Support our teachers

[countrygirl]

As a retired teacher, I think about the teachers and kids as they begin school each year. I think we as a community could help to improve education and to help our public schools become better so that they serve not only those that have no help at home but also those that are advanced in their studies.

If I put all my thoughts here, the post would be so long that no one would read it, so I will just throw out a few ideas and maybe add more later. I'm sure that some of you may have better ideas than mine.

First, teachers have too much to do. In the better districts, teachers write the currriculum. And the curriculum changes about every five years. In the past that's when new contracts for testing come out That means that when you get one thing down pat, you have to start over. Most teachers have very little planning time and most of that is used talking to parents, grading papers, ect. One thing that used to bug me was that I had to administer medication....the school nurse could not do it as she had to be under the supervision of a physician to give medications, yet I could do it as a classroom teacher. Duh...makes sense doesn't it? In some districts, folks in the central office write the curriculum. They don't have a clue what's going on and don't do a very good job.

Second, teachers do not get enough praise...I don't know what's worse, dealing with people's money, or dealing with their kids. Teachers surely don't get praise from the administrations of most school districts or from the parents, and it's human nature for folks to complain rather than to praise.

Here are a few things that I think would help districts to hire and KEEP good teachers.

1. More COMPETENT assistants to help with the endless paperwork and to help with students.

2. More praise when teachers do something good...from parents and the adminstration.

3. Reduce redundant paperwork.

I could add much more, but I think I will wait to see if other folks are on the same track...

[cubby 1]

Right On.

[politically incorrect]

The biggest problem you mentioned is the paperwork. The one thing a government bureaucracy does well is generate piles and piles of meaningless paperwork for bureaucrats to shuffle. If the state department of education would cut back on half of the junk they require us to do, a lot more attention could be placed on classroom needs that actually help the kids learn.

[carsalesguy]

http://shoppingmatchmaker.com/sawhorsestep4a.jpg

[jmb]

We have a lot of teachers here. Maybe one of you can tell me what I'm looking for. How can I track down an old teacher of mine? Before we moved to Hattiesburg, we lived in Cleveland and I had a teacher by the name of Jacqueline Trimm. This was in the '67-'69 range, before the days of bussing students across town. Mrs. Trimm was a black teacher in an almost-all white school. I think we had two black students at the time. Anyway, Mrs. Trimm was one of my very favorite teachers of all time and when Daddy got transferred to Hattiesburg, she and I sat together and cried on my last day of school there. I would love to tell her just how much she meant to me but have no idea how to track her down. Is there a registry of retired teachers? Any ideas?

[countrygirl]

Was that in Cleveland, OH or Cleveland, MS? Cleveland, MS is small enough that you might be able to contact the school district there and someone may know where she is.

[jmb]

Was that in Cleveland, OH or Cleveland, MS? Cleveland, MS is small enough that you might be able to contact the school district there and someone may know where she is.

MS. Do you think they might know, being so long ago?

[fuzzis]

MS. Do you think they might know, being so long ago?

Is there a newspaper in Cleveland, MS? If so, you could do a letter to the editor...

"With a new school year upon us, it's not often that we stop during this hectic time and appreciate all that our dedicated educators do for the children in their charge. While it is a long time in coming, I'd like to take a moment to thank Mrs Jacqueline Trimm for her care and concern all those many years ago...etc, etc, etc..."

[58ford]

I was talking to a friend just last night who was having to do a pile of paperwork for her class. she mentioned that she could teach so much more efficiently if she could spend more time actually teaching.
Perhaps someone should design a series of forms that teachers would be required to fill out to reduce paperwork?

[fuzzis]

I was talking to a friend just last night who was having to do a pile of paperwork for her class. she mentioned that she could teach so much more efficiently if she could spend more time actually teaching.
Perhaps someone should design a series of forms that teachers would be required to fill out to reduce paperwork?

The problem is that's already happened. And there are just more and more and more forms that are supposed to make things easier. :smt009

[dollfus46]

We have a lot of teachers here. Maybe one of you can tell me what I'm looking for. How can I track down an old teacher of mine? Before we moved to Hattiesburg, we lived in Cleveland and I had a teacher by the name of Jacqueline Trimm. This was in the '67-'69 range, before the days of bussing students across town. Mrs. Trimm was a black teacher in an almost-all white school. I think we had two black students at the time. Anyway, Mrs. Trimm was one of my very favorite teachers of all time and when Daddy got transferred to Hattiesburg, she and I sat together and cried on my last day of school there. I would love to tell her just how much she meant to me but have no idea how to track her down. Is there a registry of retired teachers? Any ideas?
There are several J. Trimm's in MS., all male. One may be her hubby.

[58ford]

The problem is that's already happened. And there are just more and more and more forms that are supposed to make things easier. :smt009
But, what if you made it a PDF form with a fancy cover page with a pretty logo and several pages of instructions worded specifically to make the writer of the form seem smarter than you, and an appendix at the end to explain how you've misunderstood the instructions because of your lack of education, and a glossary so you can look up all the big words, and at the very back you could include a form for explaining how and why you screwed up this form and need to request the new amended form that will allow them to add a Foreword and mission statement before the instructions explaining the importance of this form in making your life simpler by giving you more to do, thereby justifying the salary that the people who don't actually teach but would like to tell you how to teach are earning by inventing new forms for you to fill out that will ultimately end up educating all these young'uns without the use of "teachers" at all.
While we're at it why not throw in some Flash animation?

(You do realize I'm being sarcastic and that this post should never be exposed to anyone in administration lest it come to fruition and add a feather to the cap and dollars to the salary of some bureaucratic, paper, pushing, human bunghole)

[Maggie-Doodle]

jmb, I know what you mean about a "special teacher." I had several throughout the years...one being the granddad of our own 58 ford! His name was Mr. Shetter. I never dreaded going to his class because he would make learning fun and if someone had a problem understanding the lesson he would take extra time and explain it until he knew they had caught on.

It is a shame we don't have more teachers who do that kind of teaching..they were not there for the money particularly but for the gratification...although with that being said I think alot of teachers today may just be overwhelmed and maybe would do better if they didn't have as much on their plates. I would hope that is the reason anyway...

I can say one thing for Mr. Shetter, not only was he my teacher but he was my friend... geez, he even came to my wedding when I got married. 58 should be proud to call him "granddad!" I am sure I am not the only student he had that felt that way.

[Luvia]

I had a wonderful 7th grade teacher named Mrs. McElroy. She taught history/geography/social studies type of class and made it fun. We actually played a gameshow type of game all the time...like a quiz show with a buzzer (bell).

I learned so much that year and I've retained a lot of it over the years. I'd love to find her also. There are other reasons why she was really so special to me. I'd love to tell her now that I'm older.

