I've been here since 2004. Never have written a diary, rarely make comments. I lurk. I read and attempt to educate myself. Others write much more eloquently.
Friends would be shocked to find out there was an area in my life where I was actually quiet. With that said...
This morning I was reading an article on The Huffington Post regarding the tragic story of the kid who took his classmates hostage and eventually killed himself. The story closed with these two paragraphs:
One hero of the standoff was the teacher, Valerie Burd, who earned praise for helping Hengel and the other students remain calm. A student had scrawled a note in the classroom hailing Burd for keeping the situation under control.
"She is the most amazing teacher ever. She is so brave & calm during this whole time," the note said. "She could have just ran at any time but she stayed & protected us with her life. She is my hero."
This took place in Marinette, WISCONSIN. Just another example of an undeserving teacher who's on the dole. Right.
Ms. Burd found herself in an extraordinary situation and acted in an extraordinary manner. Thank God the overwhelming majority of teachers are not tested similarly. However, their jobs are far from easy. I realize I'm preaching to the choir but thought it worthy to sing the chorus again (so to speak).
I attended private schools. My first experience with the public school system has been via my son's education. I'm one of those parents who has volunteered in the classroom and PTA. My direct involvement has slowed as he's aged - I've found the teachers are not used to having parents in the classroom. I still help out behind the scenes and make it a point to stop in regularly to make contact. My son is a good kid but not perfect. As his parents, we hold him accountable. I've come to understand we are not as common as I would hope.
Early on I learned to appreciate how difficult a teacher's job was. My son's school has a high poverty rate and all the problems that come with that fact. I've watched as his teachers became personal counselors to parents and students alike, arbitrators, cooks, parents and yes, babysitters - but not in the way detractors mean. Too often the parents can't do the job they would like or simply don't. By default, it gets left to the schools and teachers to look out for the best interest of the kids. I never ceased to be amazed at some of the roles teachers are forced into.
Earlier this week, a 2005 TIME Magazine article titled "Parents Behaving Badly" made it to the top ten most read list. Although 6 years old, it is sadly still relevant. Many want to blame the teachers for the state of education. They play a role but, in my humble opinion, the parents play a bigger part.
As I listen to the rhetoric in Wisconsin, I can't help but wonder how many of the loudest voices have school aged children? And if they do, are they involved? Have they spent considerable time in a classroom? If they haven't, they should. Perhaps then they would have a change of heart.
For those who begrudge teachers (& public employees) a livable wage and benefits, it comes down to jealousy. As we know, many taxpayers don't have health insurance or a pension. Because they don't, they question why their taxes should go to pay for other people's benefits and wages. It's a short sighted and small minded attitude for which I have no answers other than education.
I have no idea how Ms. Burd feels about Gov. Walker's budget plans but, if she's opposed, she would be a powerful symbol in the fight.
And, to all the teachers, thank you. You are appreciated.
There. I finally lost my (diary) virginity.