As I write this post, I am not 100% sure how I would describe my feelings because I am not sure there are adequate words for how educators in Oklahoma feel right now about the current leadership in the position of the state's school superintendent. I know many people want to make this into an issue of political affiliation. For me, however, this issue is strictly related to leadership (or lack thereof) that has little to do with the leader's political affliation. This week, Oklahoma released grades for schools across the state. This a new initiative that our current school superintendent has implemented. I knew the score release, although delayed was coming. Last year, I think educators were frustrated with the scores but a year later the perspective is different. I think we know the scores, despite what they are, are not a true reflection of schools (and classrooms) across the state.
The bigger issue at hand does not strictly rely with the report cards but with the reaction of leadership to educators who do not support the report cards. There have been comments made from the governor and state school superintendent directed at teachers and school administrators because we have all been forth coming about our issues with the report card system and do not feel as though it is a valid way of giving feedback to schools. It is hard to take criticism from individuals who have never taught or walked a mile in my shoes. I am offended by the comments about my classroom, my teaching, and the assumption that what's wrong with schools is because I somehow am not passionate about student learning. It is really easy to focus on the negativity but a lesson I learned last year and am continuing to learn is to focus on what is right because there are so many things that I cannot change. I cannot change that the people making educational decisions in this state (at least not yet) have no idea how hard I work each day to make sure 20 kids, emotional and academic needs are met.
I am not sure if their opinion of classroom teachers and children's growth would change but if they only knew..
The number of decisions that I make from the minute I walk into the classroom (before contract hours) until the bell rings to start our day. They most certainly do not understand the impact that one decision can make on a child's day. What do I do about the child who didn't get breakfast but walks in late? I know what decision I make and will stand behind them because I am going to do what's best for each child in every instance. I know the children in my class better than they ever will and I am accountable for making decisions so they can be safe, happy, healthy and learn. I am not quite sure, in fact, I am almost certain that they do not understand that non educational decisions impact that child's day, their ability to focus, and their perspective on school and learning.
The amount of step raises that I have received during my 9 year career can be counted on one hand. While all my peers who graduated from college at the same time have received their raises every six months to a year in their careers I have earned an advanced degree and still make far less than they started their career at. I have never received a penny for any overtime I have worked and yet I continue to put in more hours than most people who receive incentive for such. Why? I cannot imagine not performing at 100% but this job and all those school vacations are not enough time to adequately plan, prepare, and revise so that my students can learn. There are times when the hours I work are downright discouraging and yet I continue on because I see 20 faces that deserve my best even when the state does not compensate for it.
Even on the evenings and weekends that I have a hard time not thinking about my kids, my classroom, and those lessons that could have been just a little bit better.
That I love every child that walks into my room even when it's hard because those are they are the ones that need my love the most.
How many times I lose my lunch hour, planning time, and other periods of time when I am supposed to be preparing for lessons because my class needs my support during those moments too.
The number of duties that I perform that are not listed on a resume or in my job description.
The number of duties that I perform that are not listed on a resume or in my job description.
These are just some of the things I wish they knew. I think or can at least hope their perspective and decision making would be different if they knew how much teachers juggle everyday (every hour). The report card grade does not insult or frustrate me nearly as much as state leadership insinuating that the real problem is that teachers and school administrators are not passionate about student growth. If I was not passionate about children and their development I would not be in this profession. Teaching is absolutely the most challenging profession. Oklahoma needs leaders who understand the powerful difference an educator can make in the life of a child despite the many obstacles we face each day. Oklahoma needs leadership that advocates for children by compensating teachers for the work they put in and the difference they make in the lives of children and young adults.
"I can't think of any one reason why I want to be a surgeon, but I can think of 1,000 reasons why I should quit. They make it hard on purpose. There are lives in our hands. There comes a moment when it's more than just a game and you either take that step forward or turn around and walk away. I could quit, but here's the thing... I love the playing field." -Grey's Anatomy
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