Voices
So you think you can teach?
“People think that because they like to cook, they should open their own place.” Last night, the manager of a new restaurant in our neighborhood described the reality of that business: working fourteen hour days, seven days a week, creating ambiance, cultivating a loyal following, serving consistently good and varied food. “What people just don’t get is that you can’t wake up one day and suddenly be running a successful place.” Yet from the outside, in a well-run establishment, in the hands of an experienced staff, it does seem effortless....
J. Jill Rito
Global Days of Listening Like their teachers, students are constantly absorbing information from news sources, locally and globally. But what if they were able to connect directly with other youth in countries always in the headlines — and talk with them one-on-one — all without media bias, hype or spin and with the ability to ask questions, get answers, forge relationships and promote understanding? As an educator concerned with creating real-time value in education for students, I have undertaken this experiential approach through Global Days of Listening (...
Heather Tillman
August 30th was freshmen orientation at Penn Yan Academy. I am not teaching Global Studies I this year, but volunteered to be a part of the bullying awareness sessions anyway. I proudly wore my bright yellow NEA "I took the pledge: Bully free starts with me" t-shirt and got real with students. I told them how I remember in middle school getting teased for how I dressed and what I thought. How I remember the kids in high school who laughed at me because I didn't have money for name brand clothes. I told them about the boy who shared his seat on the bus with me for 3 years,...
Tags: Bullying
Jean-Marie Taş
Dear NYSUT, I am writing to share my pride in my students and coworkers, and our valiant struggle to create an instrumental music program at the Riverhead Charter School. Riverhead is a small elementary school on Long Island’s east end, set on a quiet, wooded property amidst farm fields and sod farms. Being surrounded by nature’s beauty, the children learn to appreciate fresh air, birds chirping, and the sound of our band and orchestra receiving lessons on the lawn. The Riverhead Charter School serves 284 children in grades kindergarten through sixth grade. The children come...
Some thoughts on teaching, professional development…and bird watching
By Marianne Ramsay This is the second school year where I do not have my own classroom of students. After 33 years. It was my dream to be a teacher ever since I started kindergarten, and possibly even before from watching Romper Room on TV. Each year, I imagined that I would some day be a teacher of the grade I was in at the time. I received a blackboard—green actually—for Christmas when I was 9 and I would prepare and teach lessons to my dolls and stuffed animals every day after school. Even through Junior High, a couple of my friends and I would make up tests to prepare...
Karen Roberts
Our district - along with so many others - is facing huge budget gaps. We have had to cut 15 million dollars this year, which will result in reductions all over the district. Often times the arts are the first areas to be cut. To make up for theses cuts, I have been writing projects for Donor's Choose. Donor's Choose is an online giving site for teachers. Classroom teachers write project requests for classroom supplies and the projects are posted on the Donor's Choose website: http://www.donorschoose.org/. I have had twelve projects funded and one is up on the site now...
William Andrews
Prior to retiring I was a School Social Worker at BOCES for many years.The last 16 years or so I worked from the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center with anyone who needed a hand or more importantly an EAR to share with. I was a member of the School Safety Team, and worked very closely with another school Social Worker and the school Resource Officer. I was a Board member of the Teachers Union for most of my years at BOCES. Now I hang out with my new Grandson, volunteer in a variety of places and recently finished training for a Community Emergency Resource Team, who are made...
Joan Lazaunik
My story is about family, longevity, commitment and dedication all rolled up into one. We have a rich history with our community. My dad was an alum of Great Neck High, class of 1937. He was also here on campus participating in the rally for teachers to be tenured in their positions! (a teacher had been fired, students and other faculty members felt unjustly so, rallied in support, and thus began Great Neck's tenure policy!) My mom worked her way through the cafeteria system starting in my elementary school, moving with me to junior high then the high school where she became cook...
Bill & Carrie Brooks
My wife, Carrie, teaches at Schoharie High. I've been down a number of times helping her and other members of the Schoharie Teachers Association muck out houses. Most recently, my Galway TA colleagues Jared Marcantonio, Luke Snow, and I, took 16 Galway students to work with the Schoharie TA and their STAY program providing insulation for the folks of Schoharie. It was a great learning experience for the kids and very rewarding for them to give something to this community. We insulated the entire area that was dry enough at Harva, a major business in the village. The next day, I...
