EDU Trending: For Want of a Teacher
Some articles bemoan the crisis with lip service about the need for action rather than self-care talk.
In one, a principal brags that she honors teachers’ “high level of expertise” by giving them “autonomy and trust” to determine the appropriate dress code for themselves. Another principal is proud of his ‘texts for breaks’ that give teachers a few minutes to tend to “basic needs” or “to regulate themselves.”
Another article attempts to arouse teacher guilt by acknowledging that if a parade of substitute teachers arrives with only a work packet for the day’s lesson, students will be deprived of consistent student/ teacher relationships and will suffer academically. Yet, in some schools, widening responsibilities – like managing disciplinary problems and cell phone usage – are dumped on teachers without giving them a) classroom authority, b) support from administrators, and c) input into school policy.
Education is a monolith. There are those in charge. And there is everybody else. But teachers are educational colleagues. Experienced practitioners who can provide practical and actionable initiatives from their unique vantage point in the classroom. They should not and will not be treated like children who can be mollified with a bathroom break.
The truth is most teachers want to stay in the classroom and maintain close relationships with their students. It gives them professional and personal satisfaction. They understand how to be relevant, inspire, and motivate their students to achieve personal growth and academic success. They are invaluable in this capacity and need classroom autonomy and authority to be most effective.
Some teachers want to use their practitioner experience to assume a leadership role on occasion. Yet, most schools have few, if any, opportunities for teachers to actively participate and have an equal voice about policies, curriculum content, and best practices that directly impact student learning, classroom management, and school culture.
Teachers are education’s best assets. Administrators and other education leaders would be smart to welcome teachers as qualified colleagues. Shared leadership does not mean equal leadership, but a cultural shift based on mutual respect and trust.
It could create a healthier, happier, more productive learning environment for all. It might also encourage some teachers to come back and make the profession appealing to college students.
The system must change. The perspective of education leaders toward teachers must change.
If not, our children and their parents will continue to go begging for want of a teacher.
NOTE: Although not the majority, there are educators in leadership who understand how valuable good teachers are and agree that what they want is not only good for teachers but for students. These administrators give teachers classroom autonomy and authority, and a vote in decision-making table. The result: Happier, more confident teachers, more effective school policies and learning practices, parents who worry less, and students who trust, engage, and thrive. Who would object to that?
News for Your Views: The Choice Is Yours
How to Ban Phones in School. This article suggests that, at present, student cell phones in the classroom are a better-than-nothing “band-aid” to keep parents in the loop, and that before banning cell phones, school policies need to be in place.
In my opinion, there is no quid pro quo for cell phones in class. The hard part isn’t banning them. It is enforcing the ban so that students can focus on learning and interacting with each other and their teachers. What do you think?
Can Civics save the Great American Experiment?
The University of Texas at Austin believes so and has a new School of Civic Leadership to teach the habits of a free citizenry that will sustain our democracy and protect us from losing it. A ray of hope, but is it really that simple? Read the article and decide.
And then there is Katie. Twelve years, four Olympic Games, and Katie Ledecky is still winning. With her four-medal win in four events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Katie Ledecky became the most decorated American female Olympian in history.
Still focused on her goals. Still down-to-earth. Smiling and ready for fun. Watch her with Elmo and Cookie Monster. You will smile, too. What a role model. Go, Katie!
As we start the 2024-2025 school year, education leaders and officials are in panic mode. They have multiple jobs going begging for want of a teacher.
Teacher shortage is nothing new. We have been witnessing the mass exodus of teachers before, during, and since COVID. It has now reached critical mass. It appears that promises of increased pay and other perks are not enough to lure teachers back or to inspire college students to join the profession.
Are the 2028 L. A. Olympics in your future?
From Me to You: Empowering Teens
There were some hurdles to overcome, but now just in time for school, I am very happy and proud to share with you: Ten Things Teens Can Do to take control, love yourself, and find joy.
Synopsis: This book shows teens how to kick stress to the curb with 10 ideas and fun activities that give them control over their happiness and make others happy as well. Also, by answering 13 reflection questions, teens can plan the future they want and figure out how to make it happen.
Never preachy. Upbeat, fun, and gratifying, Ten Things Teens Can Do is about empowerment, personal responsibility, and the joy that comes from both. A very positive win-win.
Unique Features: It is a two-in-one uplifting book with both activities and reflective questions that give teens agency. It does not tell teens what to do. It offers choices for them to make that will help them diminish stress and be confident, independent, productive, fulfilled, and happy.
Message to Teens: You have the power to live the life you want. So, believe in yourself, take charge, have fun, find joy!
Watch Introductory video here: https://www.youtube.com/@MerleR.Schell
Read a newspaper interview here:
Some early reviews:
“A useful tool for teenagers that is creatively presented and exciting. And a fun twist on a standard journal.” - Lindsay Fisher, criminology major, University of Maryland
"Dr. Schell gives kids the permission and the space they need to block out all the noise, slow down, and reflect upon themselves, their relationships, and the world. Only good can come from this thoughtful little book that encourages kindness, compassion, and communication."
- Lee Binda, B.F.A., M.A. in Humanities, retired high school English teacher
“Like chatting with a friend, Dr. Schell has an exciting and vibrant approach to supporting teens through their journey of self-discovery. Upbeat, creative, and fun.”
- Betty Boyd, 40+ years as a youth worker and high school guidance counselor
Ten Things Teens Can Do is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R3NM3M/
I hope you give it a try, and if you and your teens like it, please leave a review on Amazon. Thank you 😊
Question of the Day: The Fragility of Freedom
Who said: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
Mahatma Ghandi
Michelle Obama
Ronald Reagan
Nelson Mandela
Nancy Pelosi
For the correct answer, go to: www.merleschell.com/blog/a-republic-if-you-can-keep-it