[Mike]

You know, we do still have some of those teachers that are teaching in our schools today - ones that one day my kids will declare "special" and want to look up...how many of us still call our former teachers "Mrs." or "Mr." Whatever? I bet all of us.

How many kids today will do the same? Hmmm....

[Maggie-Doodle]

You know, we do still have some of those teachers that are teaching in our schools today - ones that one day my kids will declare "special" and want to look up...how many of us still call our former teachers "Mrs." or "Mr." Whatever? I bet all of us.

How many kids today will do the same? Hmmm....

Yes, we do still have some of the "special" teachers AND administrators in school today...I met several when I worked at HPD.

Something I found "funny" in a way...when I moved back to the Burg from P.R. Cnty...The house we have is right next door to one of my other favorite teachers....Coach Reese Snell. I always enjoyed his classes and learned alot...although I was scared of him back then...he was so strick.
Since moving in my house we have become "best friends" and laugh and talk alot about his classes...things I "thought" we had gotten away with when in his class, he did actually notice but chose to over look. He told me we were not really doing harm and as long as we "mostly behaved" he felt it was just kids being kids! What wisdom.

[jmb]

Yes, we do still have some of the "special" teachers AND administrators in school today...I met several when I worked at HPD.

Something I found "funny" in a way...when I moved back to the Burg from P.R. Cnty...The house we have is right next door to one of my other favorite teachers....Coach Reese Snell. I always enjoyed his classes and learned alot...although I was scared of him back then...he was so strick.
Since moving in my house we have become "best friends" and laugh and talk alot about his classes...things I "thought" we had gotten away with when in his class, he did actually notice but chose to over look. He told me we were not really doing harm and as long as we "mostly behaved" he felt it was just kids being kids! What wisdom.

MD, I know right where you live! I went to school with his daughter, Linda. :)

[Mike]

And I umpired baseball with Coach Snell...for a number of years...and similarly hold him in high regard.

[BlueDogDemocrat]

Am I the only one that get's tired of teachers bitching about how bad they have it? I have two women in my family that work with LCSD, and I never him them moan this much. I think they understand that everything isn't going to be puppies and flowers, just like any other job. That's kind of why you have to pay people to do it, it is a Job.

If anyone has anything to constantly moan about, it is law enforcement. They work all year, have terrible hours, and still make less than most teachers.

[JimmyJam]

Am I the only one that get's tired of teachers bitching about how bad they have it? I have two women in my family that work with LCSD, and I never him them moan this much. I think they understand that everything isn't going to be puppies and flowers, just like any other job. That's kind of why you have to pay people to do it, it is a Job.

If anyone has anything to constantly moan about, it is law enforcement. They work all year, have terrible hours, and still make less than most teachers.


I didn't see anyone really bitching about how hard teachers have it. The thread starter was just showing appreciation for teachers. No teachers I know of are looking for things to be all "puppies and flowers". Teachers have a difficult job (as does law enforcement), and the majority do their job with cheerfulness and optimism despite working conditions that are completely inadequate, with children from situations that are heartbreaking (and that the teachers are powerless to change), and they do it without handcuffs, pepper spray, or sidearms. :smt001

So, if you want to make someone's day, take a few minutes of your time and thank a teacher that influenced you in a positive way. Or even one who just said "good morning" to you even though you were not in his/her class. Or who stayed late (without pay) to make sure you were safe those days that your "ride" did not show up and you had to sit out front for 2 hours after everyone else left. :clap:

[politically incorrect]

Am I the only one that get's tired of teachers bitching about how bad they have it? I have two women in my family that work with LCSD, and I never him them moan this much. I think they understand that everything isn't going to be puppies and flowers, just like any other job. That's kind of why you have to pay people to do it, it is a Job.

If anyone has anything to constantly moan about, it is law enforcement. They work all year, have terrible hours, and still make less than most teachers.

I agree that our law enforcement officers have a tough job - a dangerous one - and receive inadequate pay for their troubles. I am not bitching about anything, only making a point that teaching is about the kids, not about creating a job for some paper shuffler in Jackson.

Teachers have to break up fights, counsel mentally disturbed adolescents, deal with irate parents, track down illegal narcotics, and be prepared for any type of emergency at any time, all the while keeping a positive attitude, teaching the proper subject matter in a way all kids can understand, etc.

No job is all good, but teachers, like police officers, do their job because they feel they are making a difference in their community and in the lives of the people they come in contact with - not for the money.

[KingMaker]

Wow, how seldom dose this happen, but I am agreement with the sky blue hound dog here.

I don't think that anyone here is trying to run down teachers or saying that teachers don't deserve what they get, but lets hash out some tough issues since it was brought up.

More money doesn't automatically provide a better education. I live in Perry County which despite what many of you may think funds education very, very well. Perry Count ranks 11th in the state on spending per student. That's well above just about any other SD in the Pine Belt spends. Yet, for some reason PCSD's state test scores are not the 11th highest in the state, and it's not even close to that. This is an example of how throwing money won't solve things.

Currently more than 60% of the entire state budget is spent on education. How much more do the educrates think needs to be spent? If they get 70% will that be enough, how about 80%? Where will it end? And, who's budget do we cut, Dept of Transportation? How about the Department of Corrections?

I fully believe that 1/3 of teachers will never be paid close to what they are worth, 1/3 are paid about what they deserve, and 1/3 are vastly over-paid and give the rest a bad name.

Am I the only one that get's tired of teachers bitching about how bad they have it? I have two women in my family that work with LCSD, and I never him them moan this much. I think they understand that everything isn't going to be puppies and flowers, just like any other job. That's kind of why you have to pay people to do it, it is a Job.

If anyone has anything to constantly moan about, it is law enforcement. They work all year, have terrible hours, and still make less than most teachers.

[JimmyJam]

Well said, PI

[pinkytuscadero]

I'm jumping in because I don't think anyone has complained about their role as a teacher.

Most teachers are aware that there are people on the education payroll whose job is to create more paperwork & that work, in turn, helps maintain that administrative job. Teachers sometimes complain because it takes away from what they want to do, which is help children learn to be productive citizens.

I totally agree about law enforcement not getting a fair shake! :clap:Their hours are awful and the pay is shameful. We should honor them more than we do! They MUST love what they do because it's not for the money.

Pinky

[BlueDogDemocrat]

The thread started with her telling us how teachers don't get enough praised enough, how they don't get support from their bosses, how they have to do to much redundant work, how they don't get enough input in on the type work they do.....that's bitchin.

Teachers, like everyone else, have things they would love to change about their career choice. But, unlike everyone else, they feel inclined to complain every at every chance about how underpaid and underappreciated they are.

It's annoying.

[countrygirl]

I had a wonderful 7th grade teacher named Mrs. McElroy. She taught history/geography/social studies type of class and made it fun. We actually played a gameshow type of game all the time...like a quiz show with a buzzer (bell).

