MAKING THE GRADE

I watched Making the Grade, Stronger America, on MSNBC yesterday. They brought up quite a few topics and mentioned how teachers, parents, school boards, officials, communities/village, activists, and students all play an integral role in educating our children. While of course there is not a one size fit all solution to the problems that plague the Public School system and education in America a few things struck my attention.

"Every child can learn, so give them the same education."

"Zip codes determine expectation levels of some teachers."

"Why are parents prosecuted for lying about their zip code to put their child in a better school?"

" A lot of parents don't know what to do, its not an issue of them not caring about their child and their education."

"You couldn't find a better system to destroy our people than the American Public School System." Ben Chavis

"Standardized tests only teach children how to fill in bubbles."

"College isn't the only path to success."

While watching the show I tweeted "Teachers need to love what they do and put their all into there jobs despite their pay and available resources." Some RT my comment in agreement and some responded....

"RT @KFreesen: Why? What professional is asked to do that? @Johnai: Tchrs need to do more without support #makingthegrade - ??? #WTF"

Now the first issue I have with the comment is I didn't say teachers need to do more without support. When choosing to become a teacher most if not all should know what they are getting into or up against in the Public School System if that is where they are choosing to teach. With this in mind I feel that by choosing to become a teacher you are choosing to face an uphill battle, succeed, and make a difference despite the odds. That is my personal belief.

I think about an episode of A Different World, Whitley was a substitute teacher at an inner city public school with little resources. True to stereotypes the children were unruly and appeared that they didn't want to learn. Whitley spoke to the principal and wanted to quit because of the lack of resources she had. Whitley mentioned that the text books were old, outdated, and did not include black people as if we did not exist in history. The principals response was you are not limited to the text book fill in the gaps and teach the students what is missing.

That was/is my only point. If you have books at home that could enhance your teaching environment use them. Find things on the Internet and print them out in the school office to use. Get creative with old paper towel and tissue holders etc. I don't care what you do but never throw up the white flag and wave it in defeat.

The greatest of minds in history were taught with far less tools than are provided to teachers and at one point there weren't even books let alone formal schools. Therefore in my opinion there is no reason to not be able to teach and there is no reason that children can't learn.

We all have to stop making excuses and do what we can with a smile and to the best of our abilities in whatever profession we have chosen.

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials