
ReplyDelete- Danielle
It is easy to look track of the importance of our profession. We are so involved every week with so many of our students, it's sometimes difficult to see the changes you're making when your in the trenches everday! When you have a second to take a breath and look around, that is when you recognize the importance of what you do.
DeleteI actually just heard this quote in a movie I watched last night. It was called "One Day" and it starred Anne Hathaway where at one point in her life she becomes a teacher. The man she loves (though they are not together at the time) tells her that those who can't do...teach. She gets incredibly angry and swears at him then storms off, and I found myself thinking about how this quote affects me, too. I work with an ESL teacher who goes to great lengths for the kids she works with. This is her first year back after 10...she stopped working for awhile when she had her kids. The workload is a bit overwhelming right now for her, and yet she does all she can for these kids. She thinks ahead and brings in candy when she knows they will be doing standardized testing for a long period of time. Sadly, I can see that the kids don't completely appreciate what she does for them, and I believe that sometimes they just don't take the time to really look and see how much she is doing for them. Yet, I know she is making a huge difference in their lives. And I firmly believe that NO ONE should ever talk down about what teachers do... because honestly, teachers do more things for their students than I can even count. Diana
ReplyDeleteWell obviously someone takes notice of all the wonderful things this teacher does for her students. I personally love when my co-workers compliment my hard work. There is something very special about compliments from other teachers. It can add fuel to your fire and keep you motivated in your classroom.
DeleteThis comment always surprises me as most of the time it is the same people who can't wait for summer to be over or a weekend to end so they do not have to be with their own children. I often wonder why people judge other people's choice of profession and pondered why we don't try to walk a day in somebody else's shoes so we might see how "easy" their jobs actually are. Who else gets to work an entire day without and "actual" lunch break as student's pop in to ask questions and visit or who don't get to use the "lav" as needed because they are teaching 5 classes in a row. But regardless of all of this; I still enjoy seeing my student's faces on a daily basis knowing that I am helping them just by being someone who cares for them. Even this is one of the hardest jobs that I have ever had; I wouldn't give it up. I still think back on the teacher's who have made me who I am today and who I am thankful for and hope that I am making the difference that they have made in my life. Tina
ReplyDeleteWow, this is great. The amount of money you make or the hours/days that you work do not define how important your profession is. We choose our professions based on our own interests and goals.
DeleteTeachers seem to be easy targets or even easy to blame sometimes. BUT we still get up everyday and perform for our students as if they are the only audience in the world. Creating a learning environment that is comfortable, safe, and productive.
DeleteIt is so true that this profession has its list of difficulties...but it's also true that we wouldn't do it if we didn't really like it. Teaching is so important, and I truly believe that as teachers we are making a difference for today and for the future to come.
Delete--Diana
I don't want to be the left-wing nut, but I always found the right wing to attack education and teachers the most. Why? During my class with Prof. Grossman, I found (I wasn't even looking for this type of information) that the previous administration wanted to dismantle the Dept of Education in favor of corporate america. This would create a situation where over half of the teachers in each school would be fired and the education would go back to memorizing facts. Moreover, education stands in the way of the Vulcan philosophy of more unilateral wars. It is something to think about. The ancient Greeks said thousands of years ago. EDUCATION is the key for a successful democracy. Ignorance spreads tyrrany.
DeleteThe one thing I am going to pull away from the video is the very last part he said, "I make a difference." This has been one of the things I have always said to everyone every time someone asks me why I want to be a teacher. I want to make a difference in my students lives. I want to be the teacher that students as well as other teachers can come to talk to for any reason or come to get help from for any reason. I liked the part of the first blog that speaks about what you become when you take on the role of teacher. I have heard many people say that you cannot go into education for the money you have to go into it because you simply want to be a teacher. Being a teacher your job is never really over, there are always going to be more and more things you have to do or accomplish.
ReplyDeleteThere are teachers I know who probably should not be teaching. My favorite teachers were always the ones who took an active role in my life and they were the ones that I will always remember.
Melissa Russell
Every techer I know is ALWAYS thinking of ways to make their classroom better or their lessons more interesting. I try not to know the teachers who are disinterested in change.
DeleteUnfortunately or should I say, "Fortunately" I never heard anybody say this phrase to me. I say, "Fortunately" because I would have reacted quite harshly to this statement. I am in total agreement with Prof. Nicole's as well as Taylor Mali's statements. Teachers "make" American citizens. Unfotunately, it becomes up to the "citizen" to take advantage of the knowlege learned between K and 12 at the very least.
