tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post2302407356160820947..comments2022-01-08T12:23:42.965-05:00Comments on A GeekyMomma's Blog: I'm Not Who You Think I AmLee Kolberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710085354049378555noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-32504789772720451532012-03-08T22:39:47.395-05:002012-03-08T22:39:47.395-05:00Another insightful post Lee. I feel like I am on t...Another insightful post Lee. I feel like I am on the same plight.Rachelhttp://www.uprightvacuumcleanerreviews.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-541414275371310062011-11-30T09:18:35.226-05:002011-11-30T09:18:35.226-05:00Stumbled across this discussion after viewing the ...Stumbled across this discussion after viewing the post on bullying. WOW! Made me realize that the "ivory tower" may be transforming into a "cyber tower". Like most things in life good teacheing (and, for that matter, good parenting) is about balance. Striking the correct balance is the trick.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-72885676220065513212011-11-04T08:47:46.052-04:002011-11-04T08:47:46.052-04:00It is thretening wonderful to read your article. I...It is thretening wonderful to read your article. I appreciate your style.iPhone Developerhttp://www.socialcubix.com/services/iphone-developernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-31489621180927030402011-08-26T02:45:10.506-04:002011-08-26T02:45:10.506-04:00As a teacher starting her 2nd year back in the cla...As a teacher starting her 2nd year back in the classroom after more than a decade in other tech positions, I feel the same pull and push from both sides that you feel.iPhone Developershttp://www.mobilecubix.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-56511247459458401432011-07-21T08:21:22.772-04:002011-07-21T08:21:22.772-04:00Sounds very interesting! I will check this out!Sounds very interesting! I will check this out!oakland security systemshttp://pinnaclesecurity.com/providers-Oakland-CA.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-20417946293797689802011-04-15T10:31:11.077-04:002011-04-15T10:31:11.077-04:00Its really a nice blog.Its really a nice blog.Buy Essayshttp://www.essaysale.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-23874018531226277012010-11-17T10:31:32.224-05:002010-11-17T10:31:32.224-05:00Not anything too deep here...and a little overdue....Not anything too deep here...and a little overdue...but Thank you! <br />I saw those tweets, too that night but didn't chime in cause I'm personally child-free by choice and it seems if you're child-free you don't get a say in convos like this ("what do you know - you're not a parent!") even if you are a teacher, auntie, daughter, etc. <br /><br />But this was/is a great convo to have and thank you for starting it. It's brave you are! I also hope you win an Edubloggers award for it, as you've deservedly been nominated by one awesome educator, Carolyn Foote! Cheers!@GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-84335454855761600772010-11-02T11:26:34.512-04:002010-11-02T11:26:34.512-04:00"I'm Not Who You Think I am" Food fo..."I'm Not Who You Think I am" Food for thought as a special education teacher. I do feel student find comfort in rules. They know what is expected of them. If they choice not to follow direction they know what the consequences are. My students tend to monitor each other. Encouraging their peers to stop! I have a great attendance rate for special education student My students population they tend to be hall walkers usually. I give them extra points if they don't engage when their peers are acting out. I try not to be loud as a teacher because I am loud to begin with. I us my voice when I play and when I correct my students I talk low.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08914954997504358136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-90511756940004196892010-09-26T01:34:09.901-04:002010-09-26T01:34:09.901-04:00Lee, this is such a great conversation with so man...Lee, this is such a great conversation with so many thoughtful things said. Thank you. <br /><br />Thanks also for the the comment you left a few days ago, "... Unfortunately, there are many (too many) teachers on our staff that are younger and have been brainwashed into believing that the test is gold and their measurement of whether they are a good teacher or not is how their children score." <br /><br />I'm seeing this at my school too, and it's really frustrating. Not sure what to do...Mark Ahlnesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17272987393319865752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-17675144078854993362010-09-22T14:12:35.700-04:002010-09-22T14:12:35.700-04:00I needed this! Thank you for stating how truly di...I needed this! Thank you for stating how truly difficult it is for a classroom teacher to find that perfect mix of organization, tech, and grand ideas we make every effort to implement. Yet, I'm glad for the part that I CAN do, despite the rules that assist along the way.jgriffith2https://www.blogger.com/profile/06417969923522097009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-4071641789578117352010-09-21T22:44:33.277-04:002010-09-21T22:44:33.277-04:00My name is Len Jenkins. I will be summarizing my v...My name is Len Jenkins. I will be summarizing my visits to your blog, for a class.<br /><br />The class blog link is <br />http://edm310.blogspot.com/<br /><br />My blog link is<br /><br />http://JenkinsLenedm310.blogspot.com/<br /><br />I enjoyed reading your post. Rules are always needed because if the kids can't break the rules, who knows what they will try to break. As long as the students are learning life skills and indirectly(or directly) how these rules relate to life in general, what harm is being done? Great post, and I look forward to reading more.Len Jenkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08834028649806094137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-15762471120120254892010-09-15T15:06:45.752-04:002010-09-15T15:06:45.752-04:00Nothing too deep here - but I'd be very please...Nothing too deep here - but I'd be very pleased if my child was in your classroom.IMC Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16279699282698965195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-30521491448240510022010-09-12T17:00:58.733-04:002010-09-12T17:00:58.733-04:00There