Members come together to help storm victims
On October 8, my husband and I joined volunteers from Scotia-Glenville Teachers Association for a drywall party in Schoharie. We met at the home of Randy and Deb Jenkins. Randy is the head of the Science Department for Scotia-Glenville School District and Deb is the library media specialist at Scotia-Glenville Middle School. During Hurricane Irene, the waters of Schoharie Creek reached about five feet in their first floor. The oil from the tank in the cellar coated much of the house. As Randy put it, “Tropical Storm Lee came through with the rinse cycle.” Their colleagues have...
Lorri Austin
Lorri Austin is a 5th grade teacher at Skano Elementary school in the Shenendehowa school district. She always goes above and beyond the call of duty. The passion she has for education is apparent the moment you walk into her classroom. After reading the countless letters from parents, colleagues, students and former students, it's apparent that Lorri is a dedicated professional that has a real zest for her profession – just ask her colleagues and peers, and they're bound to agree. Lorri has a silent philosophy that every student is special and unique. She is able to connect...
Jonathan Morey
Jonathan Morey is a New Visions Engineer Teacher at Orange County BOCES CTEC. He comes to CTEC as the former CEO of Morey Machinery. His background, including education, (MIT) is extensive. While at CTEC he has doubled the enrollment in the program, inspired students to pursue their dreams of becoming our future engineers and has definitely encouraged both genders that engineering is exciting. The projects are numerous including building hovercrafts, marble sorters and model bridges. Students return year after year to tell their success stories to the current class. He is an inspiration to...
Angela McElroy-Braun
Angela McElroy-Braun is the most dedicated and caring teacher that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She differentiates instruction to meet the needs of all her students. She never stops believing in her students and always helps them achieve their best. As a teacher, she goes above the call of duty to make sure that her students have all the proper skills and opportunities to become participating community members. As a colleague, she gives up her time to help others and share her knowledge and experiences and through it all she stays humble and grounded. She truly is an...
Sara Yerry
My story is about a classroom teacher: Sara Yerry. New York City is a place for sports and culture and Ms. Yerry has persuaded cultural and sports institutions to share spaces with children who could not afford these resources. Ms. Yerry has also been involved in attempting to provide a measure of safety for children who are at risk. The classroom of bi-lingual kindergarten children can be a place of profound stress for some students. Her connections with families has continued over time and she has struggled to help parents to trust that new experiences would in fact enrich their...
Pat Brown
I am employed in the Cafeteria, where we serve over 1,250 lunches to K-8 students every day. Due to a devastating flood in our area, hundreds of children and/or their families and friends were affected by this disaster. Everywhere you looked, there was chaos, filth, debris and many, many tears. Needless to say, the first day of school was delayed but when it came - what an awesome experience. The school was like "normalcy" on the hill, overlooking many homes/businesses that had been evacuated. Staff, teachers, monitors calmly & quietly guiding the children into the lunch...
Sandra Hildreth
As a retired art teacher, I am now a very active artist in my community of Saranac Lake. I was the featured artist for the month of September at the Adirondack Artists' Guild Gallery. All my paintings were landscapes of the Adirondacks: "8 Views / 4 Seasons". I decided I would donate a percentage of my sales to the Adirondack Mountain Club, as I know there is a lot of trail work that needs to be done as a result of hurricane damage. My show has been very successful. I am also donating 20% of the proceeds of sales during our recent Artist at Work Studio Tour to the flood relief...
Andrew Krise
Andrew Krise, a physical education instructor & coach with the Maine-Endwell Central School District. After the storm that flooded out much of his district and families, Andy was immediately on the phone with offers of food, water, clothing, blankets, shelter and his time. He and his family had been collecting household items and clothing for the annual neighborhood garage sale. These items have all been donated to flood relief. His incredible heart and unstoppable desire to help those is a reflection of the dedication he shows as a teacher and coach. (Andrew Krise is a member of...
Pegeen Jenson
Pegeen Jensen is a first grade teacher and colleague of mine. I guess I would have to answer the question What does she do? with a question...What doesn't she do? Pegeen is passionate about teaching and continues to convey her love for teaching to her students. She spends tireless hours both in and out of school on her love of reading and writing and serves as a mentor to numerous other colleagues in hopes to pass on that passion. She has been instrumental in developing so many initiatives and programs in our district, such as Writing Workshop and Math Olympiad. Yet she finds time to...