ReplyDeleteThe phrase that gets thrown at me and my wife is the one from Anne Colture, "Teachers make more money than doctors and lawyers. This I find as offensive as ignorant. The day does not end at three and the year does not end in June. Teachers are always fine tuning their craft. We grow each day and look for better ways to connect with students. As a matter of fact, my Insurance education is a joke. It is the same test with the same answers every 2 years.
I have a bad case of tendonitis, so I have to stop typing. Sorry Michael M. Hatzikostantis
I find such great pride when I run into former students and hear about all the wonderful things they are doing or achieving, whether it's in or out of school. You can't find that in any other profession!
DeleteI believe that also. During my student teaching, I found a student at the Shop Rite. I was with my daughter and the student looked at my daughter and said with passion, "Your Dad is the best history teacher!" While I know that I am not yet, it was nice to hear that. I felt proud. That is worth more to me than any fancy car or mega house, etc. I love history and I especially love teaching it. I hope someday I catch a break!
DeleteMike
That's so true! When I know that I have made an impact on a student's life and they remind me of what I taught, makes me feel really good! Teaching is unlike any profession- it's always different!
Delete-Melissa S.
It's amazing how tough this profession is. Many people have the wrong idea and think that teachers sit at their desk all day and get summer vacations off. However, I would love for them to teach for a week in my classroom to really understand everything that goes into teaching. Another thing this blog made me think about was school system and budgets. I was laid off two years in a row in two different school districts because they couldn't "afford" my position anymore. However, after I left the classroom the class sizes went up to 27 students! The teachers became instantly stressed, and I was stressed looking for another position. This video and your blog show that it takes a certain person and how rewarding our profession can be. I just wish that everyone could see it from our eyes.
ReplyDelete-Melissa S.
Melissa, I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately, in our current educational system, the bottom-line rules and the students' learning only aligns within certain criteria based upon the dollar signs. To me, an effective education is priceless, but the price of an education seems to always matter. As teachers it is our responsibility to inform our colleagues and others that the focus of education should not be about the adults (which in my mind, is what education is now) but, instead, about the students we teach. Because if it the students we truly value, the price will always be a tertiary topic.
Delete-Michael C. Carbone
I think because everyone was a student at one time and finished school, they think they are experts on education. The teaching profession is definitely not easy and teachers do not sit at their desks all day. Many schools have certain days throughout the school year when parents can come in an observe their child's class. Unfortunately, in my experience many parents do not or cannot take advantage of this due to work or other personal restrictions. I think there would be less misconceptions if more people could see/experience an average day in a classroom.
DeleteIt is certainly hard on teachers today! Finding and keeping jobs, especially for new teachers is so diffuclt with budget cuts and politics. Our students are the ones being shorthanded, sadly! But amazingly, teachers keep plugging away and adapting to the situation. And now look at you...going to China to help educate. Things happen for a reason! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!
DeleteIn today's global and inter-connected world, students in a variety of settings require a fluid and supportive framework in regards to their digital footprint. With the influence of social media, many students may become more insecure or more outspoken. In this sense, teachers now have a right to not only teach students about the importance of digital responsibility, but the hallmarks of responsible citizenship (honor, courage, kindness, etc.).
ReplyDeleteTeachers will always be the scapegoat at the forefront of education. However, by supporting students, parents, communities, and each other, educators have the power to shift the modern, post-NCLB paradigm. I have personally witnessed teachers hold SKYPE study sessions with groups of students, brought breakfast in for students who are not fortunate to have one provided, and started voluntary weekend hiking trips for students to explore something else outside of their provisional normalcy. While I am a new teacher, there is only one valid response I can think of to tell people who quote the saying in the above blog..."Those who can't do...never had me for a teacher."
-Michael C. Carbone
No, they haven't had you for a teacher...yet! That was a powerful statement! You are already making a difference in the lives of your students. Showing up consistently for them everyday and trying to bring fresh ideas and tools to keep them entertained with learning! I can't think of anything better!
DeleteGiven the complexity of teaching, it angers me when outsiders to this profession attempt to simplify our responsibilities both inside and outside of the classroom. Michael, you are fortunate to be surrounded by educators who truly embody the overriding aims of teaching. Well said!