certainly is a lot to think about within thi...There certainly is a lot to think about within this discussion. I'm glad, both as a parent and teacher, to read through it as the school year begins - and before our back- to-school nights. <br /><br />I hope teachers welcome discussions with parents. If parents don't understand what I'm doing, I want them to ask. As with any group, sometimes there's agreement and sometimes not. When teachers are faced with parents who disagree, they should be able to explain why they're doing what they're doing in the classroom, whether it is simply board policy and/or based on sound research, their own observations of their specific group of students, or past professional experience. Parents, too, should be able to answer the question of why they disagree if they're going to object to what is being done in the classroom, and their objections, too, should be based on school board policy, sound research, or specific concerns related to what they know is best for their child. (And if board policies or laws need to change, a whole other route should be taken of course.)<br /><br />There are times when teachers or parents disagree and the disagreement cannot be left as is. I've been in this situation a few times. The rule, policy or situation was wrong - simple as that. I always try to discuss and listen and explain, but there really were times when wrong was wrong, and I had to work to get things changed. (As parents, that is when we left the child out of it until things were settled.) This is such an important, and tricky, thing to teach and live and I don't at all like to be in these situations. But my situations were minor compared to what some throughout history have faced.<br /><br />Most of the times, though, if I disagree, I understand that disagreeing doesn't actually mean the same thing as having to get my way. It's when adults, and sometimes the children (my older daughter sometimes for sure as she got older), think the two are the same, that the partnerships can be strained and relationships might need to be mended before productive work can be accomplished.<br /><br />I would like to say again, though, that it is everyone's responsibility to be a thinker as is appropriate for your age and situation. For example, if you think the bathroom policy in your kindergarten is wrong, it is OK to tell your mom. And if you are a principal or board member and don't understand why your teachers want computers in their classrooms, it is OK to do some research and listen to those with experience. And it is OK to make sure that everyone invested knows that it is OK to think, respectfully think and discuss, even if they don't agree with you.Maryann Molishushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11092566731134667653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-32732773513304699012010-09-12T13:03:11.321-04:002010-09-12T13:03:11.321-04:00Penny,
Thank you for re-publishing your comment he...Penny,<br />Thank you for re-publishing your comment here. Your efforts and contributions to this conversation are much appreciated.<br />LeeLee Kolberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14710085354049378555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-89616816363302189502010-09-12T11:36:59.938-04:002010-09-12T11:36:59.938-04:00Lee, I had tried to be vague in my reference here ...Lee, I had tried to be vague in my reference here but I realize on elsewhere I failed miserably. However it brought a hypothetical fear into reality for me and that was disturbing. I still feel there is need for more discussion around the issue as it is a deterrent for a lot of parents (myself included).<br /><br />I have edited my previous post out of respect because like others here I really don't buy that you "suck" at all.Pennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041207585390016004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-62710017367575114732010-09-12T11:23:13.991-04:002010-09-12T11:23:13.991-04:00I'm wondering why everything is framed in &quo...I'm wondering why everything is framed in "problem, disagree, battles". Why is that the focus of contact? Could it be possible that a parent actually understands your challenges? that they would like to help? that those emails are a way of reaching out to help (though I agree sans cc to admin)? that they could be an ally instead of an adversary?<br /><br />To steal Shirky's phrase... there is a huge "cognitive surplus" that lies within parents. We have so much more to offer than sticky notes (not that we won't provide those too!). The question is how do we engage at that level? How do we move beyond labeling parents as either a luddite or a troublemaker .. and find some sort of middle ground?<br /><br />When my 9yo came home last year terribly disappointed that she had moved from a dynamic, project-laden, tech-infused classroom to one that was traditional, text-book based and no tech or projects to be found .. my advice to her was as follows...<br /><br />'Every teacher has something unique to share with you .. it's your job to figure out what that is'<br /><br />I'd like to challenge teachers to think the same way about parents.Pennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041207585390016004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-72544768228695327512010-09-12T10:38:37.951-04:002010-09-12T10:38:37.951-04:00Gary,