I learned so much that year and I've retained a lot of it over the years. I'd love to find her also. There are other reasons why she was really so special to me. I'd love to tell her now that I'm older.


Did she happen to teach at Petal? If she is the one I'm thinking of, she would probably love to hear some praise. I don't know where she is if it's the teacher I'm thinking of.

[BlueDogDemocrat]

Ok, fine. Appreciate the teachers. But next time you crap in a port-o-let, praise the man that cleans it out. Next time you eat out, thank the man that's been there all day with the greasy spoon. Next time you walk in your door, thank the boy that built the roof over your head. Next time you buy gas, thank the girl that stands behind that counter all night.

The next time you consider telling everyone how bad you got it, remember the people your complaining at just might have it worse.

[countrygirl]

Since I started this thread and I said that one thing that teachers don't get enough of is praise, I thought I would add a few more thoughts.
Last year as my grandchild finished second grade, she received an "evaluation form" for her teacher. While helping her fill out the form, I asked, "What do you like about your teacher?" She thought a minute and then said, "She never raises her voice." That really says legions to me...As a retired teacher, I can't say that my students never heard frustration, a raised voice, or other tones that were not conducive to the best development of my students. It also says legions to parents....how many parents never raise their voice or show frustration. The older I get, the more I know that education is much more than teaching facts. How to get along with others is much more important. I hate that this thread seems to be attracting negtive comments, but I would like to say that my hats are off to those teachers that can somehow keep order and never raise their voice or show frustration to their students. It's and almost impossible task today.

[Maggie-Doodle]

I fully believe that 1/3 of teachers will never be paid close to what they are worth, 1/3 are paid about what they deserve, and 1/3 are vastly over-paid and give the rest a bad name.


:smt023 I think you just hit the nail squarely on the head with the hammer! That few lines just about says it all!

[countrygirl]

I guess since I started this, I will make one more comment...This thread is on supporting our teachers. After all, they do take care of our most important commodity..which is our children. It is not on how little our law inforcement folks make, although I know they are grossly underpaid. It is not even on how much teachers make. They know the salary before they choose the profession. Teaching is a calling and it's a very difficult job. Is there any way we can limit comments on this thread to those folks that want to help teachers?

[KingMaker]

No freedom of speech is allowed here, unless you tell the truth about certain political candidates, then you will be censored.

I don't believe that anyone here wants to "hurt" or "not help" teachers. But, honestly it gets old, because no matter what a community does or what the state does, it's never enough in the eyes of "certain" teachers.

I want to see Mississippi's kids do as well as they can in the classroom, but before we start pouring any more of our resources into the system, I want some accountability. Right now 64.6% of the entire state budget in Mississippi goes to fund education. I just don't see how we can give anymore.

[politically incorrect]

I don't believe anyone here has suggested that "throwing money" into education is the answer. The answer is to target the spending of money in logical ways that are most beneficial to the students. That doesn't mean having a computer in every classroom, or giving each student a laptop. It means having enough paper for teachers to make an adequate number of copies without having to buy cartons of paper out of their own pockets. It means holding teachers accountable for their performance, but rewarding them for that performance as well.

This thread was begun by someone wishing to give teachers a pat on the back. I made a simple remark about government bureaucracy - not a lack of pay - and suddenly a few folks on here decide that we are all bitching and griping for more money. ????

And please, don't be one of those ignorant people who say teachers get two months off in the summer. Very few of us ever have more than a week or two to ourselves during the summer, because we are attending classes or workshops mandated by the state for continued certification, or working in our classrooms on the next year's curriculum, or teaching summer school to those students who failed a class the year before so they can graduate on time.

[KingMaker]

You know that teachers can't be held to standards, the union will never allow it. You also know that you can't give merit raises to teaches, the union will never allow it.

[politically incorrect]

You know that teachers can't be held to standards, the union will never allow it. You also know that you can't give merit raises to teaches, the union will never allow it.

Well, most of us aren't members of THAT union. And the only reason we are member of ANY type of union is for the liability insurance in case junior gets hurt in the classroom and gets him a lawyer.:(

[dream member]

The thread started with her telling us how teachers don't get enough praised enough, how they don't get support from their bosses, how they have to do to much redundant work, how they don't get enough input in on the type work they do.....that's bitchin.

Teachers, like everyone else, have things they would love to change about their career choice. But, unlike everyone else, they feel inclined to complain every at every chance about how underpaid and underappreciated they are.

It's annoying.

I must say, as I do agree with you, my aunt is a teacher. She's a remarkable human being...she's never complained about pay; she's broke. She taught deaf students and then made her way to special education. She has since retired and teaches at a Catholic elementary school - 1st graders. She was my inspiration; I became a leader because of her. She has cancer; her house burnt down in 1997; her house was destroyed from Katrina and every day she thanks God that she's alive. And, I do agree that teachers should get more praise, especially the ones like her. I had some teachers who were worthless...they cared more about being called DOCTOR than Mr. or Mrs...give it a rest! :) Anyhow, I'm glad there are special people who can teach, because I'd be a HORRIBLE teacher and I know it. Just remember, the ones complaining are like the media...only the negative gets the light.

[BlueDogDemocrat]

This thread was begun by someone wishing to give teachers a pat on the back. I made a simple remark about government bureaucracy - not a lack of pay - and suddenly a few folks on here decide that we are all bitching and griping for more money. ????

And please, don't be one of those ignorant people who say teachers get two months off in the summer. Very few of us ever have more than a week or two to ourselves during the summer, because we are attending classes or workshops mandated by the state for continued certification, or working in our classrooms on the next year's curriculum, or teaching summer school to those students who failed a class the year before so they can graduate on time.

No, the thread was started with a post full of teacher complaints, and as usual, it was masked under the guise of "support our teachers."

Look, maybe I should blame the politicians and the teachers union for using ya'll as a political football, but truth be known we the people have reached a saturation point when it comes to hearing about how tough it is to be a teacher.

And I'm not ignorant because I highlight the fact that you have the summers off. That is one problem with your profession, you downplay your perks in order to amplify the complaints.

[politically incorrect]

And I'm not ignorant because I highlight the fact that you have the summers off. That is one problem with your profession, you downplay your perks in order to amplify the complaints.

I'm not complaining about anything in the job except the crap that gets dumped on us by the state department of ed. that is of no educational benefit. Everyone in every job would like to make more money, but I make decent - enough to put food on the table and have a nice home. It is not the pay that frustrates me, it is the stupid rules that are devised by people so far removed from the classroom they have forgotten what it means to actually teach.

And, as I stated, school may be out - the kids may have two months "off", but MOST teachers certainly do not.

