I was out to dinner last night with two other educators, and we got to discussing school (go figure) and the way in which our years were panning out. One of them brought up my blog and asked how it was going as well as any current topics that I had written about. I started talking about “Cooperative Learning: Teachers vs. Babysitters” namely because I knew that it would ignite some discussion and potentially flare some emotions. The problem was that the emotions that it ignited I was unprepared for and started finding myself engaged in a debate other than what had been intended.
They acknowledged that this type of behavior does go on in their districts as well with teachers not actively facilitating or engaging with kids during cooperative learning activities, but their attention focused to the fact that we need to be “politically correct” and realize that “we are all in this together”.
Here is my response (paraphrased):
I agree with you that we are “in this together”, but I also think that the time has become for people who are not actively working to improve the minds and abilities of kids on a daily basis to be called out for it. I agree that we all have different teaching styles and that every individual should be afforded the opportunity to instruct using a means that is effective for him or her, but we also need to make light of the fact that some practices are just detrimental and hinder student development. In addition, those that are sitting behind their desks grading papers, taking attendance, writing e-mails, etc. must be told that they are not contributing to the classroom the way that a teacher should. Does this mean constant bombardment with academic questions? Absolutely not, but walking around and asking kids how they are doing, how the book they are reading is coming, how their other classes are panning out, or what they are doing over the coming break are all necessary to developing strong relationships and showing kids that you care about them.
If by saying “we’re all in this together” you mean that we all care about the well-being and social, academic, and emotional development of kids then I would love to agree with you. Just be sure to understand that anyone who is participating in this “cheerleader” type function on a daily basis is working in complete contrast with those stated goals and beliefs.
I don’t mean to sound like a jerk, but what I wrote above is really the way I feel about all this “in it together” business. I don’t see how people can proclaim that we are all working towards a common cause when some are clearly putting forth a lackluster effort and don’t appear to be changing any time soon (if ever). I’m OK with those that are having a tough time “getting it”, and I believe that it IS our duty, as teachers, to work with each other as well as with students. My problem is with the people who claim to care about kids but are clearly showing actions that speak otherwise.
For the rest of us, I know that “we’re all in this together”.
What are your thoughts?
Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.
I wonder how we would feel if our doctors decided that using the methods that proved to increase the survival rate of patients after surgery (cleaning wounds properly, certain ways to dress and care for wounds) were just too much bother.
I think it’s the same with our kids. Those teachers who just can’t be bothered to make sure that they are doing the best for their kids (both in creating safe and inclusive classrooms, and in using proven instructional strategies) are being neglectful.
In the same way that I hope doctors don’t protect their colleagues that underperform…I hope that we help to bring our fellow teachers along, not cover up for them.
I enjoy your posts and frequently agree with you. My premise for teaching has always been “if it is not good enough for my children, it is not good enough for anyone.” Teachers must give their best everyday, just as we ask our students. We must continually strive to improve, update, and stretch our teaching skills so that all students have a good, equal opportunity to learn, to be successful, and to grow mentally and socially. This job is difficult, wonderful, inspiring, and impossible all at the same time. We must insist on quality of ourselves and our students.
we have to fight for good teachers no matter what. We can’t fight for reform and change and then claim, it is okay to just be “teaching”. It is hard to get real change if there are examples in every distract of teachers who don’t care and are just doing their jobs, meaning showing up and moving the curriculum from one brain to another. We need to pay teachers more and then require that they actually want to be teachers. It is not a crime to not like teaching, but we should allow teachers to move on if they are not happy. Not keep them around just because we are all in it together.
Even teachers should never quit trying to learn new ways to help them in the classroom. Teachers should not only teach ,but encourage their students everyday in the classroom. It should be all about how teachers can help their students succeed.