Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Can Someone Please Start a Movement?

Can someone please start a movement? I would, but as it may seem a little self-serving on my part, it might not be such a good idea. But can someone else PLEASE start a movement?
I even know what the buttons and bumper stickers could say: I am a PROUD parent of a public school student! Because I am a proud parent of three children who went to public schools. And guess what? They aren't illiterate! I know, you might think they are if you live in Canada or the United States. Because lately, anything that has been said about public school and its teachers has been negative. Unless a teacher is literally sacrificing his or her own life for their students, when was the last time you read anything positive about teachers these days? A little harsh, yes I know.
But, as I said, they aren't illiterate. Quite the opposite as a matter of fact. The two older ones are in college (or University, depends on if you're an American or a Canadian). The oldest is a Mechanical Engineer major, and the middle is an English major. My youngest is in grade 11 (or a Junior if you are an American). But, just because they are in school doesn't mean they are literate. However the two older ones on the Dean's List at their respective universities just might prove they aren't illiterate. My youngest makes quite nice grades as well.

Before you may have any misunderstandings, let me clarify a few things for you:

1. My children did not grow up with wealth. We are a typical middle class family. Granted, my husband and I are both in the education field- he is a professor at a small Bible college and I teach Kindergarten (yes, in a public school- thus the reason I can't start the movement). I will say though, that I have only taught in the public system for 4 years, before that I taught in a private day care setting.

2. My children did not go to the "best" schools in the "best" neighbourhood. We live in the country and my children rode the school bus every day of their public school career.

3. They had regular classes at their high school. They did not even have the benefit of going to a school that offered the International Baccalaureate program, or even Advanced Placement courses. They had common, regular, old academic classes.

4. They would not test into the gifted category. If you took their IQ, it may be a bit above average, but still in the average zone. No Mensa members in this family!

5. My children did/do more then just go to school. They were involved in youth groups, jobs, sports, had friends.

Why am I saying all of this? Because I believe in Public Education. I believe Public Education not only works, but it is what keeps Canada and the United States going. Yes, our "test scores" are "behind the rest of the world"--but we have two countries who are dedicated to educating ALL of its children, not just the smart ones, the typical ones, the right ones. I once read that there are three types of lies: Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics. We can manipulate numbers to say pretty much what we want them to say.
Is Public Education perfect? Far from it. We have too many people spouting off too many opinions who have not spent too many hours in the classroom. We have increased needs and decreased resources. We have children coming to school hungry, cold, tired. We have too much of a disparity in how we fund public education, so the rich get the goods and the poor, underserved communities continue to be underserved. There is a lot wrong with education right now. But stop laying the blame on the teachers!
In every job there are good and bad employees. I know teaching is no exception, but I am still looking for that teacher that comes in at the last minute and leaves as soon as the bell rings. I am still looking for that teacher that doesn't worry about their students, doesn't do extra work at night preparing for the next day. Teachers care. Teachers show up to work every day knowing that someone else is sitting at home complaining that teachers have it easy. They also know that someone may be going on social media slandering them personally- it happens! And what do teachers do in response? They show up the next day ready to teach. They love their students and truly want what's best for them.
So can someone PLEASE start that movement?
Thanks.

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