[dream member]

It is amazing that teaching has become a DANGEROUS job because of the nutjob kids ready to shoot or stab or punch them for "talking back." Hmmmm, let me make a school...I'll take those tough boys and girls! :)

I've got it now "You swing at us and we'll swing back..." ...the motto! :) Go with it! :)

[dream member]

And that is why you wouldn't want me teaching! :) I believe in...punishment...no timeouts for the tough guys...we'll have real men to put them back in their places and learn some manners too...I have it mapped out. Ok, not really something I could do, but it is fun to dream.

[countrygirl]

Oh shucks. When I started this thread, I was just trying to support the folks that teach our kids. I know that most of them are doing the best they can and many of them do a good job. Can this thread be locked to block the negative comments?

[dream member]

I didn't think I was being negative though? Just honest, I have a lot of respect for most teachers.

[politically incorrect]

Oh shucks. When I started this thread, I was just trying to support the folks that teach our kids. I know that most of them are doing the best they can and many of them do a good job. Can this thread be locked to block the negative comments?

We appreciate your sentiments. Once the cat is out of the bag, it becomes a free-for-all. But, we can all stay friends. BlueDog and KingMaker have a right to their opinion. I don't take it personally. Before I got into teaching, I thought some of the same things they have said.

[BlueDogDemocrat]

Can this thread be locked to block the negative comments?

No, that is reserved for threads about Dale Beavers and other certain political candidates.

[politically incorrect]

No, that is reserved for threads about Dale Beavers and other certain political candidates.

And bagels!:ohnoes:

[Bluesman]

Wow, how seldom dose this happen, but I am agreement with the sky blue hound dog here.

I don't think that anyone here is trying to run down teachers or saying that teachers don't deserve what they get, but lets hash out some tough issues since it was brought up.

More money doesn't automatically provide a better education. I live in Perry County which despite what many of you may think funds education very, very well. Perry Count ranks 11th in the state on spending per student. That's well above just about any other SD in the Pine Belt spends. Yet, for some reason PCSD's state test scores are not the 11th highest in the state, and it's not even close to that. This is an example of how throwing money won't solve things.

Currently more than 60% of the entire state budget is spent on education. How much more do the educrates think needs to be spent? If they get 70% will that be enough, how about 80%? Where will it end? And, who's budget do we cut, Dept of Transportation? How about the Department of Corrections?

I fully believe that 1/3 of teachers will never be paid close to what they are worth, 1/3 are paid about what they deserve, and 1/3 are vastly over-paid and give the rest a bad name.
King, that sounds like an administration problem and not a teacher problem.. If the results are not satisfactory then the administration needs to raise the bar, evaluate the ineffective teachers and dismiss them if they are ineffective. I consistently have the highest or close to the highest state test scores in my teaching area. I get funded well by my district and I wisely utilize the funds. I'm not bitching or moaning but I do feel that if funding was channeled to the teachers that know how to utilize it to the fullest potential then it will make a significant difference in the end result. I am happy with my budget, love my job or I would be doing something different (it isn't like I haven't had offers for a hell of a lot more money), like the salary (hey everyone wants more money but I'm satisfied with my compensation), enjoy enteracting and helping the kids, and get a lot of job satisfaction knowing that what I'm doing is making a positive difference in at least some of the kids' lives that I teach.

[KingMaker]

Then you are in that first 1/3 that I was talking about.

[Bluesman]

Funding is a numbers game by the way... You should never act like you have enough for your program and should always ask for more than you need... That way if they cut you it gives them a warm and fuzzy feeling all over cause they cut spending and you still get what you need... :evil:

You have to learn to play the game. I've learned and to my surprise the surpluses I have asked for the past 2 years my district saw fit NOT TO CUT! I guess they like my results and know it will be utilized to its fullest potential.

Thank you my district...:ohnoes: I will continue to do the best I can for my students, this district, this community, and the state.

[Bluesman]

Now I must leave you my friends for a short time... I have to prepare to change the world and I got students coming in a few minutes too.:-D

[Bluesman]

Ok, fine. Appreciate the teachers. But next time you crap in a port-o-let, praise the man that cleans it out. Next time you eat out, thank the man that's been there all day with the greasy spoon. Next time you walk in your door, thank the boy that built the roof over your head. Next time you buy gas, thank the girl that stands behind that counter all night.

The next time you consider telling everyone how bad you got it, remember the people your complaining at just might have it worse.
And when these people do a good job and have a good work ethic... thank a teacher cause believe it or not we are the only parents some of these kids ever know.... a lot of them just don't get what they need at home because some parents have shirked THEIR responsibilities to ATARI, Nintendo, Playstation, the school, Directv... etc...

[Maggie-Doodle]

Oh shucks. When I started this thread, I was just trying to support the folks that teach our kids. I know that most of them are doing the best they can and many of them do a good job. Can this thread be locked to block the negative comments?

countrygirl, I appreciate your effort to give credit to teachers. Most are very deserving. In all my years of going to school I only had one bad teacher...the same with my son. I was blessed that several were not only my teacher but became a best friend too.

I am not a teacher nor would I want to be. I figured that out a looonng time ago. Alot of people think teachers only put in a few hours a day then go home and relax..that is just not the case in most instances. The teachers day does not go from 8-3 (or whatever the hrs are these days).
Most have to get to school early for campus duty, they stay after school for campus duty or for special meetings with staff or parents. Once they are home they have lesson plans to develop and papers to grade...then their are those who have extra duties, club sponsors, newpaper sponsors, cheerleader sponsors etc. etc. There is also play practice, band practice, P.T.A. meetings etc. etc. I would imagine if you figure their pay and add 3 hours a day to their schedule they really don't make that much over min. wage.

To me it would not be worth the headaches! I have seen teachers who have been assaulted, spit on, cussed at etc.etc. they kept just plugging along...spirit barely broken...that takes someone special...who else spends as much time with your children as their teachers? I think teachers have more effect on children than most people think...good, bad or indifferent. With that thought in mind I would urge everyone to offer help to their childs teacher if at all possible, if you don't have time at least offer them a "thank-you" on occassion. Teachers mentor children and do make a difference sometimes when a parent can't.

[countrygirl]

Yes, teachers do somehow keep plugging when they are assaulted, spit on, cussed at, ect., but it does affect the good teachers deeply...they do take it home with them at night. When I started this post, I saw the need for good teachers to get more moral support from parents, administrators, and the community. I knew that I wouldn't get rich when I went into the profession of education. It was just always what I wanted to do. When I started this thread, salary or money was not in the equasion.
I do know that one particular 6 week workshop that I attended back in the 90's based part of the program on upholding teachers and telling them how important their job was and what a difference teachers could make. I think the positive moral support went a long way in to making each participant a better teacher.
Yes, there are bad teachers out there, just as there are bad employees in every profession. In a perfect world, the administration would deal with that situation. Of course it's not a perfect world, and sometimes parents do have to step in, which I hope that they do. I know that I would not tolerate my child being under the tutelage of what I considered an incompetent teacher for a whole day.
I think what I'm trying to say is that good teachers and teachers that are trying to become good teachers tend to be very sensitive. They take negative comments very seriously. They also get very little praise when they do something right. Oh shucks again. I just can't seem to get down what I really want to say. I just think that we could help our children's teachers by letting them know when they are doing something right and when they are doing a good job.

