Back to School Challenges

Today, President Obama gave his second annual Back-to-School speech. Read the transcript or view his speech below:

While his speech focus primarily on student responsibility and setting goals, this blog entry will focus more on the challenges teachers will face this school year. For many schools, they are probably at least on their second weeks; many schools in metro Atlanta are on their fifth week. Nevertheless, the challenges are real and may provide a potential adverse impact on student achievement if nothing is done soon. In an article published yesterday, NEA Today cited eight back-to-school challenges for teachers:

1. Overcrowding classrooms
2. Proper use of technology
3. Cyberbullying
4. The implementation and reauthorization of NCLB
5. Parental involvment
6. Teachers' salaries
7. Healthy nutrition for students
8. Funding for public schools

Regardless of the challenges teachers will face this school year, I want them to know they are still loved and appreciated. As a former teacher, I do understand your struggles and fears; yet, I commend you all for doing something I could no longer do...hang in there in spite of. Teachers, as long as you do what you are supposed to do, you will forever have my unconditional support. Courtesy of SOS Million Teacher March, cheers to you:



May God bless you all as you endure another school year while inspiring and educating our children. Indeed you all make a difference.