DeleteJust another thought...I think that comments such as "Those who can't do...teach," speak in great part, to the deprofessionalization of education. For many, educators are NOT seen as professionals. Some argue that the teaching field, unlike that of law or medicine, does not necessitate the same level of rigor or intellect.
Considering the pacing guides, scripted lessons, and standardized testing that continues to persist in many of our classrooms, it is without a doubt that teacher autonomy has been compromised. With that being said, I believe that an important aspect of teaching (one that is often forgotten...), is teacher expertise in his/her content area. By no means do I want to suggest that passion and dedication to student success is not equally as important, but I think that as educators we need to remember that our knowledge of content and pedagogy should also be at the forefront of our discussion. While effective teaching requires heart, it is not a sufficient condition in it of itself.
-Andrea Rosenfield
Well said, Andrea! I couldn't agree more. We spend so much of our time perfecting our specialties and honing our skills in the curriculum that we teach, sometimes I forget to defend myself based on my expertise. I believe, as teachers we all care so much about our students...we go right to defending ourselves based on our passion or dedication.
DeleteAs a special education teacher I create lessons about academics and utilizing coping strategies. I help students learn how to read their own body language and decide how to re-group from frustration without causing to themselves, others, or the environment harm. So to hear the "joke" "those who can't do. . . teach" brings sadness. Teachers not only have to teach curriculum to support standards, but they have to be "Jedi's" who are always a few steps ahead of their students needs, especially for the population of students who have difficulty verbalizing and consistently regulating themselves.
ReplyDeleteAnna
Special Education, obviously, holds a very special place in my heart. You have to be ready for anything and super flexible but always have an underlying consistency that students can be comfortable with and rely on. I guess that is true for education in general.
DeleteI have always been sensitive to that phrase, but you have really brought new light to it for me. When people are ignorant enough to make such comments, not only are they putting down education, but they belittle the role of the students as well.
Delete-Chelsea
Based on the video-It's true that those who are not in the teaching profession tend to have a different mindset and opinion about it than an actual educator would.It could be that they don't have the passion to teach and pass on knowledge. What they don't know is that it's so much more than that-it's about molding and shaping the life of a child. It could be that they don't have that passion to be the hero or someone their students can run to in times of trouble.I agree that in the teaching role you become a nurturer, confidant, facilitator and much more. I believe that the teaching profession is for a select few out there who have a burning desire to make an impact in the life of our future generation. I mean, we are educating the future business leaders, lawyers, doctors, teachers, ministers, etc and that is what is important...having future leaders.
ReplyDeleteAnd we are molding and shaping the lives of thier children...support and teamwork is truly what we need to be successful in our profession.
DeleteThis is very true. Some people say that teachers have it easy, summers off, short work days, etc; but they do not realize the significance of our role in society, and how seriously we take on that responsibility.
Delete-Chelsea
I met an educator working in an urban school district where 98% of the student population was eligible for free breakfast and lunch. The students in the school were not performing at grade level, they were typically one to two years below grade level expectations. This educator would not accept the current performance. Instead of blaming the shortcomings on budget issues or socio-economic status, this educator did everything she could to help her students achieve academic success. The school library had beat up and outdated books, but this educator would constantly buy new books for the students to use in the classroom as well as at home. When different holidays approached, she would run out to find books and materials to aid the students' learning. These books helped the students develop their reading skill, and learn about diversity and other cultures. Some of the other teachers would ask why she would spend her own money on books that would just get ruined or go home with the students to never return. She always maintained a positive attitude and believed in her students and made sure she was doing everything she could to help her students develop academically.
ReplyDeleteJen,
DeleteI can completely relate to this educator. Currently, I am teaching at a school where 100% of our students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch. The average reader in 6th grade is the beginning of 3rd grade; for 7th and 8th grade the average reading level is 4th grade. Our school still does not have an effective library or media center. I have started buying and bringing my own lexile books for students. It is important to meet students where they are and to raise them up. Urban education should not be stigmatized but seen as a successful methodology for educating less fortunate students.
-Michael C. Carbone
Jen- These are the teachers that are great mentors to new teachers and even seasoned teachers. She stands for what every teacher strives for. She sounds like an amazing women!
Delete-Melissa S.
I am never surprised the great lengths a teacher will go, to provide for and ensure succsss for her students. This is outstanding!