[countrygirl]

Now I must leave you my friends for a short time... I have to prepare to change the world and I got students coming in a few minutes too.:-D
I hope you succeed.:clap:

[Maggie-Doodle]

countrygirl, I agree with you 100%..teachers do not get enuf credit...I don't have a child in school anymore but when I did, I volunteered to help in the classroom and do whatever else I could at the school to make things go smoothly. I now appreciate all my teachers and all except one that my son had while he was in school. I have seen many smiles when parents have thanked them for what they were doing. I have also seen tears when they were cussed at and talked down to for no reason. I can see why new teachers would get disheartened easily....

[r13]

[quote=politically incorrect;326453]And bagels!:ohnoes:[/quote

I know this isn't part of this thread, but whatever happened to that case:smt102

[SoMissTV]

I know this isn't part of this thread, but whatever happened to that case:smt102

It was settled, and none of the parties are talking.

[r13]

did HA report on it?

[r13]

I'm sorry, I don't want to take away from this thread. Just got curious. I'll start another thread.

[Luvia]

Did she happen to teach at Petal? If she is the one I'm thinking of, she would probably love to hear some praise. I don't know where she is if it's the teacher I'm thinking of.


Yes she (Ms. McElroy) taught at Petal. She left the year after (or soon anyway) after I moved up in grades. I can't even remember her first name, but I can dig and find it maybe. You know her??

[dream member]

Can I give my 2 cents? I've met a lot of WONDERFUL teachers...people dedicated to the cause! A++ to those men and women. However, when I was at Jones, quite a few of the females (that I know of) who were in school to become teachers - were the biggest drinkers, drug users, and barely passed their classes. I don't want them teaching my kids...hell, I don't even want to be in the same room as some of them. I hate to see the rotten apples spoil the bunch!

[Bluesman]

Can I give my 2 cents? I've met a lot of WONDERFUL teachers...people dedicated to the cause! A++ to those men and women. However, when I was at Jones, quite a few of the females (that I know of) who were in school to become teachers - were the biggest drinkers, drug users, and barely passed their classes. I don't want them teaching my kids...hell, I don't even want to be in the same room as some of them. I hate to see the rotten apples spoil the bunch!
Don't worry, a lot of those won't even make it out of Jones. The education major sometimes gets used as a liberal arts degree or something... it's like what you gonna do? I dunno. Well you want to be a teacher? I dunno. Well lets just start you off in education major and if you change your mind most of your basic classes will transfer to your new major... UH... OK that is fine with me.

That is how a lot of advisor/advisee or counselor conversations go these days... they will throw anybody in the education major cause it is a generic degree for the first two or so years. I know there are some good counselors out there that wouldn't do this but with the workload that they are faced with and the current shortage of teachers that seems to be always present it would be easy to just nail it with potential candidates because the employment possibilities are stable...

[Oni Zen]

No, Bluesman...

The problem is, they will become teachers. The profession enjoys a 50% turnover rate, with almost no one sticking around after the 5th year. More and more, schools are having to fall back on teacher candidates who would have been laughed out of the career years ago.

But don't ask me. BlueDogDemocrat and KingMaker already know everything there is to know about the workings of the public education system.

[Bluesman]

No, Bluesman...

The problem is, they will become teachers. The profession enjoys a 50% turnover rate, with almost no one sticking around after the 5th year. More and more, schools are having to fall back on teacher candidates who would have been laughed out of the career years ago.

But don't ask me. BlueDogDemocrat and KingMaker already know everything there is to know about the workings of the public education system.
I guess I didn't think about it that way... I personally didn't go through an "education" program. I got my liscense through an alternate route for professionals and I guess myself and the others in my close circle of friends have been a little more successful than some of the others that acted the way Dream1 was describing. I have been teaching for about twice as long as the average you quoted so I guess I can take a deep breath for a moment cause I've made it further than most I guess. Now if burnout don't happen to me I will continue to be able to do what I do and be successful at it.

[dream member]

No, Bluesman...

The problem is, they will become teachers. The profession enjoys a 50% turnover rate, with almost no one sticking around after the 5th year. More and more, schools are having to fall back on teacher candidates who would have been laughed out of the career years ago.

But don't ask me. BlueDogDemocrat and KingMaker already know everything there is to know about the workings of the public education system.

I made a comment a while back similiar and I was WRONG! :) lol
Some of those people I have mentioned...they're teaching...:ohnoes::ohnoes:

[Oni Zen]

Believe me.

I've seen the freaks coming through the pipeline.

I've sat on the interview committees where these fools have actually made it.

You've every right to be fearful. But it's not an unexpected situation.

[dollfus46]

I support getting rid of incompetent teachers and putting an end to tenure.

[countrygirl]

College professors have tenure. Classroom teachers do not. A district can nonrenew the contract of any teacher in Mississippi at the end of the school year.

[fuzzis]

College professors have tenure. Classroom teachers do not. A district can nonrenew the contract of any teacher in Mississippi at the end of the school year.

I think in a lot of places, tenure is a myth. I also think that if evaluations were more than a rubber stamp, it would much easier to get rid of teachers who don't do their jobs. During my first year of teaching, I was supposed to be observed no less than 9 times. I think administrators made it into my room maybe three times in a year. The next year, I was supposed to be on a "major" evaluation, which meant being observed 6 times. Again...maybe 3 visits. The following year, a "minor" evaluation, which meant 2 observations. Nothing that an administrator ever said to me gave me substantive direction for improving my teaching...because all they ever did was agree with my assessments.

You can't give a poor teacher positive evaluations and then all of the sudden want to get rid of them. It's not fair to the teacher.

[virgo]

We have a lot of teachers here. Maybe one of you can tell me what I'm looking for. How can I track down an old teacher of mine? Before we moved to Hattiesburg, we lived in Cleveland and I had a teacher by the name of Jacqueline Trimm. This was in the '67-'69 range, before the days of bussing students across town. Mrs. Trimm was a black teacher in an almost-all white school. I think we had two black students at the time. Anyway, Mrs. Trimm was one of my very favorite teachers of all time and when Daddy got transferred to Hattiesburg, she and I sat together and cried on my last day of school there. I would love to tell her just how much she meant to me but have no idea how to track her down. Is there a registry of retired teachers? Any ideas?

Is there a newspaper in Cleveland, MS? If so, you could do a letter to the editor...

