Monday, December 22, 2008

Something to think on...

Education for all

I was saddened after reading an article in the Washington Post on education in Afghanistan. We, on this little island, take free and available education for granted. We do not realize that there are places where children cannot go to school because they are forced into labour camps, or sweat shops. Girls are not afforded the right to an education as they are seen as not being equal enough to be able to be literate. Wow.

What a year...

It has been a while since the talking teacher has posted up. What a year we have been through. New Education Ministers, meetings during that day that disrupted the flow of the day, press conferences, battles with the board, people getting "15" minutes of fame, according to some, what a year. The Talking Teacher must say though, despite it all fellow teachers, you must do it for our young scholars. You have to> I am amazed and also enraged at the ignorance that some hold about the Government system. In fact, I usually try to stay out of the barber shop conversations, and the family get togethers when education appears on the radar. Sometimes though, the ignorance prevails so much that I find myself drawn into the conversation like a pit-bull being drawn to a cat. But ignorance has no place in 2009.

2008 was great my people, but 2009, your classroom experience must be divine. We must be the best for them. They need us to be. Educators, seek to present the best laid out plans for them. If that didn't work, go home, reformulate, and then try again. Never stop trying, never think that you have reached a point where you think you can't improve. For real.

To the teachers who are just in it for the money, or even for the holidays, maybe it is time to try another career option. Seriously though, there are many other options that can make you more money, much faster. We don't need any dead weights in 2009, none!!

My challenges:

To the Paras- you are the right hand in the classroom, think not that you are limited in what you can do. Link with the teacher and be the professional as your name describes.

To the teachers- never be content, always try to improve your craft, after all, it is the BEST profession in the world.

To the principals- be visible, be the support that your teachers need, let them know and feel your presence in a positive way.

To the custodians - Take pride in your surroundings, your love for a clean environment will rub off on the students.

To everyone- 2008 was great, but we have to, we must make 2009 devine!!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Episode 13- It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

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