The JOY of Teaching

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of spending the whole morning in a 3rd grade classroom. I took a teacher to see the reading and writing workshop model so that he could relate it to his own classroom. As teachers, this opportunity has become more rare since we don't have the money to pay subs for us to see others teach.

This was a true treat. Joy is someone who I got hired with. She is a close friend and someone I have worked with for years. I have been in her room while she has been teaching (sending a message or borrowing something) but I have never had the opportunity to watch her in action for a few hours. It was pure joy (pardon the pun). The woman is spectacular. You could feel the warmth in the room. The kids celebrated their success- "Who is so proud of (name) for (blank)?" All kids raised both hands and then clapped for a student who made an accomplishment. She then congratulated him again, privately, with a huge, warm smile. Needless to say the kid was riding high.This was clearly not the first time they have celebrated another student. This was clearly a common happening.

You could tell that nothing she was doing was any more than what she normally does. The kids worked hard yet they were comfortable. They knew the expectations. They knew what to do. We saw instruction, transitions, independent work time, one on one teacher to student, small group instruction, and student share out in the author's chair.

The teacher I took to see her was equally as impressed. He said it was the best teaching he has been able to see. He felt inspired and hopefully Joy has had an effect on this teacher.

I have been writing a lot about school this year. Joy is an example of a teacher we need to STAY in the classroom. She is the epitome of "teacher," a true inspiration. Every child deserves what she does in a classroom.

There are so many excellent teachers out there. We just don't get to see them doing what they do. Joy ranks at the top. What an honor to see her in action.

Let Me Clarify

I know I am talking a lot about education and its flaws. The flaws I am talking about are about the system, NOT what is really happening in classrooms and schools. Because educators are not truly behind what the government has set up, they (except for the few that shouldn't be teachers) are working their tails off to ensure they are providing a quality education to the kids in front of them. This includes most of the people I know in the field. The work is not flawed, the motivation is not flawed, the talent is not flawed, the relationships with and impact on kids is not flawed.

Also, I was not the top 20% of my class so when I mention training the top students to become teachers I say it because the value system is different in other countries. Here, teaching is not a prestigious job as it is elsewhere.

Ok, DONE...for now.

The Race to Nowhere

I saw another movie last night that I think everyone should see, "Race to Nowhere." This movie is about the pressures of being a student in this day and age. I went to see it at a middle school in Haley's district. It was awesome to see the gym filled with parents, kids and educators. The idea that the community knows that education needs major reform was very reassuring that we are moving in the right direction.
Some points that stuck with me:
1. We need to let kids be kids. They NEED to play, at any age, to learn essential skills.

2. "Since when did schools have the power to dictate kids' lives after 3:00?" referring to the massive amounts of homework. Research shows no correlation to homework and success in k-5. there is a correlation in middle school, but after an hour it is ineffective. In high school it is 2 hours.

3. One high school abolished all homework and AP scores went way up.

4. Kids need sleep. We are over scheduling them. They need time to "be bored" in order to be innovative.

5. In other countries (those that are "beating" us) they offer the top 20% of their classes a full ride to go to college and train to be a teacher. The quality of the teacher is essential.

6. School is a place to learn life skills. Employers don't look at your standardized tests. They look to see leadership qualities, how you work in a group and how you manage different personalities. School allows children to interact in both academic and social situations. These skills are important for life.

7. The system is flawed and it takes EVERYONE to change it. Awareness is step 1. We need to talk to our kids. We want them to love learning and just just learn how to "pass."

This has been quite a year for me in my profession. I am learning more and more every day about who I am as an educator (as you have read in my posts). I find it no coincidence that two award winning films have been released in the same year that I feel the most passionate about this work. Having a child in her first year at school has added to my passion. I find it crazy that we have this system in place (everything is based on test scores) and I cannot find one teacher who agrees with it. Basically we are being hired to do a job that we don't believe is the right way of doing things. Teachers are so creative in their work, that most are able to do what they think is right while still preparing their students for what is reality.
WE CAN CHANGE THIS! And we are. Already, colleges and k-12 schools are making changes to produce productive thinkers and not stressed out kids who just know how to cram and make the grade.
See this movie. Oh, and "The King's Speech." Not a movie on education, but a brilliant film. Maybe the best I've seen all year. Ok, done with my plugs.

Aaahhhh...California

Yet another reason I love living here: Our kids can play at the ocean in the water on December 30th. Had a great outing with some good pals. Great way to end 2010.

It Was a Good One

Santa was good to all of us.

And just a few more shots from Monterey...

Monterey

We just enjoyed a night away in Monterey. Here we all are in the very spot we exchanged our vows. We talked about our wedding and Haley said, "I don't remember it because I was in your tummy."

We enjoyed the aquarium in two parts. Went for a bit, went and got lunch and then went back for more. This is an example of when it's nice that Ryan doesn't nap anymore. Nothing was rushed.
The jellyfish have always been my favorite but I must say that the seahorse exhibit gives it a run for the money.
We have been enjoying our days off together after a rocky first day of break) let's just say that Ry was relentless). It was great to get away right off the bat and be so relaxed in the midst of the holiday madness. We are spending time playing and catching up with friends. Got to see some cousins I haven't seen in close to 25 years last night and got to catch up with the Kobels tonight.

We look forward to more relaxation and togetherness. Love the holidays.

December...so far

We've been baking.
Here are the boys cooking matza ball soup for Hanukkah.
We got to see Shrek the Musical- FABULOUS show!