Welcome
Okay, according to my grandchildren I’m not only old but I’m incredibly ‘old school’. I think they have a point! So let me explain the purpose of this blog…
I’ve been a teacher off and on for about 30 years in the Chicago Public School system. I’ve taught both elementary, high school, and now I’m a part-time adjunct at an arts college. I move back and forth between institutions because the erosion of public education is mind-blowing…at least to me. I foolishly believed that teaching on the elementary level could save generations of kids. I did save some; but societal issues knocked me to my knees. You see I’m of the ilk with basic fundamental skills being taught correctly, we’re good to go in schools… sort of ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’…phonics instruction will teach kids how to read as well as rote memorization of multiplication tables: no fancy tricks-just old school!
But therein lies the rub (thanks Will S.)
According to CPS officials and administrators, the reason our students perform so horribly is the fault of the teachers; not the lack of parental involvement or horrendous societal issues- simply the teachers. And that may be partially true. But perhaps officials should look at the institutions who churn out these less than stellar instructors and keep in mind, the bottom line of these colleges/universities: tuition- translate:kaching-kaching!!!
…so why the blog?
I’m not a rocket scientist but every kid is not going to college or college material. CPS doesn’t quite get that.
What happened to schools that in the past offered auto shop, carpentry and those practical vocational skills that would afford these kids a way to ‘hustle’ (make money) without selling drugs or snatching my iPhone or my purse.
My car technician makes more money per hour than I do with all my fancy degrees. Ain’t hatin’on him, because he’s following his dream and making an honest living in the process.
The question then becomes, why can’t school systems offer and train those students who choose not to pursue higher education? Where are the ‘real’ classes in modern technology? Or anything that allows students to continue to dream and compete in this global market place without resorting to crime?
…so the point of the blog…there really ain’t no mo’ cotton to pick, sugar cane to cut, manual labor, or manufacturing in this country because as a nation we have outsourced everything , exploited everybody …for profit.
And America…this problem is nationwide not just limited to minority students.
It’s not my fault as a teacher that public education is failing.
The majority of us work like dogs. Spend our own money. Neglect our families and work for free after school and on Saturday because we love our students.
Stop blaming teachers and start listening to us because The Revolution Will Not Be Televised…simply Twittered!!!!
Your thoughts?
