Waiting for "Superman"

Last night I went to see the movie "Waiting for Superman." This movie discusses the inequalities of America's education system. As an educator this is an issue dear to my heart. At the same time, I thought I'd be mad the movie. Often teachers are blamed as the reason some of America's children are failing in school. Though this is sometimes true, I know too many teachers that are working SO hard, so I struggle believe this is the only reason. The good news is I wasn't mad at the end of the movie. I didn't agree with everything that was said. There's a lot more that could have been said. But, they only had two hours, and this issue is bigger than a two hour documentary.

I wondered how many people in the theatre were educators. Ideally this message would move beyond those directly involved in education. Some people don't care because they're not a teacher, or they don't have kids, or their kids are no longer in school. I disagree. We all have a role in educating the children of our society. I hope this movie gets people talking.

In the movie I didn't like that they made charter school out to be the saving grace. I didn't like that they made teacher unions look so terrible. I don't agree with everything the unions do, but there's a reason they exist. I also think they failed to mention a few factors that attribute to failing schools, bad behavior and poor parenting. Students are in school for about 7 hours a day. The days I have felt I was not effective as a teacher is often due to poor student behavior. Yes, I am in charge of behavior management. But sometimes it is just so bad, you want to cry and quit. But, at the same time, we can't use that as an excuse. As a society we owe it to our country's children to ensure that everyone gets a quality education.

Go see the movie. Let's start discussing a solution. At the end of the movie, the credits encouraged each of us that we can make a difference. I want to believe this is true.

http://www.waitingforsuperman.com/action/

New beginnings

Tomorrow I start teaching kindergarten. This will be a three month position for another teacher's maternity leave. I'm excited, that nervous excitement when something new is beginning. I'm ready, but there will be surprises. They are so little.  Seventeen little five year olds in my care. This is exciting, but also a bit overwhelming.

I've gotten use to having time on my hands. I haven't worked 40 hours a week since June. This will all change tomorrow. I keep thinking about how much will change for the teacher having the baby. Her life will never be the same. I don't have as big of changes coming, but big for me. I'm not always great with change. But I want to embrace this change. This is change that I want.

So here's to new beginnings. At the St. Olaf Young Alumni event on Friday I was having a conversation with someone I had worked with on student government. We were doing that "So, what are you up to?" conversation. I told him I was starting this new job on Wednesday. He said, "Wow, you're a legit person." That felt good. I don't know if he's completely right. But, I'll take it as a compliment.