Now that school has resumed, it is probably time to resurrect my blog. Over the summer, like many other #oklaed bloggers, I decided to stay away from the keyboard for a time. Unlike the others, I took a break for the entire summer.
There were definitely plenty of things to write about, but I thought it better to wait. I came to this conclusion mainly because I needed the time to get back to some of my original intent with my blog. When I created the blog I wanted to share ideas for professional development and not spend so much time on some of the political aspects of education. I still have that goal, but now realize that there is often a great need to speak up for my students and teachers.
One of my focusses this summer involved filling vacancies in my staff. I don't know if you have paid attention to the news & commentary on this issue, but there is a major shortage of teachers in this state. Many districts across the state are being forced to fill classrooms with substitutes or overcrowd other classrooms. Neither option is ideal in any way, shape or form. I can remember when I applied for jobs, it was very difficult to find a job. When I graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in the fall term there were close to 120 people that were graduating with me. Now the university is sending out about 1/3 as many graduates in the fall semester. Many of them will jump ship and go to a nearby state (just south of the Red River).
Why?
Why are there so few candidates? Quite simply, money is a big factor. Why do so few go into education as a career? Why should they when there are so many other careers out there that are better paying and garner greater respect?
How do you encourage a student to go into education when they can earn more during a summer internship than a certified first year teacher?
One way-pay them more! Give teachers the respect they deserve by paying them for all the hard work they put in. I know some people think teachers are already paid too much. There is this misconception that teachers have tons of time off and short work days. Teachers don't just work from 8:00 to 3:00. Many will spend a few hours before and after school working on school projects. These teachers often work during the summer, take classes and spend half the summer preparing for the next year. How many other careers do you have to do that for?
Maybe you don't realize it, but a teacher that is a single parent, with two or more students in the home qualifies for free/reduced lunches. How do we let that happen?
As we start this year, lets keep that in mind. Think about the people we elect to office & research how they vote when it comes to education. Do they support our students? Do they support our teachers? Do they change with every breeze and lack any true convictions? Are they willing to say anything to get re-elected? It is very important that we keep those issues in mind.
Despite my best efforts to avoid the topic, it always comes back to the decisions being made by people with no experience and expertise that dictate policy for schools. I hope that common sense returns to politics & those in office will make decisions that are truly best for students and not just copy what other states are doing and trying to make it fit our kids without providing the additional funds.
There were definitely plenty of things to write about, but I thought it better to wait. I came to this conclusion mainly because I needed the time to get back to some of my original intent with my blog. When I created the blog I wanted to share ideas for professional development and not spend so much time on some of the political aspects of education. I still have that goal, but now realize that there is often a great need to speak up for my students and teachers.
One of my focusses this summer involved filling vacancies in my staff. I don't know if you have paid attention to the news & commentary on this issue, but there is a major shortage of teachers in this state. Many districts across the state are being forced to fill classrooms with substitutes or overcrowd other classrooms. Neither option is ideal in any way, shape or form. I can remember when I applied for jobs, it was very difficult to find a job. When I graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in the fall term there were close to 120 people that were graduating with me. Now the university is sending out about 1/3 as many graduates in the fall semester. Many of them will jump ship and go to a nearby state (just south of the Red River).
Why?
Why are there so few candidates? Quite simply, money is a big factor. Why do so few go into education as a career? Why should they when there are so many other careers out there that are better paying and garner greater respect?
How do you encourage a student to go into education when they can earn more during a summer internship than a certified first year teacher?
One way-pay them more! Give teachers the respect they deserve by paying them for all the hard work they put in. I know some people think teachers are already paid too much. There is this misconception that teachers have tons of time off and short work days. Teachers don't just work from 8:00 to 3:00. Many will spend a few hours before and after school working on school projects. These teachers often work during the summer, take classes and spend half the summer preparing for the next year. How many other careers do you have to do that for?
Maybe you don't realize it, but a teacher that is a single parent, with two or more students in the home qualifies for free/reduced lunches. How do we let that happen?
As we start this year, lets keep that in mind. Think about the people we elect to office & research how they vote when it comes to education. Do they support our students? Do they support our teachers? Do they change with every breeze and lack any true convictions? Are they willing to say anything to get re-elected? It is very important that we keep those issues in mind.
Despite my best efforts to avoid the topic, it always comes back to the decisions being made by people with no experience and expertise that dictate policy for schools. I hope that common sense returns to politics & those in office will make decisions that are truly best for students and not just copy what other states are doing and trying to make it fit our kids without providing the additional funds.
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