Shelly Peck
Shelly Peck is a special education teacher for Capital Region BOCES. She is currently based in Niskayuna Central School District. She works tirelessly to create the most dynamic education opportunities for our children. She arrives early every day and rarely leaves on time to make certain the classroom is run in the most efficient manner I have ever seen. She manages to meet not only the children’s academic needs, but also their social and emotional needs. The progress I have seen in these children over the years, I feel, is directly related to her ability to perform as a teacher at...
Dennis Caisse
I began teaching English in 1969 through 1979 at Newfane Central School. I coached football, directed school plays, and helped design curriculum. My wife and I relocated to San Diego, CA in 1979, where I worked at San Diego Community College, teaching U.S. Naval personnel through the college program. We returned to Western New York where I taught English at Starpoint High School, I lost my job due to budget cutbacks. I began studies at SUNY at Buffalo and earned another masters degree in information and library science. After teaching two more years at Medina Central, I resumed...
Patsy Cristofanilli
My students are always helping out in the community. I am an advocate for the Food Bank of WNY under Polla Milligan, and my students have recently put on shows and released a video called “The Belly Button Song” to try to raise funds for the food bank. They have also performed at the Erie County Fair for the last 8 years! I have been a performer all of my life, and since becoming an ELA teacher, I have shared my talents with all of my students and have encouraged them to perform for the community as well in an effort to help those less fortunate. (Patsy Cristofanilli is a...
Michaela Muench
At Canastota High School, it was noticed that we had a need for school related funding for our district students. Prom tickets, sneakers for sports activities, Senior trip costs, SAT charges, cosmetology kits etc. were too big an expense for parents so we decided to help. The Canastota Student Scholarship was started about four years ago. By returning cans and bottles, running dances and concessions, holding raffles, and sponsoring an annual Talent Show we make about $4000.00 a year for the fund. We have no paid staff; just caring teachers, administrators and support staff. Students...
Ed Spence
I am a Computer/Business/Technology and Social Studies teacher working at the Dover Schools in Dutchess County, NY. I have taught for 17 years now and have taught in elementary, middle schools, high schools and also college & graduate school. I became a teacher after working for over 10 years as a computer techie with IBM Corporation. When I was a teenager (many years ago), I was told by my Social Studies teacher that I would one day make a great Social Studies teacher. So I decided to become a teacher following my time at IBM. While working as a Social Studies teacher, I was asked to...
Margaret Jefferds
I teach Family & Consumer Sciences in two different rural school systems. I am also a community communicator for USDA with regard to the Choose My Plate Food Guide, which replaces the Food Pyramid. Through cooperation with other departments within the schools, I impart knowledge and information concerning the impending food crisis that our world will be facing by 2050. Every day, I provide information, skills, and services to more than 100 students through the CTE exploratory course of Home & Career Skills. (Margaret R. Jefferds is a member of the United BOCES Teachers Association...
Kimberly Irland
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of September11, the JCC Campus Life offices hosted days of service & remembrance at our North County Center in Dunkirk, our Jamestown Campus, and our Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean. Across these three sites, 55 volunteers came together to reflect on their memories of 9/11 and served their local communities through community clean up projects including students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members. (Kimberly Irland is a member of Jamestown Community College Faculty Association)
Betsy Landsman
I teach English as a Second Language in Hempstead Union Free School District. In addition to my regular teaching duties (I teach 61 Hispanic children in grades one and two), I run an after-school program called "Hispanic Homework Club". Many students here have parents who do not speak English and are illiterate in their own language. They are unable to help their children do their homework. I work with these students and help them complete homework assignments and projects. Since many students do not have computers at home, they are able to use the computers in the club classroom...
AYESHA IBRAHIM
I have been teaching for 11 years. I enjoy watching my students’ discoveries of their world unfold, in a way that connects real life to learning concepts. My students have difficulty with abstract concepts, so each year, I choose one thing to connect all subjects and community. Students in a self-contained 6th through 8th grade classroom used the topic of butterflies to learn about themselves, academic subjects and benefits to their communities. Students made the final connection when they planted flowers for the butterflies to feed and reproduce on. This was planted in the...
Denise Trach
Most of the time, I don't consider myself a teacher. Instead, I really do see myself as a resource or facilitator who provides an opportunity for students to find their voices. Being a creative writing teacher (along with AP literature and college writing), I am honored with the opportunity to show students how to write about parts of their lives or themselves that they never thought they could express. As a result, I am invited into their lives through their words, and often, my life is changed as a result. One year, the class was an outlet for a girl — Christina — whose...