"With a new school year upon us, it's not often that we stop during this hectic time and appreciate all that our dedicated educators do for the children in their charge. While it is a long time in coming, I'd like to take a moment to thank Mrs Jacqueline Trimm for her care and concern all those many years ago...etc, etc, etc..."


This is a great suggestion because even if she doesn't see it, someone in her family might. With it being Cleveland, Miss., she more than likely was/is from there.

[virgo]

Am I the only one that get's tired of teachers bitching about how bad they have it? I have two women in my family that work with LCSD, and I never him them moan this much. I think they understand that everything isn't going to be puppies and flowers, just like any other job. That's kind of why you have to pay people to do it, it is a Job.

If anyone has anything to constantly moan about, it is law enforcement. They work all year, have terrible hours, and still make less than most teachers.

I don't think you can compare the two professions, BDD. Both teachers and law enforcement officers don't make near what they should. IMO, these two professions are among the most important out there.....one educates children, who hopefully will become productive citizens and the other protects the community in which they live.

Almost everyone bitches about their job. Don't you? Or maybe you don't have a job. I don't know. Personally, I love my job, but sometimes there are things that upset me and I complain. It feels better to complain than to just let it get to me. I think that is the same with everyone.

Out of curiousity, though, I am wondering if you or any of the other posters who seem to be critical to teachers have visited a classroom in the last two years? Because if you haven't, I think you should. I am not a teacher, but I have been in dozens of classrooms over the past five years. There are lots of good teachers, some that work incredibly hard to overcome obstacles that were handed to them.
Are there bad teachers? Of course. There are bad employees in every profession.

What I get tired of is people complaining about public education, or education in general, whether it be about lazy, bitching teachers or higher taxes, or whatever...yet they don't do anything to help the situation. Volunteer to read to a class, donate money, call a high school principal and ask if you can participate in their school's next career day.... There are so many ways for people to get involved, yet all some people do is complain.

[Bluesman]

College professors have tenure. Classroom teachers do not. A district can nonrenew the contract of any teacher in Mississippi at the end of the school year.
First year teachers to a district are the only ones that can be released without just cause/documentation... Teachers that have been there longer have to have just cause for termination and the district must provide evidence of the incompetence as well as evidence where they have tried to help the teacher... it's a shame you have to go through all the red tape to get rid of the sucky ones but in today's society where people love to sue everybody it pays for a district to have its ducks in a row. Also, I can see where having the due process would be good for a good teacher that the principal just has a personal problem with. It forces the principal to prove that the teacher is in fact useless and that the principal just doesn't have an ax to grind.

It would be simpler though if we just could weed the bad ones out without any chance of lawsuits.

[countrygirl]

Yes, districts do have to have just cause to terminate a teacher while he/she is under contract, but contracts are renewed usually at the end of each school year. The district can simply nonrenew a contract for a teacher without giving a reason unless things have changed or unless I've been grossly misinformed.

[Bluesman]

Yes, districts do have to have just cause to terminate a teacher while he/she is under contract, but contracts are renewed usually at the end of each school year. The district can simply nonrenew a contract for a teacher without giving a reason unless things have changed or unless I've been grossly misinformed.
Yes, they can be non-renewed but only the first year teachers can be non-renewed without the district having to be able to back their decision up with facts unless they want to end up in a lawsuit :smt009. Lawsuits against school districts are hot topics and no district wants to be under the spotlight of the media while having to back up their allegations when they have no proof. That is why when pink slips are issued at the end of the years that their is budget concern, they always go to the last hired teachers. Then if the budget will allow the district usually hires back some if not all of the "good" ones that had to get the pink slips... This don't happen every year but when it does it is always the newest teachers that get it. There are actually "due process" attorneys that specifically deal with wrongful termination cases for educators. Most of them will look at the facts and advise their clients whether or not they think they have a case or not and the good ones will tell their clients if they don't have a snowball's chance due to the evidence.

[fuzzis]

...which is why it's extremely important for administrators to document things. If they haven't been doing their job, they open themselves up and leave the students at the mercy of ineffective teachers.

[Bluesman]

Sometimes however, if the district chooses to "close" an elective program they can use that as justification... Sorry, we don't need you cause we are not going to offer this course anymore. I know of two instances for sure that districts have done this to avoid a lawsuit because the teacher was not professional and did not have any business teaching but instead of taking the chance of a lawsuit for a non-renewal they just decided to close the program. Now they wish they could get their programs back but can't because of funding... If a district closes a program they have an extremely difficult time getting the state dept. to give them a similiar program back. The districts I'm reffering choose this route cause the teacher had already sued another district successfully.;)

[Bluesman]

...which is why it's extremely important for administrators to document things. If they haven't been doing their job, they open themselves up and leave the students at the mercy of ineffective teachers.
Absolutely, which brings us back to my original point that I posted in reference to Kingmakers post about Perry County spending a whole lot on education and not getting their money's worth... I told him that just may be an administrative problem and not a teacher problem cause a sorry teacher will be a sorry teacher from now on unless there is some administration that is willing to gain the necessary documentation and proceed with dismissal of said teachers... Then they can hire new ones and be a little pickier about it.:smt023

[gaelicgrace]

There are lots of other ways a district can remove a teacher. In the contract is a clause that once you sign it you have to do everything listed as well as anything else that might be added. They can move you to a different school within the district, have you travel between schools, teach 6 or 7 preps, hand out a cart and make the teacher a "traveling" teacher, have you teach something other than the area you are comfortable in and on and on. It's not always last hired either. Depending on what you teach you can be insulated from those issues. If you teach SPED, or certain electives or in areas that are hard to find teachers ie. math, science, foreign languages they are going to find someone else to cut. Also, the teachers union in Mississippi is one of the weakest in the country and this is a right to work state so the protection that is often talked about in actuality is not readily available.

[virgo]

...which is why it's extremely important for administrators to document things. If they haven't been doing their job, they open themselves up and leave the students at the mercy of ineffective teachers.

Absolutely, which brings us back to my original point that I posted in reference to Kingmakers post about Perry County spending a whole lot on education and not getting their money's worth... I told him that just may be an administrative problem and not a teacher problem cause a sorry teacher will be a sorry teacher from now on unless there is some administration that is willing to gain the necessary documentation and proceed with dismissal of said teachers... Then they can hire new ones and be a little pickier about it.:smt023

Fuzzis, you are exactly right (and I would have repped you, but I have to spread it around). You hit the nail on the head....lazy administrators are part of the blame. And if they don't do something right away to nip the problem before it grows into a mess, it is much more difficult down the road to get rid of an ineffective teacher. And unfortunately, its usually after the administrator leaves that a new principal/administrator comes on and wants to do something, but finds it hard because the problem teacher(s) were never written up and passed all of their evaluations.