My comment was not a call for the discussion...Gary,<br />My comment was not a call for the discussion to end. Did you ever see "White Men Can't Jump?" there's a great scene in there where the Woody Harrelson asks Rosie Perez if she wants a glass of water. She jumps all over him wondering what he "really" meant. Finally he says, "Sometimes a glass of water is just a glass of water."<br /><br />In answer to your #2, I agree that there are times when you should go to an admin and stand your ground. But Gary, not over whether your child has to do 20 minutes of homework a night or is being asked to create a diorama which you feel is pointless. Talk to the teacher about it but in the end, if the teacher still feels that a modified assignment is not appropriate then I think its important that you tell your child that sometimes you have to do things you don't want to or agree with . Better yet, at 10 years old, I'm not sure they need to be on that discussion at all yet. <br /><br />As for teachers rising up against standardized testing, plenty do. I do. I know lots who do. It's a fight that is exhausting because you know as well as I do that nothing is going to change because big money is tied to it. <br /><br />Unless it's a local battle, such as what occurred here last year in our district where our parents and teachers literally took down our new Chief Academic Officer using FaceBook (search "Testing is Not Teaching"), I really think we just have to ride out the storm and when we close the doors to our classrooms do what we know is best. For the record, I don't even mention the word FCAT all year until we get really close to the test and have to make sure they understand how to bubble in correctly on the answer sheets. Unfortunately, there are many (too many) teachers on our staff that are younger and have been brainwashed into believing that the test is gold and their measurement of whether they are a good teacher or not is how their children score. <br /><br />Also in response to any concerns that I truly suck... I don't. I know I'm a great teacher despite having some rules that are not a NOT arbitrary and I love all my kids and they learn a lot even on standardized test which I could give a crap about. <br /><br />My post was in defense of too many teachers who end up feeling badly about themselves based on judgments by those of US in the edublogger community who are very quick to judge. In many ways we alienate the very people we're trying to encourage. I've had people come to my presentations at conferences and tell me they just left another one and feel deflated. My goal is to encourage, inspire and hope that at least one person (but how nice if every person) in there could bring back something they could use the next day. Don't we all want that? Are we achieving that?Lee Kolberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14710085354049378555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-41605832174788340322010-09-12T10:02:29.922-04:002010-09-12T10:02:29.922-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Lee Kolberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14710085354049378555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-78288985331914953002010-09-12T09:59:49.452-04:002010-09-12T09:59:49.452-04:00I'm thinking about my local elementary school,...I'm thinking about my local elementary school, where there are two teachers for each grade. As it happens, for most grades, one teacher is fairly progressive and the teacher is fairly traditional (for lack of a better term). Of parents who request one teacher or the other, the split is about 50-50. All of them are happy.<br /><br />Now I'm thinking about two teachers from the founding year of our middle school. One was unresponsive to students' needs and adopted highly questionable educational practices that lacked rigor and placed students at risk for their future. The other was highly responsive to students' needs, creative in educational approaches, and prepared students well for the future. <br /><br />Oh, wait. Both teachers were me. It depends on who you would have been talking to.<br /><br />Bottom line, different kids need different approaches, different parents want different approaches, and different teachers use different approaches. I would argue it's the job of all concerned to assume best intentions, understand and recognize differences of opinion, and find some sort of common ground. Part of that may have to be recognizing a student's learning style and and a teacher's style may be a poor match, but hey, everyone can learn from everyone. In the end, though, if as a teacher I am drawing on research as well as 25+ years of experience, conversations, and reflections, at some point that has to count for something. Similarly, if as a parent I think a teacher is doing what they sincerely believe is best even if it's not remotely the way I would teach, I need to be respectful of that. Utter disrespect I would not tolerate. And my son knows quite well how I teach and what I believe in. But he also knows quite well my advice will almost inevitably be, "The teacher is doing his/her best. Your job is to do your best."bill01370https://www.blogger.com/profile/07062022069681533843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-69764583054441892102010-09-12T04:13:05.367-04:002010-09-12T04:13:05.367-04:00wooooooow....what a post to come across in the mid...wooooooow....what a post to come across in the middle of the night!<br />I commend you for your passion and ability to discuss what you're thinking and feeling...as a former teacher, who is now an admin...but most importantly a mom, it's clear what a bear trap situations like this can become. I wanted support from my parents when I taught, and the easoest way to establish tht support was proving tht i genuinely cared about their child. EVERY child...wink wink. Once tht was clear, everything else i did made more sense to all involved. My one rule (to make me look good) was apied daily in a dozen different ways. Some days were better than others and every day made me grow...<br />As an admin now, what I most hope to convey to my teachers is tht thy are teaching someone's reason for everything. There is a picture on their mantel of THT child...be very careful of what you say and how you say it, because it's only natural tht if start off witjh all the negative, you're going to get a defensive parent off the bat.<br />Teaching is about relationships. If you care about them and what you're doing, i believe you can teach them anything. Whether it be how to behave in a structured environment or how to add...each child is different .<br /><br />I also agree, tht there is a difference in primary vs secondary education. I also am so proud to be a part of a PLN tht can discuss, debate, and share on such an important topic..lastly, i blame alllllllll typos on the 12 week old "reason for everything" tht i'm holding in one hand, as i'm typing this on my phone at 3am in my other hand, :)Amber Teamann (8Amber8)http://www.gblog.garlandisd.net/users/adteamannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-65271920166151300962010-09-12T02:02:27.893-04:002010-09-12T02:02:27.893-04:00Is this video related to this topic?
