After reading the article "Teachers' Cost of Living Matters More" I still reach the conclusion that all educators are underpaid. Yes, the cost of living for the area in which you teach should be considered when salaries are decided upon. It is understood that the cost of living in New York City is a lot more than in Nashville. I believe that this adjustment is necessary or our "lack of pay" which exists anyway would be an even greater deficit.
I have always thought it to be interesting that teachers make less money than most other professions, especially those "prestigious" careers like doctors and lawyers. However, it is interesting to me that someone (actually many someones) taught those doctors and lawyers. Without teachers they wouldn't have the "schooling"/education to perform the jobs that they currently have. It is quite upsetting to ponder this lack of pay. Anyone who is an educator will admit that they didn't enter this profession for the money. Is that why we are continually overlooked? Do we not demand enough for our contributions to the education of our society? Are teachers typically the type of people who "do good" with the expectation of little in return?
I am committed to this career. I value what I do and the impact I have on children's lives and futures. Thankfully money is not the driving force of my happiness, but who's to say it isn't nice to have a little extra? I would love to travel more frequently, own a little bit of land, and maybe even a "fun" getaway house on the beach or something. The reality is that this will probably not be my fate and I am okay with that. It would be nice for others to recognize the work that we do and better compensate us for the time and effort we put into our children. I would dare say that every single person has at least one teacher that he/she remembers well and appreciates for some little something he or she did in school that has impacted that person's character, education, or choice(s) about the future.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Blog #4 - Cultural Pluralism
I recall a curriculum in which I could identify. Perhaps this means that the curriculum was "white" biased? That is probably the case. However, at the time, and until this course, I've thought little to nothing about this. I guess when you're a part of the majority, you don't?
Other than certain novels being banned from schools' reading lists, I'm not sure of major changes in the curriculum from when I was in school. (I graduated from high school in 2000.) Perhaps this is because I live in a southern state which is not recognized for being very great in education in comparison to ther states in this country.
As far as policies and structure used for social control...I'm not really sure. I guess I only notice the obvious social control of behavior in an effort to keep things orderly and prevent them from getting out of control. I suppose that the curriculum is still politically biased. Something I read previously for this class said something about the curriculum not being accurate from different cultural viewpoints...especially as it relates to historical events such as the Alamo. This defeat of Mexico in an effort to own the land we call Texas would not be considered victory for someone of a Mexican descent.
I found the articles for this post very interesting. I especially like the "cosmopolis" idea of being a citizen of the world. I wonder why it matters "where you're from." Essentially, we are all the same. Our bodies require the same nutrients, water, oxygen, rest, etc. in order to survive.
I acknowledge the cultural and social differences amongst us. I know they have always existed and will probably always exist. Again, why can't we all just get along? Perhaps since I'm a born American and of the majority I am not truly able to understand? It is unintentional if this is the case. I value my neighbors, brothers, and sisters...they're knowledge and ways of life. I am fascinated by different cultures and traditions. I would love to know more than I do. I am so thankful that love is a universal language because I may not be able to communicate with words to someone, but I can express my feelings of love...regardless. The opposite is also true, however, that hate is a universal language and can be recognized by anyone. The famous John Lennon song "All You Need is Love" comes to mind...what a song of hope for all nations.
Other than certain novels being banned from schools' reading lists, I'm not sure of major changes in the curriculum from when I was in school. (I graduated from high school in 2000.) Perhaps this is because I live in a southern state which is not recognized for being very great in education in comparison to ther states in this country.
As far as policies and structure used for social control...I'm not really sure. I guess I only notice the obvious social control of behavior in an effort to keep things orderly and prevent them from getting out of control. I suppose that the curriculum is still politically biased. Something I read previously for this class said something about the curriculum not being accurate from different cultural viewpoints...especially as it relates to historical events such as the Alamo. This defeat of Mexico in an effort to own the land we call Texas would not be considered victory for someone of a Mexican descent.
I found the articles for this post very interesting. I especially like the "cosmopolis" idea of being a citizen of the world. I wonder why it matters "where you're from." Essentially, we are all the same. Our bodies require the same nutrients, water, oxygen, rest, etc. in order to survive.
