I would say that what is always the most "right" in schools are the students. Whenever I'm asked what I like the most about teaching, I answer "teaching!" A teacher's responsibilities tend to go way beyond teaching, but teaching itself is almost always a joy. Even when the students are driving me crazy, I still know they're good kids and am thankful to be their teacher.
Another aspect of schools that works very well are colleagues in the profession. I'm lucky to be in an amazing department, full of teachers who really care about the students. Sometimes my colleagues and I don't agree on policies, assessments and pedagody, but I know we all have the interest of the students at heart. Colleagues like mine make schools a positive place to be.
I agree that teachers and the rest of the faculty can make the school a positive or negative place. In order to make it positive or good for the students they should know how the styles of teaching and new methods, and create a progressive atmosphere in the classroom by using technology. Technology is what makes what students learn in the class useful in the world outside of the classroom, since so much relies on technology these days.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on your last statement. There are a number of incredible teachers, working very hard, doing amazing things for kids...and by and large the general public do not have a clue with we do.
ReplyDeleteDon't you think that your students—or any students—are just waiting for engaging learning opportunities? Do students just want to get by with the least amount of effort...or is that merely learned behavior?