FIRST PERSON - A REAL EDUCATION: When a Reporter Becomes a Teacher, She Learns Something

Columbia Jounralism Review ^ | March/April Edition 2002 | Christina Asquith

[Libertina]

They called me "miss," and were shy, obedient, and eager to please. They wanted stickers for their notebooks and to read the Harry Potter books.
That does not sound correct, but if they were "eager to please" -good for the students. However, this liberal reporter, now just seeing the REALITY of our worst schools, probably voted in the very liberal extremists who created it in the first place. And, she is likely to CONTINUE. On the flip side, perhaps because she's a Reporter (Whoop-de-do) the other 95% liberal reporters might listen to her and start really investigating.

[summer]

it may be worth it not to worry about discipline problems.

IMO, that is how most private school teachers feel -- they take the lower pay in exchange for fewer headaches at work.

[summer]

I think this reporter actually went through a significant change, based on her realization, for example, that she was previously interviewing the least knowledgable sources for her stories.

And, most students will give a teacher a chance as they test the waters. But, had she taught in 7th grade, instead of 6th grade, I wonder if she would have characterized the class as "eager to please." At that age, many students are far less interested in what their teachers think of them, than what their peers think of them.

[summer]

Excerpt: "Yet in some cities, as many as 40 per cent of public school teachers send their children to private schools."

[Dianna]

Also, I'd worry about sending my child to a teacher who would accept less pay.

Discipline is better, the parents are probably easier to deal with, and the teachers likely don't have to teach the liberal crap that disgusts us all. ALL that would make it worth it. And their own kids typically get reduced tuition.

[Diddle E. Squat]

The SAT as you remember it is actually being phased out in some parts of the country, including, I believe, CA.

Goodness gracious, I was just being a smart-aleck. Let me guess, these places are phasing out the SAT because it is 'biased' against race/gender/etc.? Is the ACT still around? The ACT and the PSAT opened every door I could want, it sure would be a shame if kids didn't have those additional testing options. Especially immature Texas kids who make the mistake of sneaking out and toilet-papering their friends' houses until 5am the night before the SAT. Ferris Beuler spoke more truth than any parent at the time ever realized!

BTW, I saw earlier that the last 5 FL 'Teachers of the Year' endorsed Bush. How is that honor determined, and isn't it likely that the teacher's union will manipulate the voting for or selection of this year's winner to be sure that he/she/it is an outspoken Democrat critical of Bush?

[Libertina]

I agree, except with the caveat that this attitude shows up earlier and earlier. Some 5th grade classes I've taught have been angels, others more like gang members. VERY different in personality.

[Dianna]

I think this reporter actually went through a significant change, based on her realization, for example, that she was previously interviewing the least knowledgable sources for her stories.

But isn't it amazing that she didn't realize this in the first place? She doesn't seem to be lacking in intellect, but I haven't met very many bright people who were so un-curious. She just accepted that computers were good, that more money was necessary and that administrators were the best people to get info from? I find that so odd.

[dingram]

What was that article? I wouldn't call that a reliable source. Do you really believe 40% of public school teachers send their kids to private schools? I doubt that 40% of public school teachers have kids let alone send them to private schools. Personally, I'd rather send my child to public school, exercise my right as a parent to investigate the facilities, teachers and administrators and be involved. I know there is a standard being met. I know that most of the teachers are competent, caring and interested. I teach. I see what goes on, I watch the politics, and like many professions I know there are a few bad apples spoiling the barrel. I agree that public education needs something new. The system is failing. But the problems cannot be solved by charter schools. People wake up and do your homework. Charter schools receive some education money. Enough that someone out to make a buck can start one up as a business. That takes money away from public education, and in my opinion, weakens both. To poor families in inner cities, this may seem a balancing of opportunity, but in the long run I believe they will be the losers again.

[backhoe]

I just hope it does a little good-- we have some rather nasty problems here with the schools- largely involving missing money and probably corruption, but getting it reported, or investigated, is so far going nowhere. The parents- and taxpayers- don't seem to want to hear about it.

[ladyrustic]

Personally, I'd rather send my child to public school, exercise my right as a parent to investigate the facilities, teachers and administrators and be involved.

Then by all means, I suggest you go right on ahead and send your kid to public school. But there are many of us here who feel very strongly that public school is not only a waste of our kids time, but counterproductive and dangerous as well. And we've come to resent people of your opinion who have tried to limit our options for our children. At first trying to make homeschooling illegal, fighting educational vouchers, frowning on charter schools-- people unable to see the state of public education, trying to force the rest of us to remain in that failed system...

[A. Pole]

Do what this reporter did, and go teach for a year in a public school. Find out [...]

Bump

[anniegetyourgun]

Average teacher pay around here is darn good and most are two income households. It's certainly possible to send a kid (or even two) to private school on say $80K/year combined income.

[summer]

OK; here is another source, The National Center for POlicy Analysis, that say the same thing about:
public school teachers sending their kids to private schools.

If you would like to do a search on google to find 54 other sources that say the same thing, just enter: "public school teachers send their children to private school." As I said initially -- it is a well known fact.

[summer]

that say = that says

[summer]

this attitude shows up earlier and earlier. Some 5th grade classes I've taught have been angels, others more like gang members. VERY different in personality.

I'd say you are absolutely correct in this assessment here, as I have noticed the same.

I would add that I've seen this LESS often in schools that are grades K-8, as opposed to K-5.

[summer]

Personally, I'd rather send my child to public school, exercise my right as a parent to investigate the facilities, teachers and administrators and be involved.

You are right that it is often easier to investigate a public school than a private school. However, I personally am for everything -- public, private, charter, homeschooling; in short, whatever works for that child and parent. And, I will always support public schools, but I disagree that public schools alone must be the required option for everyone. Many people, including folks on this forum, have found that they use a mix of options in educating their children, and I think that's good too.

[summer]

But isn't it amazing that she didn't realize this in the first place?

I had that same thought, Dianna, but you and I are teachers and see things differently than a reporter. A reporter thinks if he or she asks someone with a title what is going on, that person, by virtue of the title, show know. However, as you and I know, and this reporter discovered, the people who often know more are: the teachers, students and many parents.

BTW -- That's why I have to laugh when a candidate -- like Dem candidate McBride in this FL gov race -- promises he will put a new office of the teachers union right next to his in Tallahassee, if he is elected governor. To me, that promise translates as follows: "I promise I will be even more out of touch with teachers than most governors." LOL.... :)

[summer]

BTW, I saw earlier that the last 5 FL 'Teachers of the Year' endorsed Bush. How is that honor determined, and isn't it likely that the teacher's union will manipulate the voting for or selection of this year's winner to be sure that he/she/it is an outspoken Democrat critical of Bush?

I believe it is determined by the FL Dept of Education, and as such, the union is not involved in that choice.

What I find so fascinating about these teachers is that this group of five includes: 1 Dem, 1 independent and 3 GOP, and not all five were selected by a FL Dept of Ed under Jeb's term as governor. Two of these five teachers were honored during the former Dem governor's administration. But, all five are coming out strongly supporting Gov. Bush. Thanks for asking about them. :)

[summer]

For those interested in knowing more about the Five FL Teachers of the Year Supporting Jeb

And, BTW -- later, I will try to find a link for you about the FL Teacher of the year rules, etc. :)