Freedom Writers
So, I saw Freedom Writers today.
1st, I want to mention that she's supposed to be an English teacher and she forgot the " ' " after the "s" when she typed out "The Freedom Writers Diary" (see the mistake?).
It really made me think. She worked 3 jobs to buy her students books, and send them on trips, etc. Is that what makes a good teacher? Am I supposed to be working another job to supply my students with what they need? What if what they need is emotional support? How can I offer that if I have to worry about loosing my job if I hug a student? How can I reach my students when they are so walled off that I can't break through. Is the fact that I'm crying right now, for myself and my students, make me a good teacher? Is it okay that I feel alienated, struggling, and half way to incompetent? Will my mistakes my first few years lead me down a road that will show me how to be the best teacher I can be? Is it okay that I wonder why I felt more competent as a student teacher? Is only reaching/saving one student worth it? Yes. The question is: if I can only reach one student should I be a teacher?
Should teachers be judged on the numbers of As, Bs, Cs, Ds, and Fs their students earn? Is it okay that we're deemed completely responsible for a child's grades? Is it my fault my students don't do their work? Don't listen? Aren't respectful?
I guess it depends on who you ask.
1st, I want to mention that she's supposed to be an English teacher and she forgot the " ' " after the "s" when she typed out "The Freedom Writers Diary" (see the mistake?).
It really made me think. She worked 3 jobs to buy her students books, and send them on trips, etc. Is that what makes a good teacher? Am I supposed to be working another job to supply my students with what they need? What if what they need is emotional support? How can I offer that if I have to worry about loosing my job if I hug a student? How can I reach my students when they are so walled off that I can't break through. Is the fact that I'm crying right now, for myself and my students, make me a good teacher? Is it okay that I feel alienated, struggling, and half way to incompetent? Will my mistakes my first few years lead me down a road that will show me how to be the best teacher I can be? Is it okay that I wonder why I felt more competent as a student teacher? Is only reaching/saving one student worth it? Yes. The question is: if I can only reach one student should I be a teacher?
Should teachers be judged on the numbers of As, Bs, Cs, Ds, and Fs their students earn? Is it okay that we're deemed completely responsible for a child's grades? Is it my fault my students don't do their work? Don't listen? Aren't respectful?
I guess it depends on who you ask.