[Oni Zen]

I think in a lot of places, tenure is a myth. I also think that if evaluations were more than a rubber stamp, it would much easier to get rid of teachers who don't do their jobs. During my first year of teaching, I was supposed to be observed no less than 9 times. I think administrators made it into my room maybe three times in a year. The next year, I was supposed to be on a "major" evaluation, which meant being observed 6 times. Again...maybe 3 visits. The following year, a "minor" evaluation, which meant 2 observations. Nothing that an administrator ever said to me gave me substantive direction for improving my teaching...because all they ever did was agree with my assessments.

You can't give a poor teacher positive evaluations and then all of the sudden want to get rid of them. It's not fair to the teacher.

Like I said. In today's teaching environment, unless you're a total freak, you're likely not going to be removed. Just not enough quality teachers out there. My experiences have been the same as yours.

[Oni Zen]

There are lots of other ways a district can remove a teacher. In the contract is a clause that once you sign it you have to do everything listed as well as anything else that might be added. They can move you to a different school within the district, have you travel between schools, teach 6 or 7 preps, hand out a cart and make the teacher a "traveling" teacher, have you teach something other than the area you are comfortable in and on and on. It's not always last hired either. Depending on what you teach you can be insulated from those issues. If you teach SPED, or certain electives or in areas that are hard to find teachers ie. math, science, foreign languages they are going to find someone else to cut. Also, the teachers union in Mississippi is one of the weakest in the country and this is a right to work state so the protection that is often talked about in actuality is not readily available.

Except for your "6 or 7 preps" theory (which is illegal), you're exactly right. A principal can simply make your life hell by assigning you different classes/schools to teach. Unfortunately, this doesn't typically work against the poor teachers because they already know their current job is the end of the line for them, so they stay no matter what! :laugh:

[Bluesman]

There are lots of other ways a district can remove a teacher. In the contract is a clause that once you sign it you have to do everything listed as well as anything else that might be added. They can move you to a different school within the district, have you travel between schools, teach 6 or 7 preps, hand out a cart and make the teacher a "traveling" teacher, have you teach something other than the area you are comfortable in and on and on. It's not always last hired either. Depending on what you teach you can be insulated from those issues. If you teach SPED, or certain electives or in areas that are hard to find teachers ie. math, science, foreign languages they are going to find someone else to cut. Also, the teachers union in Mississippi is one of the weakest in the country and this is a right to work state so the protection that is often talked about in actuality is not readily available.

Good point on the depending what you teach thing may keep you from getting the first year pink slip thing... I kinda fell in that category myself cause my teaching area there is a national shortage and I got passed up my on the whole pink slip thing my first year I taught... Damn, and here I was assuming it was just because I rock in the classroom!!!:smt086

With all that being said I also agree that there is more than one way to skin a cat and districts can very well make life a living hell for a teacher and therefore indirectly convince them that it would be in their best interest to move on, however this hurts the students because it may take longer than anticipated for a teacher to "get the message" and in the meantime you have a disgruntled a$$ in charge of a classroom full of children whom often take the brunt of the lashing out because the teacher is in a pissy mood and takes it out on the kids. Better for administration to have the intestinal fortitude to take care of it in a timely manner instead of letting it drag on.;)

[Bluesman]

Except for your "6 or 7 preps" theory (which is illegal), you're exactly right. A principal can simply make youre life hell by assigning you different classes/schools to teach. Unfortunately, this doesn't typically work against the poor teachers because they already know their current job is the end of the line for them, so they stay no matter what! :laugh:
And sometimes they will stay just so they can win the pissing contest with administration and in the meantime the students suffer and QUALITY instructional time that a GOOD teacher could have utilized is wasted and the students move on to another class the following year without the solid foundation they need to proceed.

[countrygirl]

I found an old poetry book written by a teacher that I was in a workshop with a number of years ago. Since my cable is still out and the house is empty of people, I thought I would share a couple more with you teachers. I already posted one on another thread.

The first one reminds teachers of the importance of their work.



Most of the works
we start today
will not
be finished
before we die:
as teachers
we shape
the future-
we sculpt
tomorrow,
you and I

Arden G. Thompson


The second one hints at the impact teachers can have on a child's life.


In School

Who are you
I now see coming
down the hall
towards me
looking so young
and frail,
bewildered and
rather pale?
Doctor, lawyer,
artist, bum?
I suppose it
all depends
on where you're
coming from and
who you meet
along the way;
which makes me
wonder-
"Hi there.
Looking for me?
What can I
do for you
this day?"

Arden G. Thompson

I retired several years ago, but I'm still a teacher at heart. I know that this time of year presents some of your best teaching opportunities. You have gotten to know your students and they are still fresh. You are also getting test scores back on individual students which puts more stress in your corner. More paperwork especially.

Don't forget to remember that teaching is more than a test score. I still look back on some of my successes and failures, but I guess I ponder on the ones I didn't reach the most.

Ya'll keep plugging, and I'm saying a prayer or two for you.

[MsKaye]

Great post, Countrygirl! I think I'll print them both and post them on the board behind my desk as daily reminders. Thanks!

[jmb]

Countrygirl, my oldest son has his first full-time teaching assignment this year. I copied your post to send to him for inspiration on the rough days.

Thanks! :)

[bpitt]

Teachers kick ass, in a good way. I never had a teacher I didn't like, at Petal. JCJC had some good ones, USM on the other hand has some real ego's wondering around campus. There are some good ones at USM, I had a couple, but I had a couple of wacko's too.

I honestly try to support my daughters teachers. If any teacher at Dixie needs anything, or has a problem with a certain 'procedure', let me know, and I'll do all that one man can do. I can raise hell at schoolboard meetings, or I'll buy you some supplies, I'll make sure my kid sits quitely and behave in class, just make sure you teach her well. You need eraser? Send me a note. You need markers? Send me a note. I'll give till I can't.
I've got 3-4 teachers in my Sunday school class, and the all complain about admin crap and bad kids. Let's make a change.
(now that Michael Jackson song starts playin', I'm starting with the man in the mirror)

[Augustus McRae]

The young ones ain't getting enough PE at Dixie and that pisses me off. I hear the PE coach is a fat ass. Whose fault is this? My little 1st grader needs more exercise than one damn hour per week. Healthy body and mind works both ways.


The State Legislature passed a measure last year to dramatically increase the amount of physical activity in the school day/week. That is a HIGH interest of mine! MANY schools are "playing" with the requirement and not following the letter of the law. I'll be honest with you, I think the physical condition, health, and wellness of our school children is JUST AS IMPORTANT as the academic work they do. School systems do not want to "change" some things they are doing and make a commitment to getting energetic, qualified people to teach physical activity to students.

On the "flip side" and in defense of school systems, when the Physical Activity requirement was adopted, nothing was taken away. Schools are left to "jam" that requirement into the school week and day along with numerous other "handed down" requirements and with, in most cases, no additional funding.