Kristine Hooker
I have been working in the Rochester City School District for seven years. I enjoy working with students every minute I am there. My goal for the students is that they get the best education they can from me. I love getting up every morning and going to work because I know that I will be seeing their smiling faces. I work just as hard as my students because, while they are learning from me, I am learning from them. I consider them my daytime family. They are all my children during the school day. I would be lost without them and I know others feel the same way I do. I could not imagine...
Jeanmarie Gebhard
I am the moderator of the Saratoga Springs High School's a cappella group, Schwa Cappella. I enable students to attend community events where they entertain by singing. I do not receive a stipend for this work. (Gebhard is a member of the Saratoga Springs Teachers Association.)
Cherelyn Volpert
I am proud to work as a guidance counselor at J. Watson Bailey Middle School in Kingston. Our school community is extremely caring and supportive of those in need. There are many examples that I can think of but one comes to mind in particular: Unfortunately, a family in our community lost its home to a fire a few months ago. Through donations and fund-raising efforts, my colleagues and our students raised more than $1,000 to help this family. (Volpert is a member of NYSUT’s local in Kingston.)
Bill Metz
I thought I'd share with you my husband's story. My husband’s name is Bill Metz. Eighteen years ago, when we had our first child, we came to the conclusion that one of us would give up our job and stay home to take care of our son. We ultimately decided that my husband would be the one to stay home. Over the years, as our two kids got older and started to attend school, Bill went to work at our school district – Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake -- and became certified as a teachers assistant. Due to school budget cuts, his position was done away with and he was told...
Jane Murphy
Having been a teacher for many years and a regional associate with the New York State Education Department, I am now volunteering as a mediator. I have been trained in transformative mediation and find the work gratifying. My interest in community dispute resolution was inspired by work I did with New York's mediation network in special education law while working at SED. Unfortunately, cutbacks in the state budget have hit the community dispute resolution centers fairly drastically and I would encourage other educators to volunteer.
Wendy Cappiello: “We give back to our communities;we are educators”
Wendy Cappiello, a member of the Salmon River Teachers Association, served as a teacher in the Salmon River Central School District. I have been retired for three years after 35 years of teaching at Salmon River Central School District in Fort Covington, New York.Our district encompasses the St. Regis Mohawk Indian Reservation and provides educational services for not only Native Americans on the United States side of the border, but also some native students on the Canadian side of the reservation. I loved my job. In addition to teaching six classes of English Language Arts a day, I...
"Giving back" in gratitude for caring teachers who helped her son
Beth Greenspan embraced teaching, as she likes to say, "later in life," embarking on an education career in gratitude for the ways public education had benefited her son. A member of the United Federation of Teachers in New York City, Beth is a collaborative special education teacher in Queens who taught fourth grade in 2011-12, and expects to be teaching fifth grade in 2011-12. "I went back to school later in life to become a special education teacher," she says. "I am a single mother with two children, one in college and one soon to be in college. I became a...
Adam Lutwin: It’s What We Do
For the past three years, I have helped create the Photo and Literacy (PAL) Project in conjunction with Syracuse University. SU’s Visual and Performing Arts Photography Professor Steven Mahan and I have created a semester-long project where students are given access to digital cameras, journals and writing assignments, and create projects that are based in self-expression. At the end of the semester, student work is displayed in the Link Gallery in downtown Syracuse. There is a public reception that students attend and read from their journals. We have attracted much publicity from...
Artenita Dante: It’s What We Do
The more I become familiar with the students in my special education classes, the more I discover their different needs that multiply in leaps and bounds in many various areas and degrees. Some may need to bolster their confidence in reading. Some need help organizing and collecting homework for the day. Some may just need a listening ear to family woes or to their dreams and failures. And some really need help with math and language skills, or a firm hand to guide them through academic rigors. But the most satisfaction I experience is when I learn that some of them have found jobs that...
Jeanette Pietrantoni: It’s What We Do
NYSUT’s good friend, Jeanette Pietrantoni, is one of the union’s most active retirees. She has worn many hats over the years and is currently editor of Retiree Council 7’s outstanding newsletter, “The Central New Yorker.” When Jeanette saw this website, “It’s What We Do,” she was impressed. But, at the same time, she didn’t want it to overlook the valuable contributions made by NYSUT retirees to their professions and their communities. Here’s how Jeanette put it: “I just went to your page — it's...