I acknowledge the cultural and social differences amongst us. I know they have always existed and will probably always exist. Again, why can't we all just get along? Perhaps since I'm a born American and of the majority I am not truly able to understand? It is unintentional if this is the case. I value my neighbors, brothers, and sisters...they're knowledge and ways of life. I am fascinated by different cultures and traditions. I would love to know more than I do. I am so thankful that love is a universal language because I may not be able to communicate with words to someone, but I can express my feelings of love...regardless. The opposite is also true, however, that hate is a universal language and can be recognized by anyone. The famous John Lennon song "All You Need is Love" comes to mind...what a song of hope for all nations.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Blog #3 - Multiculturalism
Why can't we all just get along? That's the innocent question of naivety that immediately popped into my head. Why does it have to be an issue? I guess some may say that it's only because I am white that I think this way...that I don't understand struggle or know what it is like to be a minority. Perhaps there is some truth to this, but I completely disagree.
I know very little about my family heritage. I know that my great-grandfather on my father's father's side was born in Germany. My maiden name, Smith, was originally Schmidt. Other than that...I don't know anything else. I know that on my mother's side of the family, they were the "poor white folk" who lived in the country. I would imagine that someone, somewhere in my family tree had a slave (or slaves), but I don't know how far back you would have to go to find out who that was. Poor white people could not afford slaves.
Yes, our history books are very swayed. I have thought that for years. I didn't know that the Civil War was NOT really about slavery until I was in college! That's pretty sad. I also think it is important to note that poor whites were often times treated worse that black slaves. However, this is rarely discussed.
These articles were extremely interesting to me...a little unsettling to be honest. When I see people of a different "race" I notice our differences externally, but I mostly notice and pay attention to our similarities underneath our skin.
As a Christian this caused me to even reflect on stories from the Bible. There has always been a sort of prejudice. It is my belief that God created different languages at the Tower of Babylon because the people were focused on themselves and not Him. There were different cities and groups of people who did not "get along."
It is ridiculous to think that there can be perfect harmony. I believe it important to hope for such a dream, but evil exists in the world and Satan has people who play on his team. God acknowledges and allows his power in the world. Remember Job? Wow!
I enjoy so much the freedom I have been granted from men like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin. Men who children don't even know about, as stated in one of the articles. I am able to share my point of view and relate it to my faith with no fear of persecution. I am not being forceful with my opinions, simply stating them. It is SO important that our children have an appreciation for how this came to be.
As I was reading the articles I thought, "Why can't we teach children the foundations of our country AND then teach them about other viewpoints and/or cultural perspectives?" Why is there only one way? I have an appreciation for the forefathers of this wonderful land of the free, yet I also enjoy learning about other influential "non-white" people who contributed important things to our nation.
I can see the desire to deeply study your heritage as far as the country of origin of your parents and/or ancestors. However, somewhere down the line someone in your family found it rewarding and valuable to become a citizen of the United States. With that choice, they brought a desire to become an American, for all that entails. This "land of opportunity" came with a price. Isn't it important to have knowledge of how it came into existence?
As I've written a few times already, I LOVED the John Adams documentary film! I had NO IDEA that he was remotely important in the freedom from Great Britain and establishment of the 13 colonies and America. In my opinion, he was a greater contributor than the men who I "thought" were the most important. His wife's support was crucial to his successes, yet women were not permitted with as many rights as they are today. The film did an excellent job of displaying her importance. They were the first people to move into the White House and Mrs. Adam's character is shown as disapproving of the fact that black slaves were made to construct it. Everyone was not in favor of the way "non-whites" were treated, nor are they today!
My conclusion is that it is impossible to please everyone. I am in no way a "white supremacist," but as one of the articles discussed, when whites are the minority of the country, what role will we play? This may not effect me, but I plan on having children and hopefully grandchildren and it will effect them. The color of skin doesn't really matter to me, but there are still a lot of people that it does matter to. What will this country look like, act like, value, support, protest, allow, etc. when my grandchildren become adults? That's a little scary to think about for me...I hope that the author of the Brigade focused article is wrong.