I talked with a good friend of mine who is a longtime educator in Louisiana. Because of the physical education requirement in that State and their genuine commitment to the wellness of their students, there are actually MORE physical education teachers ata his school this year than there are in any other subject area.

LET little Johnny do something that makes his heart beat fast and makes him bust a sweat...he'll do better at everything!

[countrygirl]

The young ones ain't getting enough PE at Dixie and that pisses me off. I hear the PE coach is a fat ass. Whose fault is this? My little 1st grader needs more exercise than one damn hour per week. Healthy body and mind works both ways.
The "young ones" have never gotten enough PE....I thought new guidelines might help, but I guess I'm wrong. They used to get 30 minutes a week. Recess counted as PE. I don't know how many dollars are spent on football, baseball, ect. Nothing against those programs, but it's in elementary school where they learn.

[bpitt]

My kid hasn't gotten to check a book out at the library at Dixie yet, what gives?

[SoMissTV]

My kid hasn't gotten to check a book out at the library at Dixie yet, what gives?

Someone else already had it.

[countrygirl]

No, Hawkeye, the teachers ARE NOT fat and lazy...When teachers pull recess duty, some of them in some school districts have as many as 200 kids to supervise at recess with maybe 2 or 3 teachers on duty. How do you organize that many kids in 10-15 minutes time to make them exercise? One more thought, I am a retired teacher....believe it or not after about three years, I think my kidneys are finally recovering....when you have duty, you don't have a break. You can't leave your kids alone....If it's really an emergency, you get the teacher across the hall to stand in the hall and watch your kids. I do know that come about 3 o'clock, I still have to "go" several times.
I almost groaned you for the statement about teachers being fat and lazy...yes there are some...but there are many that are really working hard to educate your grandchildren. Have you thought about volunteering your time at their school, by the way?

[SoMissTV]

Have you thought about volunteering your time at their school, by the way?

Hawk has very little free time, what with all the drinking and crotchety-ing he does.

[EricStratton]

I went to a meeting about this new PE initiative the other day....A great and commendable idea, but, as Gus said, not really feasible and realistic.....They are trying to get kids at least 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of phys. ed./health a week....however, not many options have been given to administrators to help them accomplish this task, especially in the middle school.....Either some classes will have to be cut or the school day will have to be even longer......

[countrygirl]

If they do all that PE, they won't have time to teach the test so they can be a level 5!

[EricStratton]

If they do all that PE, they won't have time to teach the test so they can be a level 5!

Exactly.....and we can't be havin' none of that....

[countrygirl]

I didn't say ther were 200 kids with one supervisor...I said two-three supervisors.

[pinkytuscadero]

yep, in grammer school, my days, they had the good sense to know that young'uns need it and we got two 30 minute recesses per day. The teachers were the yard supervisors and we usually played some kind of organized sports activity.

Starting with 7th grade and up, the coaches, one for girls and one for boys, worked everybody's butt off for an hour per day. You had to be a seriously sick kid with a doctors note to get excused.

Now kids are going to school longer than we did, yet no, to less, exercise mixed with brain work. That ain't healthy. It's another reason kids don't eat right or sleep right these days. It's scientific fact beyond debate that the brain needs the body to sweat.

Our kids are getting some recess periods but are allowed to sit on their butts in groups and hang out chatting. Is it no longer the teacher's responsibility to keep them moving in some organized, fun way? Are the teachers fat and lazy, too? Or is the school system affraid someone will fall down, skin a knee and sue?

I prefer the terms "pleasingly plump" and "activity challenged". Turkey!

[pinkytuscadero]

Since I read this yesterday, I have thought back to my experiences in school with teachers, the teacher's lounge, and PE. I have probably laughed out loud three times at the differences in then and now. I know there are some S. Forrest people on this forum who can attest to this so here goes.

*Back in the Day-
If we were left alone in class for more than 10 minutes and a student needed their teacher, one student could go to the Teacher's Lounge to find the teacher. When the door opened, it was like walking into Shenanigan's, a cloud of smoke filled the air and all chairs around a long table was full of laughing and talking. All talking would immediately stop and we were chastised for interupting. The teacher would come on back down to the room to handle what ever needed to be handled.
Another favorite was for a teacher to ask a student to go get them a coke from the lounge. You came back smelling like a casino carpet. YUCK.

If recess was held on the front campus, a door to the Teacher's Lounge was propped open with a chair. It may have been to vent the smoke or to look at what was going on outside. Usually an assistant was outside but the teachers probably weren't.

PE did have some organized games, but they usually involved people getting out so the people who needed the most exercise were "out" early on and went off to the side to sit or play with their friends. The more athletic kids kept playing.

NOW:

Show me a school with a teacher's lounge. Most have been taken for class rooms and teacher's aren't encouraged to sit anywhere in their classes or in a lounge. If a teacher sits on the playground it is because probably all the blood has pooled into her big ole swollen feet.

PE. - Much more organized with a curriculum that is followed. Most PE teachers play games that are more inclusive and keep all kids moving.


-Sometimes our memories get clouded about how good things used to be. It is true that things were different a long time ago.

pinky

[SoMissTV]

Show me a school with a teacher's lounge.

Blair High School still has at least one.

[Hermione]

When I was in early elementary, we were just turned loose in the school yard for a little while. We ran around, created on-going, dramatic story games (pioneers was a favorite back then) -- by 5th grade, we were on the blacktop playing organized sports (different school). It seems to me we got more exercise and had more fun running around and making up our own games; as a not-very-athletic child, the organized games were a miserable experience to me.

I teach as an adjunct college instructor from time to time. I see a real difference in behavior and attitude from say, twenty years ago, and I blame parents to some degree. Also, my students have told me how much they dislike "learning the test" as opposed to reading and studying books.

I got HS certification some years ago, before starting a Master's program. I have never had the least desire to teach in high school, mostly because of all the administrative and paper work garbage some of you have described in this thread. It's far worse than when I went through, and it was so bad then it put me off teaching for years. I loved the kids, but after having worked in the business world for so long, I could not handle the way teachers were treated by administrators. I thought the bureaucratic stuff I put up with as a Federal employee was bad, but when I left that and went into that teacher training program, I was truly shocked at the swamp of paperwork teachers wade through.

[pinkytuscadero]

Blair High School still has at least one.

It is true that high schools seem to get to keep their lounges. They are departmentalized and often have off periods or blocks. Most elementary schools don't have that space anymore. I taught in a school that utilized the book room for a counselor room and speech room. The old teacher's lounge was turned into a classroom. I should have been more clear. :-D

If I had a lounge, I probably wouldn't have time to utilize it so it is not a problem for me. I am just making the point that it is a misconception that teachers are piled up in a room chatting it up and lounging. :kekeke: