Our weekend was a busy, but fun one. I went to a jewelry party on Friday, spent the day with the "girls" on Saturday, and went to church on Sunday. Yesterday, we had a cookout with our extended family. Today, it was back to work...but there were no kids there because it was professional day.
I did a workshop this morning for our primary teachers. I was again reminded that sometimes adults act like children. I hate that. We're implementing a new program at the school to give our kids targeted small group instruction in reading for thirty minutes daily. This requires all hands to be on deck and that we tap into all the resource personnel at our school.
Some of the "extra people" aren't happy. They don't "have time to plan". They have other things that should take priority over these kids at this time of the day. They don't know "what they'll use" to work with their groups. The excuses and complaints went on and on and on with about four people. And even though they are a minority in the grand scheme of things, their complaints are annoying!
I work in a school that has many students who struggle. They need additional help. I also work in a school system that "laid off" 84 paraprofessionals this summer. I really wanted to tell some of these people, "There are 84 people in this town who would LOVE to have the opportunity to plan your small group!" Of course, those are thoughts that must remain (as DS 2 says) "behind the filter".
As I worked with these 35+ teachers and paraprofessionals today, I realized something. It's true that there often must be dissonance and uncertainty before something great is created. I am confident that things will work out. It is simply going to take time to get everyone on board and for them to see that this will be worthwhile. We can make a difference. I know we can...I know we can!
3 comments:
I know exactly what you are talking about. There are times when I feel like - aren't you guys mature enough to recognize that this is going to happen. Either get on the boat or drown where you are.
But the sad thing is... I see myself in those who complain from time to time as well...
I'll have to say that just sitting in the teacher's lunchroom has been a real eye-opening experience;-)
I LOVE to read & have to say I can't enjoy as frequently as I would like too....I went to a public school but looking back, I can see where my school may have been way ahead in the educational game. I remember FONDLY being assigned to be an 'early bird' which means we arrived early for reading 'class' as opposed to those who came later & stayed later for 'readiing 'class'. I was in one of the top groups & every day, in the multipurpose room/cafeteria, we went to a different 'station'. I was always good @ the 'speed reading' station. ( I was good @ all teh stations but I particularly enjoyed this one)It was a story flashed on the wall, a sentence @ a time, like a slide show, very quickly.
I don't remember the reading teachers names, they weren't our regular teachers, but my POINT is (there really is one) that I really appreciate the time & effort they put into helping us excell @ something we were already good @! ;o) And pushing us even further.....it was/is a skill that has profitted me for my lifetime.
I hope the teachers @ your school can remember how valuable their time & effort REALLY is.....even if for only a few @ time or if it feels that way. :o)
sincerely.
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