Driving home from school on Friday I heard about the first grade teacher in Paterson and her Facebook post and immeadiately thought of the articles we read for class. Again, why don't people think before they speak or post, especially when you are in a profession where you are often held to higher standards than the average person (teachers, law enforcement personnel, clergy, politicians, etc.). I certainly can understand how the parents of her students wanted them out of her class.
As a teacher, I have to admit there are times when I am frustrated with one or more of my students. But when I think about each of my students, I see so much potential in them and want them to succeed in life. I'm sure there may be a few who end up in trouble later in life, but I want to do all I can to encourage them now and hopefully enspire them to try their hardest. Just because a child may not have the advantages of others their age, I don't think anyone should give up on them, as this teacher did. She is certainly not a role model for her former students!
I thought of this class immediately as well Eileen, when I read about this teacher! It never ceases to amaze me how people - and teachers in particular - get themselves in trouble for their actions. every time you turn around there's another story in the news - from this teacher to the one in PA with the blog to last week's BY teacher with her threats. what are these people THINKING? (I suspect the aren't!)
ReplyDeleteI find it crazy that educators are making these sort of comments on the internet or at all. I have to admit that I have heard some teachers especially when I sub at the middle school and high school express themselves verbally in a negative manner about certain students. This could be due to the issues many students are dealing with at home, so they come to school and lash out at teachers and administrators. So some teachers may feel frustrated and helpless. Teaching is a challenging, but rewarding position I feel. We must set the example and be role models. I do understand in this country we have freedom of speech and most people exercise that right. However, to piggyback to what Eileen mentions, as educators we are held to higher standards. I know that working with some students is difficult, but perhaps parents can take a better initiative with their children. At some level, we have parents that feel in school, it's the teacher's job to discipline and teach students (baby sitting). Needless to say the discipline and core values should be taught at home. Teachers have multiple roles besides teaching. They are counselors, parents, and sadly sometimes a child's only dvocate. Nonetheless, these types of comments are not acceptable and should not be tolerated.
ReplyDeleteTeachers must absolutely be held to higher standards. I certainly understand how a teacher can get de-sensitized (like a doctor)to their students, it happens, BUT it should not. Negative begets negative. Teaching is challenging and always will be. We all have to look past certain behaviors and keep trying to get through.
ReplyDeleteSome parents don't discipline their children but I think most of these type parents don't care whether or not the teacher does. As a parent I most certainly think the teachers are my partner in disciplining. Teachers need to be able to enforce rules. I do EVERYTIGNG I humanly can to teach my kids but kids will misbehave in many ways. I need the teachers to help inform me and discipline when things happen. My boys especially Daniel think their teachers are the next best thing to slice bread. The influence on them is too important. I am so grateful when the teacher lets me know there is a problem and then we work together to help them improve. I know my kids are constantly amazed at my communication with their teachers. They know they are watched and loved and we will keep them on the right path. It is a structure they so desperately need early in life to take them to the next phase where they are a little more on their own. I hope we (me my husband and teachers)are preparing them to make the right choices as they get older. I pray and WORRY! I feel fortunate that our small school has so many dedicated teachers and that at least my relationship with my children's teachers are good. I don't question the teachers and how they teach and I always back them up should my kids complain. This is how I was raised and this is what I believe in. My only complaint is that sometimes they are too lenient (that is my catholic school upbringing).
Rosanna
I think social networking sites open a new window for everyone. There are many benefits in being able to connect with people through these sites. However, a teach especially needs to filter their comments, and many times hold back from expressing their opinions because there is never 100% privacy. Also, it is a shame to think that this teacher has no faith in her students which can equate to not having much faith in herself!
ReplyDeleteThis teacher definitely didn't think of the damage that her words could cause. Teachers should be developing and inspiring children, not downplaying their potential. If the teacher doesn't think that her students can be successful, then shame her. Inner city teachers need to be good role models because they are sometimes the only positive people in students lives. By the way, that's a great looking dog. I had a two Beagles growing up-great dogs!
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