Former NYS teacher showcases education in S. Korea
Richard Lucchesi is a Rochester native and former member of the Rochester Teachers Association. Now, he’s teaching in South Korea’s Kyung Hee University and co-hosting a television talk show — “Project E” — that addresses educational issues from an international perspective. Here’s a sneak peak
Riverfest follow-up
Here is the news coverage from the RIVERFEST event held in Elmira on June 4. What a great learning experience in the field! (Rich Hurley of the Bradford Teachers Association provided this follow-up to a previous post.)
Miriam Lynn: It’s What We Do
I am a nurse in a middle school for approximately 700 students. Each year, for the past 5 years, Ann Collazuol, another district nurse, and I travel to foreign countries to assist a team of surgeons with medical missions. Our main focus is children with cleft lips and cleft palates. When we travel, we make sure to Skype our students and explain where we are and what we are doing. (Miriam Lynn is a member of the Nyack Teachers Association.)
Susan Rhodenizer: It’s What We Do
A new tradition was started at Niagara Falls High School last year as the Class of 2010 made a lip dub video as a class project demonstrating teamwork and an application of 21st century skills. This year, along with the senior class, our Media Communications teacher, Rich Meranto, got the teachers on board to make a faculty and staff lip dub to share with the students. We had a blast making the video and the students loved seeing their teachers having fun and coming together as a group in a different way from their usual school day roles. We experience constant challenges, but there are...
Betsy Marshall: It’s What We Do
Children are assigned to my class because they are struggling with math. They come to my classroom at the age of eight, nine or ten, and already think of themselves as being “bad at math.” I help them open their minds to the possibility that they are mistaken. I show them they can use numbers to understand and talk about important things. As they realize how numbers help them to observe, understand and talk about the world, they are always eager to learn more. Knowing how to use numbers gives them a sense of control and often leads to a heightened sense of wonder about the world...
Student recalls a teacher who was more than a teacher
By Sheena Harris I was blessed to have the most unbelievable music teacher a person could ask for. I had just moved to a new school when I was in the 5th grade. I had her, for not only music class but as I moved into the high school she followed and moved there as well. When I hit the 9th grade, I was having a lot of issues both at home and I gave up on school. If it wasn't for that music teacher becoming one of my best friends at that time, I wouldn't be half the person I am today. I just want to say that teachers are like step-in parents. While your children are at school,...
Doing something for students every day
By Marjorie DiRisio Duger Every day, I do something to help keep a student in school. Every day, I give medications that allow students with chronic diseases to stay in school so they may learn with their peers. Every day, I sooth a student who is feeling ill, feeling sad, feeling bullied, injured, or just in need of some TLC. Every day, I tend to complaints of illnesses and minor injuries. Every day, I observe, assess, make decisions, treat, document, maintain records, and comply with state standards, regulations and surveys. Every day, I speak with parents when they have concerns about...
Beth Wing: It’s What We Do
I work at a special act school for residential, adjudicated youth. We recently started a PLC to create a learning community focused on student academic success. Also, we are active in students' jobs and volunteer activities. Today, I attended the plant sale at my school site. Several students came up to me, offering their help and letting me know how hard they had worked (they started at 6 this morning). They have jobs at the greenhouse and have put in many hours planting seeds and watering. Participating in the school community is what I do to make sure my students are getting all they...
Amherst educators, students step up for the larger community
Every year, the students, faculty and staff at Amherst Middle School find ways to make a difference in our community. This year, their reach has expanded around the globe. Dec. 18, 2010, marked the end of the school's "Books for Kids from Kids" campaign that collected books for needy Afghan children who are learning English. Amherst Educator’s Association member Christine MacLeod, the school’s library media specialist, spearheaded this book drive, which raised more than 400 picture books. Mrs. MacLeod learned about a NATO forces effort that was taking place to...
Julie Thurley: It’s What We Do
At school #42 — Abelard Reynolds — we are a dedicated staff who conducted a walk to intervention to meet the needs of all students at risk in our building. Teachers gave up planning time, lunch hours and stayed late after school to close the gap between minorities and education. I'm so tired of people saying teachers don't do enough for children. Children come first in our building and we are a community that puts children first. (Julie Thurley is a member of the Rochester Teachers’ Union.)
