On Thursday morning, I was being observered by two beginning teachers and someone from the district office because the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Curriculum is so impressed by the work I do with the struggling students and special education students in one of my language arts classes. Later that afternoon, my room was being observed (by someone else from the district office) because of the seemingly horrible job I am doing with a special needs student in that same class. Please excuse me, but I'm a little confused by all of this. I realize different students have different needs, but I'm getting mixed messages. Maybe the problem with education boils down to the fact that the people in charge really don't know what they want or what it looks like when they get it. Hmmm?.
The new principal of my school likes me so now I am considered a "master teacher." Days before this happened, my AP hated me. Nothing makes sense in education. I've given up trying to figure it out.
ReplyDeletesadly, no one really knows. That is why there is so much emphasis on testing. I'm sure you are a marvelous teacher. Ignore the hype and criticism. Do what you know works and love your children.
ReplyDeleteHah, I think you hit it right on! Assessing whether a teacher is "good" or "bad" is very nebulous and mostly they really don't know how to figure out it.
ReplyDeleteSorry you had such a confusing message. I think that you should focus on the positive.
I just happened on you blog - as a parent of a special needs kid I can say i isn't just the people in "charge" it is the parents of the kids putting pressure (read whining and complaining) or complimenting a teacher to them. Some of us somewhat rational parents think that anything anyone does that reaches out child and builds them up and enables them to interact with their peers - is amazing. Other not so rational parents, esp of special needs but typicals too, think that teachers are some kind of superheros who are supposed to be able to solves every issue and conquer every challenge (despite their own failure to do so at home), do miracles of progress and oh by the way - make sure that their special child is never, ever left out of anything despite their shortcomings - forget the fact you have a whole classtoom full of other students as well!! I am sure you are a great teacher!!
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