I know very little about my family heritage. I know that my great-grandfather on my father's father's side was born in Germany. My maiden name, Smith, was originally Schmidt. Other than that...I don't know anything else. I know that on my mother's side of the family, they were the "poor white folk" who lived in the country. I would imagine that someone, somewhere in my family tree had a slave (or slaves), but I don't know how far back you would have to go to find out who that was. Poor white people could not afford slaves.
Yes, our history books are very swayed. I have thought that for years. I didn't know that the Civil War was NOT really about slavery until I was in college! That's pretty sad. I also think it is important to note that poor whites were often times treated worse that black slaves. However, this is rarely discussed.
These articles were extremely interesting to me...a little unsettling to be honest. When I see people of a different "race" I notice our differences externally, but I mostly notice and pay attention to our similarities underneath our skin.
As a Christian this caused me to even reflect on stories from the Bible. There has always been a sort of prejudice. It is my belief that God created different languages at the Tower of Babylon because the people were focused on themselves and not Him. There were different cities and groups of people who did not "get along."
It is ridiculous to think that there can be perfect harmony. I believe it important to hope for such a dream, but evil exists in the world and Satan has people who play on his team. God acknowledges and allows his power in the world. Remember Job? Wow!
I enjoy so much the freedom I have been granted from men like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin. Men who children don't even know about, as stated in one of the articles. I am able to share my point of view and relate it to my faith with no fear of persecution. I am not being forceful with my opinions, simply stating them. It is SO important that our children have an appreciation for how this came to be.
As I was reading the articles I thought, "Why can't we teach children the foundations of our country AND then teach them about other viewpoints and/or cultural perspectives?" Why is there only one way? I have an appreciation for the forefathers of this wonderful land of the free, yet I also enjoy learning about other influential "non-white" people who contributed important things to our nation.
I can see the desire to deeply study your heritage as far as the country of origin of your parents and/or ancestors. However, somewhere down the line someone in your family found it rewarding and valuable to become a citizen of the United States. With that choice, they brought a desire to become an American, for all that entails. This "land of opportunity" came with a price. Isn't it important to have knowledge of how it came into existence?
As I've written a few times already, I LOVED the John Adams documentary film! I had NO IDEA that he was remotely important in the freedom from Great Britain and establishment of the 13 colonies and America. In my opinion, he was a greater contributor than the men who I "thought" were the most important. His wife's support was crucial to his successes, yet women were not permitted with as many rights as they are today. The film did an excellent job of displaying her importance. They were the first people to move into the White House and Mrs. Adam's character is shown as disapproving of the fact that black slaves were made to construct it. Everyone was not in favor of the way "non-whites" were treated, nor are they today!
My conclusion is that it is impossible to please everyone. I am in no way a "white supremacist," but as one of the articles discussed, when whites are the minority of the country, what role will we play? This may not effect me, but I plan on having children and hopefully grandchildren and it will effect them. The color of skin doesn't really matter to me, but there are still a lot of people that it does matter to. What will this country look like, act like, value, support, protest, allow, etc. when my grandchildren become adults? That's a little scary to think about for me...I hope that the author of the Brigade focused article is wrong.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Entry #1: Innovators and "Makers"
John Dewey is my innovator of choice. Being a lover of books, I am quite fond of his creative decimal system of library organization. That aside, Dewey believed in child-centered learning. He emphasized the need for children to learn by experience. I suppose I chose Dewey because I try to infuse these beliefs into my own classroom instruction.
I guess I'll pick Henry Ford as my "maker." I am completely fascinated by his invention of the Model-T automobile which we still benefit from 100+ years later. He saw the vision for mass production and paid his employees well for their hard work and dedication. Ford donated much of his wealth to the Ford Foundation which provides grants for organizations which support education among other things. He had a heart for the community and that is to be respected. His company and foundation still exist and are controlled by his family.
I guess I'll pick Henry Ford as my "maker." I am completely fascinated by his invention of the Model-T automobile which we still benefit from 100+ years later. He saw the vision for mass production and paid his employees well for their hard work and dedication. Ford donated much of his wealth to the Ford Foundation which provides grants for organizations which support education among other things. He had a heart for the community and that is to be respected. His company and foundation still exist and are controlled by his family.
