there is hope

With all the talk of education these days, you might begin to think that all hope is lost; that there is no good happening at all in the public education realm. And while I generally agree that the machine is indeed broken, I’m here to alleviate any anxiety you might be feeling about the sky falling. There is hope for public education and I’m here to tell you where you can find it. (Psst, this is just between you and me, ok? No? Fine, share it with someone you know. No, forget that. Scream what I’m about to share with you from a mountaintop. This needs to be heard.)

There are excellent teachers who are making a difference right now.

Right this very second.

How do I know this? Because I work with some of them.

There is a third grade teacher at my school who loves to explore the world of science with her students. As one who doesn’t feel very comfortable teaching science, I would be well served to watch her do her magic. (I’m not saying science is magic. Not at all. I’m not out to offend scientists by describing their craft as magic. I LOVE SCIENTISTS. I’m a huge fan of the Science Association of Scientists Who Do Science…allrighty then…) There is a teacher (she’s now a reading specialist) who is known for her patience. She had a very hard class during the 2009-2010 school year but managed her room with grace. As one who sometimes struggles with patience, I could learn a thing or two from watching her deal with disruptions. The sixth grade teachers are masters at creating end of unit performance events that enhance their students’ learning. You guessed it: I need that wisdom passed on. I got to see one of my peers educate the staff on setting up and executing small groups. It was an invaluable experience. The first grade teachers are doing their thing, I’m telling you. When I see their classes in the hallway and witness how those students hang on their teachers’ every word, I silently wish for my class to do the same.

I could go on. Right here in north St. Louis, I work with some teachers who are busting their butts to make sure their students are learning how to read, write and do math.

So, my friends, have hope on this day that more teachers like these saturate the market. Because fixing that old raggedy busted up machine starts right here in the classroom.

Filed under: teaching