Changing Perceptions...one voice at a time

Last week, AJC's Get Schooled blogger Maureen Downey highlighted a recent survey done showing a MAJOR disconnect with education reform ideas of success among parents and teachers; plus, Education Week posted findings from a poll showing a BIGGER disconnect with President Obama's education agenda and that of the public. I am not surprised by these findings; but serious dialogue and understanding of what actually takes place in the classroom is sorely needed. Hence, everyone in the village must learn to work together and be on the same page in achieving two common goals: to save and support our public schools as well as to always pursue the best interests of our children.

My sole purpose is to represent the general consensus of teachers' concerns with education, its reform tactics, and possible solutions to these problems. It is rare that we teachers are publicly invited and encouraged to give their input and share in the decision-making processes which will impact our jobs. Yet, we teachers know best what works in our classroom, not students, parents, researchers, or lawmakers. While a few commonalities exist, all classrooms are not made alike and all students are not the same. This effort to standardize everything with its "one-size-fits-all" and "quick-fix" approaches is counterproductive to student learning. Yet, the public demands answer to a highly complex problem.

Yesterday, CNN sought insights from award-winning teachers and published their suggestions to help improve schools. They include the following recommendations:

• Keep more quality teachers in the classroom
• Stop the testing obsession
• Promote the digital literacy
• Allow more teacher collaboration
• Find alternative sources for funding
• Improve parent-teacher relationships
• Push for year-round schooling
• Embrace creativity and risks
• Meet basic needs

As a teacher, I agree wholeheartedly with their reasonable suggestions. However, we teachers must be at the discussion table in determining how to achieve these. 

In closing, to say that this is the beginning of the school year nationwide, we teachers are being showered with some love and appreciation for the hard, unnoticed, yet noble work we do. On behalf of all the teachers, thanks for your support.