http://vime...Is this video related to this topic?<br /><br /> http://vimeo.com/14894814Gary Stagerhttp://stager.tv/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-87035533158577200552010-09-12T01:20:15.819-04:002010-09-12T01:20:15.819-04:00Penny,
You just made (IMHO) a very important cont...Penny,<br /><br />You just made (IMHO) a very important contribution to the discussion.<br /><br />All of my comments have been based on a desire to avoid adversarial relationships between teachers and students or teachers and parents.<br /><br />Nicely said,<br /><br />GaryGary Stagerhttp://stager.tv/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-63092041379273582732010-09-12T01:07:40.421-04:002010-09-12T01:07:40.421-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Pennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041207585390016004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-64938754085227114682010-09-12T00:11:30.806-04:002010-09-12T00:11:30.806-04:00This is a very interesting discussion by a group o...This is a very interesting discussion by a group of well meaning educators. There are many ways to do "teaching" right. As long as the teacher is focused on what is best for the student, many approaches are very effective. Give me a teacher who works hard for students, be they authoritarian or relaxed and I will be a happy parent. I want a teacher for my child that turns them on to doing something they couldn't do before. My kids have had excellent teachers who were very authoritarian, yet cared deeply for each student; conversely, they have had teachers with a "rules get in the way" approach and have grown immensely. There literally hundreds of ways to do "teaching" right, as long as there is caring, passion, and a sense of direction, I will be quite happy with the teacher my child is assigned to.Dave Meisterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18133392564940774157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12559663.post-20539455941745428762010-09-11T22:32:07.518-04:002010-09-11T22:32:07.518-04:00Lee,
I hope you're last response wasn't a...Lee,<br /><br />I hope you're last response wasn't a call for the discussion to end. I think it's one of the richest ones since educators began blogging. I think that the discussion has been remarkably focused, even if I would prefer more direct questions be answered.<br /><br />That said, I agree with you and disagree with you on two points.<br /><br />1) Cc:ing superiors is a dicky thing to do. MOST people know better. It would be swell if you're superior would ask the person not to go over your head unless as a last resort. We've all had it done to us, but it's best to take it in stride.<br /><br />2) What IF what you as a teacher does with/to my student offends me in a serious fashion, we talk and you decide to proceed as usual?<br /><br />What THEN is a parent to do? It would be discourteous for a child to be disrespectful towards a teacher, but when a parent and/or a student is being ill-served by a teacher's behavior, rules, pedagogical mythology that does not mean that the teacher is being undermined. <br /><br />In fact, I don't understand where teachers got the sense that they have such authority to be "undermined."<br /><br />If a teacher does indeed feel so powerful and righteous that their classroom is their castle, then I would expect them to start publicly rebelling against standardized testing, district mandates, IWBs, homework policies, grading, tracking or other miseducative practices that diminish the quality of education a teacher wants for her classroom.<br /><br />In other words, if you have the power to tell a student or parent to toe-the-line, then you should have the power and courage to tell the system to take their mandates and shove 'em.<br /><br />If a teacher displayed such courage, I suspect that even more students and parents would be your ally.Gary Stagerhttp://stager.tv/blognoreply@blogger.com