Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The results of our poll are in.
The results of our poll are in, the number one choice as to what makes a teacher "great", was that they can relate to their students. Coming in at number two was "they care". So, to my fellow teachers, they may not remember what you taught them, but they will remember how you taught them. Be encouraged! :)
Monday, January 28, 2008
Things have changed
My my, how things have changed, I am sure that those of us that have been in the classroom for over five years have noticed a change in how a school reacts to certain things. Are those days of simplicity gone forever? Check this email that I received today, you may have seen it before, and everything doesn't apply to us here in Bermuda, but you can get the gist of it.
SCHOOL -1957 vs. 2007 Scenario: Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.
1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2007 - School goes into lockdown, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.
Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school
1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started the fight.
Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.
1957 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin; Becomes a zombie; tested for ADD; School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.
Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.
Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school
1957 - Mark shares aspirin with his Principal.
2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.
Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1957 - Ants die.
2007 - BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated; Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.
Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.
Wow, have times changed. whew!
SCHOOL -1957 vs. 2007 Scenario: Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.
1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2007 - School goes into lockdown, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.
Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school
1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started the fight.
Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.
1957 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin; Becomes a zombie; tested for ADD; School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.
Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.
Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school
1957 - Mark shares aspirin with his Principal.
2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.
Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1957 - Ants die.
2007 - BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated; Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.
Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.
Wow, have times changed. whew!
Monday, January 21, 2008
An Interesting Article
I was shown this article, it is an interesting read. The title of it is, "Achievement of Black Caribbean Pupils: Three Successful Primary Schools. " Click here to read it. Leave a comment, tell us what you think of it.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
First Show Completed!!!
Who hoo!! We did it, our very first show is completed. I am so excited about this, check out the pictures of the hosts, Cindy Lambert and Garrita Coddington in action. Our first guests were our illustrious President, Ms. Keisha Douglas, and the General Secretary, Mr. Mike Charles. The butterflies were in season at first, but each person in the studio took control of the mics and talked as if they had been doing this for years. This is a day to mark on our Union history calendar, truly!
Please be sure to tune in, also, free free to leave comments, feedback would be appreciated. Have any ideas for a topic, any pressing questions that you would love to have answered? Post it, or email us- teachertalkbda@gmail.com , thanks, let's make this a great year!
Education for Responsibility
Monday, January 14, 2008
Teachers have a voice
I am so excited about the upcoming Teacher Talk Show. This is a forum for all of us teachers to have a voice and bring issues that need to be addressed to the table. This show is going to be innovative, powerful and meaningful for all stakeholders in Bda.
Good Luck and have fun!!
Good Luck and have fun!!
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