Kira Cochran: It’s What We Do
What I do is to educate students who have moderate to severe learning disabilities, emotional disabilities and behavior challenges. Due to extreme challenges in their home lives, neglect, or physiological or mental health issues, these students come to school with intense emotional needs. I teach them social studies, math, science, English and reading. They are in grades 6, 7 and 8, but their reading and math skills are from the 2nd grade level to the 8th grade level. I teach them to have empathy, be responsible, use self-control, and develop coping skills. I help them develop self-esteem...
Barbara Riegel: It’s What We Do
I am a 5th grade teacher, math Olympiad coach, mentor of the Green Eagles Environmental Club, terra-cycler, school garden planner, PTO member, yoga practitioner, colleague, mother, daughter, grandmother, wife. I am the chief learner in a classroom of 27 learners, researchers, mathematicians, readers, writers, scientists, environmentalists, curious future members of my community who will be in charge when I am retired. I am proud of my profession, my colleagues, my students and the work we do on a daily basis. (Barbara Riegel is a member of the Bethlehem Central TA.)
Educator volunteers at Elmira Riverfest
By Richard Hurley For the past several years, I have volunteered for the Elmira Riverfest. This year’s Riverfest is scheduled for June 4. Please consider joining me for the Aquatic Program at Riverfest. Habitat protection is important in the Finger Lakes of New York. Education will influence how people impact their environment. The Chemung River is a valuable natural resource. You are welcome to join our aquatic education program or just visit and see what others are doing. The aquatic program will focus on doing chemical water testing, collecting river invertebrates, which will...
Geraldine Batterberry: It’s What We Do
I work with some of the most hard-working, dedicated professionals. What do we do? We teach, we counsel, we advise, we give extra help, extra support and prepare our children for the future. Still proud to be A TEACHER! (Geraldine Batterberry is a member of the Sayville TA.)
Kristen Remini: It's What We Do
When you’re a teacher you teach more than curriculum. WHAT WE DO is take the role of the parent, guardian, friend, confidant, therapist, etc. My classroom is home to many of my students. They find solace and peace when they enter the room. They confide in me and share their hopes and dreams. We talk about the world and what it means to be a good citizen and friend. We discuss current events and even share a cry or two. WHAT WE DO is mold these young minds into proper citizens and adults. We enrich their minds with vast knowledge of the world and teach them to learn from our mistakes....
New York City a meaningful classroom
By Michele Yokell The 300 year-old clock is ticking as it regulates the minutes in the old Wesley Chapel on John’s Street. A chorus of Patriots and Loyalists are voicing their grievances against Mother England. The smell of Johnnycakes wafts through the air. This is not a “Hot Tub Time Machine” trip back to the pre-Revolutionary War days. It is one of many trips I have taken with my public school students. As we face another year of drastic education budget cuts, my visionary principal made me the Ms. Frizzle of the school, using New York as an open classroom...
A parent’s ‘thank you’
It would be great if everyone understood and respected the teaching profession; if all politicians, policy wonks and opinion makers saw public education as the smart investment it is and, instead of trying to tear it down, provided support it deserves. But that’s not the case, at least not these days. But, take heart: The people who REALLY count do appreciate the work NYSUT members perform every day. Poll after poll shows it. So do the results of school budget votes every may. And, every once in a while, someone will share a personal experience demonstrating that the professions our...
Tags: parents
Colleen Flower
We hear a lot about what’s wrong with our public schools. As a parent, I want to talk about what’s right. What’s right are educators like Colleen Flower, a member of the Schenectady Federation of Teachers and a literacy coach in the Schenectady schools. Colleen was featured in a recent issue of my hometown newspaper, the Daily Gazette, for her creative approach to engaging students in reading and learning. (“Literacy coach aims for personal attention with kids,” Jan. 13) I first encountered Colleen very early in her nearly-20 year career when she offered...
Long Days, Growing Challenges
Public education naysayers and some in the punch-the-clock crowd have long made it a practice of criticizing teachers for the hours they put in on the job. We’ve all heard it: Teachers, they contend, are out of the classroom promptly at 3 pm, enjoy every holiday at home and have summers off. We know it’s all nonsense but now a new poll supports our position that educators work as hard — or harder — than just about anyone. According to just-released survey conducted on EdVoices, the National Education Association’s blogging community, almost half of the nation...
Tags: hours
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