This morning on Michigan Public Radio, there was a report about a new bill introduced in the Michigan legislature. Right now, teachers in Michigan have to obtain 6 continuing education credits every 5 years. The bill being introduced would remove this requirement. Taking college classes is what this teacher was referring to when he expressed distaste for school. I know what he meant about hating school was the scheduling, the cost, the "sit and get" of many college classes.
But we have a lot of kids who hate school. Do they hate school for some of the same reasons this teacher hates college classes? What are we doing to make school a place where students can say, "I love learning!"?
Yes, you did get my attention with your title. It is sad that it was spoken by a teacher, but I know what he means. Hoops to jump through, that's what legislators create. Joy is the word that should come to mind when we think of school. Your last sentence is something all teachers need to reflect on.
ReplyDeleteYou got my attention too. That is an interesting comparison that I haven't thought a lot about, but I probably should. I have a difficult time with many of my college classes, because I'm learning about fresh ways to teach material (as a teaching major). So, I totally understand the sentiment. A lot of it is knowing the students and tapping into what their interests are, what they're passionate about, and where they can/should stretch their mind. When those aspects are not realized is when the disconnect happens and individuals have a negative perception of school. Thanks for sharing your experience! It definitely has me thinking.
ReplyDeleteHow do we engage in professional development? What makes it less like hoop jumping and more like authentic, goal-directed quests to deepen our knowledge and craft? How is learning different for teachers than it is for students--where is that passion if all a teacher sees are hoops? You've given me a lot to think about today.
ReplyDeleteYes, you got my attention with that title. It is really sad to hear that. Unfortunately I hear teachers make that kind of complaint about their teaching positions. I want to say,"There's the door, don't let it hit you on the behind on your way out." I do like the way you compared the "sit and git" of University and our own classrooms. If it's not fun for you, why would your kids enjoy it. Thanks for waking me up!
ReplyDeleteLee Ann,
ReplyDeleteWe live in Mexico, where once teachers get theire teaching certificate, they don't have to take any PD courses again in their lives! And the level of education reflects that.
We only wish that all teachers at all levels were required to take courses to improve their teaching skills.
Ellen from the Just a Peek Writing Community