In This Case I Agree, Somewhat.
Posted: Tuesday, March 10, 2009
by straight talk
As many of you already know I do not agree often with what this new president has to offer but I do agree with merit pay for teachers who produce. Shocked, well don't be, I can accept the good when it is. Too often we seem to feel that degrees, title or tenure makes for a good teacher. That in my opinion and by experience is not so. The proof as in everything is in the results. If your not afraid of your ability to deliver and your capability then put your expertise where your mouth is.
I have seen first hand in the classroom as a teacher and as a Youth Minister the results of caring, of quality, of fixing responsibility. However I would also be negligent if I did not say we have lost respect in our schools. Too many threats by students and parents. We need to protect our children but at the same time not allow disruptive forces or bad teachers to ruin a student or bad students a good teacher, in some cases for life. The only way any of this can be effective is the acceptance of truth, integrity, responsibility. If we can't do that and this is a serious concern all across this land of teachers and parents, then we are truly doomed.
So when you hand out rewards make sure it isn't someone's buddy always getting the money or promotion and make it based on multiple measurable inputs and parameters. Yes and also do not forget all the others on staff who also create a good solid learning environment. They as well contribute. It is not just in the classroom.
So while I do not know if all the parameters are acceptable but in the case of merit pay, I think no one should fear it if fair and equitable. Yes and as for preschool children, well go get em. They are our future and as my little 5 year old Paleontologist who speaks it better then many adults and knows just what it is, that is the result of teaching and that person does not even hold a degree. It is called love, zeal, committment, responsibility, caring.
Now the somewhat I allude to is that this man consistently has to speak about the world. Time and time again his agenda clear as day, the world, the world, the world. He wants to teach to a world standard. Hey, we are all one big happy market, oh I'm sorry family, are we, really? Yes reality, that New World Order slipping past most. Aside from that I think he has some good points. Lets hope he does not forget this, we are Americans first.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. 2009 Copyright 2009 Robert Melaccio
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Robert, I really liked this article. I was a volunteer in my son's third grade classroom for a year as a volunteer as a teachers aide, and it was definately an eye opener. I think that it should be a requirement to have each parent volunteer, just to see what the teachers have to put up with. It opened my eyes!! It's not easy. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, and it was indeed a learning experience for ME. I have a much better respect for what teachers do to this very day. I was volunteering for the whole day, at the time, I was working the swing shift, and didn't have to be into work until 4:30 pm, so I did this for the whole year. My teacher says she didn't know what she would do without me, (being kind I'm sure). Although a Mechanical Engineer in my real job, I loved doing the volunteer work. I hope the plans for the teachers that Obama has in store, are those that address the current issues. The are our future these kids, and we need authenic education in our schools, not facilities for baby sitters. Parents need to become more involved with the schools and parenting. I loved your article, and agree with it's entirety. Your fan, and friend in pen, Gary. Great article.Please log in to respond to this comment.Thanks my friend. Yes a trip to any school as you did will point out quite vividly the good, the bad and the ugly. As I said, given the tools children and young adults are hungry to learn, grow, know. They want truth, they accept responsibility but when the examples are the opposite they also learn that lesson as well. I can get what I want and do little to nothing. I have been blessed to see results from children, young adults who were discarded and I mean that literally by their parents and the system. Incorrigible and yet now they are in college, getting good grades, have a goal and objective and know they are unique inc reation and have a worth. They have broken from bad and are doing good. All it takes is caring and truth as any good thing in life does. Best wishes my friend and well wishes. Robert.Please log in to respond to this comment.
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