Entry #2 : Education and Religion
The Minersville v. Gobitas over ruling in 1943 prohibits the government from making anyone salute the American flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I think it is important to remember that in 1943 the second World War was taking place. I recognize the Constitutional right of the First Ammendment, yet also find it interesting that this case was overturned while American soldiers were out risking their lives in the war. I also feel that it is important to note that the West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette case (which led to the Gobitas over ruling) was decided on June 14, 1943. Only 4 months later did "Black Thursday" occur, the worst day for the US 8th Air Force. My thoughts drift to the need for patriotism and loyalty to the US during this time, similar to now. However, the law is the law, regardless.
The article about the debate over religion in schools is interesting to me. What was important to this group was ensuring that creation was not discussed. I guess it was not very important to them that Darwin's theory has glitches and things which don't line up. The focus was on NOT teaching intelligent design and not necessarily about proving one was more correct than the other.
I'm searching for ways that these articles are related to one another. Obviously they are related to religious issues in public schools. The Jehovah's Witness students were in favor of seperating the church and state in defense of their religious beliefs, avoiding the accusitions of worshiping an idol over God by pledging their allegiance to the country. The other group wanted to ensure a seperation of church and state in order to ban religion from schools. I suppose they are alike, yet opposite. However, it does not seem that the Jehovah's Witness group was fighting to eliminate saying the pledge at school. They simply wanted the right to decide whether or not to participate.
It just occured to me that this happens today. Perhaps not always for religious reasons. I work at a very diverse school. Many of our students were born in another country or their parents were and they still pledge their loyalty to their "home" country. I just saw an 8th grader last Friday who did not stand during the National Anthem at a school assembly. (International day, oddly enough.) I wonder what his reasons are. Regardless of his reasons, I guess he has the right to choose.
The article about the debate over religion in schools is interesting to me. What was important to this group was ensuring that creation was not discussed. I guess it was not very important to them that Darwin's theory has glitches and things which don't line up. The focus was on NOT teaching intelligent design and not necessarily about proving one was more correct than the other.
I'm searching for ways that these articles are related to one another. Obviously they are related to religious issues in public schools. The Jehovah's Witness students were in favor of seperating the church and state in defense of their religious beliefs, avoiding the accusitions of worshiping an idol over God by pledging their allegiance to the country. The other group wanted to ensure a seperation of church and state in order to ban religion from schools. I suppose they are alike, yet opposite. However, it does not seem that the Jehovah's Witness group was fighting to eliminate saying the pledge at school. They simply wanted the right to decide whether or not to participate.
It just occured to me that this happens today. Perhaps not always for religious reasons. I work at a very diverse school. Many of our students were born in another country or their parents were and they still pledge their loyalty to their "home" country. I just saw an 8th grader last Friday who did not stand during the National Anthem at a school assembly. (International day, oddly enough.) I wonder what his reasons are. Regardless of his reasons, I guess he has the right to choose.
Monday, May 11, 2009
who is this "shopgirl?"
My name is Rachel. I am 27 years old. I currently work in a middle school, but have an elementary heart. I have my administrator's license, but I am not currently a principal. I am just starting my EdS in C&I...hoping to finish in August 2010.
I am married and have zero children at the moment...once I finish this degree??? (I'm hoping that's when we'll start!) I love my family. I have one sister who is 3 years younger than me and is my best friend. I enjoy reading, listening to music, observing nature, taking walks, watching movies, taking pictures, and attempting to scrapbook (although I'm over a year behind!!!). I hope to travel and see the world. My husband and I took our first trip to NYC on Spring break for our anniversary and LOVED it!
In case you're wondering why I'm "shopgirl".....I do like to shop, but even more so, I LOVE the movie You've Got Mail! Any other classmate bloggers enjoy this chick-flick?
I am married and have zero children at the moment...once I finish this degree??? (I'm hoping that's when we'll start!) I love my family. I have one sister who is 3 years younger than me and is my best friend. I enjoy reading, listening to music, observing nature, taking walks, watching movies, taking pictures, and attempting to scrapbook (although I'm over a year behind!!!). I hope to travel and see the world. My husband and I took our first trip to NYC on Spring break for our anniversary and LOVED it!
In case you're wondering why I'm "shopgirl".....I do like to shop, but even more so, I LOVE the movie You've Got Mail! Any other classmate bloggers enjoy this chick-flick?
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