DeleteI became a teacher after I had one of the best days of my life as a fifth grade student in Mrs. Moore's class. It was a Wednesday in April and we went on a field trip to Ellis Island. After a looooong bus ride, and made it to the ferry. Its funny how I remember almost every minute of that ferry trip to the island, I may have lost it for a few years, but after 9/11 I remembered watching the towers go past, and buying a stack of New York City collectable postcards with the towers lit up in lights for the Fourth of July. But this was only on the way to the island. Once we got there, despite the busy crowds and other school children on their own field trips, everything seemed to be quiet; I was in awe of what was around me. Having studied the significance of the island beforehand, I pictured the black and white films of newly arrived immigrants walking onto the land of this strange country for the first time, some in fear of being sent away, some straining looking for loved ones, and some in a state of peace knowing that they left the worst behind them. It felt strange and completely exhilarating knowing the history that occurred in the very place I was standing. This experience was personal for another reason too. At the end of the day, we walked outside to the granite walls with the names of those immigrants who walked through Ellis Island written on them. I walked through thousands of names until I found him...my grandfather, whose name I cannot spell correctly, but it was something like Samual Papauanis Avgustakis. Ive been told all my life how I look like him, and now I was standing where he once stood when he stared his life in America in 1908. This feeling was amazing. I could not believe that my fifth grade teacher had the power to make me feel like this; to make such a difference in my life. It was then that I decided that I wanted to make such a difference in the lives of others as well. People might belittle what it is to be a teacher, but if I can make just one student feel as I did, then I succeeded.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great moment in time!
DeleteI wish I could remember the moment I discovered my passion for teaching. I truly fell into this field and I can't imagine being or doing anything else in the world.
It's amazing how even after all these years we remember with such detail something that happened to us in school! It just goes to show how teachers and education truly have a huge impact on our lives!
Delete--Diana
Initial post by Chelsea...Sorry! I forgot to sign it! :)
DeleteGood Morning,
DeleteI responded to this on Sat. but none of my 15 posts went through; I love tech. I thought that it was great that you had such a wonderful experience and how one event can shape our lives, one teacher, one moment. A powerful message.
Tina
I knew at the age of 10 that I wanted to teach. After all, I just LOVED kids...wouldn't this be the ideal profession? Contrary to popular belief,however, teaching is about more than just having affinity for children. It's about a love for learning, a desire to empower, and a willingness to make mistakes.
ReplyDeleteTeaching is unpredictable--everyday it's a careful balancing act. How inaccurate is it to say that teaching is only a forty hour job!? Try a never ending job. What I have realized in my limited time as a teacher is that content and pedagogy make up only one aspect of teaching. Instead, it's about the connections I make with my students.
I have been fortunate to know some very powerful teachers. One in particular inspired me to enter this profession. To this day, I am still amazed by the personal attention she gives to her students - the way in which she makes each of them feel worthy and capable. And, that is a feeling that they will take with them long after they've left the classroom.
-Andrea
3 awesome statements!!!!
Delete- a desire to empower
- a willingness to make mistakee
- Teaching is unpredictable--everyday it's a careful balancing act.
What more can be said????
Andrea,
DeleteI agree. This is my second career and although it seems as if you never have a moment to breath, relas or have a "day off" people think you have it easy. Most of the time I love the job and all that it entails but every so often I wish for a night with nothing to do. Once again everyone should work as a teacher for a day or two and see how easy we have it.
Tina
Here's an article I recently read that I thought really reflects on the context of this blog:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/22/opinion/sunday/kristof-how-mrs-grady-transformed-olly-neal.html
-Chelsea
So powerful! Thanks for sharing this! I think I'll be using this for the next post!
DeleteThat's a great story. I can relate to how Mrs. Grady's initial impulse was to confront Neal, but then she realized that would just destroy the spark of interest he was displaying. I often become frustrated with how students in my classroom respond or don't respond to a lesson I have worked so hard on preparing or how they can be so mean to one another after providing wonderful examples and strategies to avoid conflict. Whether it's a few minutes later or a few hours later I remind myself that if it would be easy for this group of students to demonstrate appropriate classroom behaviors and be motivated to learn they would still be in their home school. So I remind myself maybe the concept of the activity or lesson was not learned today, but there's always tomorrow.
ReplyDelete-Anna Grabowski
Good teachers are born with fabulous instincts. We know when and what our kids need to help them survive or grow as responsible citizens. Possibly changing the course of their life.
ReplyDelete