 ‘Times
are changing, and our schools must change, too.’
As we wrap up another school year, my thoughts go to all of you
on the front lines who have been working tirelessly to provide the
best education possible for the children in your communities. I
know you are seldom thanked for your efforts, and many times you
are the brunt of unfounded criticism or the target of those who
would place all of society’s woes on public schools and public
school employees. You are heroes and deserve heartfelt thanks.
Have you noticed that some people feel they are education experts
because they went to school at some point in their lives? If you’re
looking for an education expert, take a look in the mirror. You
know what it takes to provide excellent education. Teachers need
qualified support professionals, small class sizes, up-to-date materials,
time to teach, parental support and students ready to learn.
We also know that education isn’t what it was 30 years ago.
We are well into the information age. Depending on rote learning
and being the sole provider of information no longer meet the needs
of our students. Although many adults aren’t comfortable with
advanced technologies, they are second nature to our children. Children
are comfortable exploring new technologies and learning in ways
unheard of just a few years ago. Times are changing, and our schools
must change, too.
A quality education system also takes respect for education employees
and a willingness to accept responsibility. Our best work is done
when our opinions are valued and when we are treated as professionals.
You have probably experienced administrators who have overreacted
in an effort to improve standardized test scores. Instead of helping,
scripted learning and other top-down mandates exacerbate the problem.
They stifle the love for learning and drive some of the best teachers
out of the ?profession.
The business model doesn’t apply to educating children. We
aren’t producing widgets. Children learn in different ways
and at varying rates. We can’t control all of the factors
that affect the way children learn. We can, and do, take responsibility
for our work, but providing educated citizens requires everyone
involved to accept responsibility as well. Parents, elected officials,
community members and the students themselves all play important
roles in providing quality education, which produces citizens ready
to succeed in today’s society. When education professionals
are respected and all the people involved in educating children
accept their responsibility, the results will follow.
It’s not brain surgery. In fact, I’m sure I haven’t
said anything you don’t already know from your years in the
classroom or other education setting. Children need to be engaged
in the learning process to get the results we desire. That takes
qualified teachers and support professionals, the right tools and
materials, doing our work in new ways, respecting everyone involved
in the education process and being willing to accept the responsibility
it takes to educate every child. Great public schools are a basic
right of every child. Thanks for doing your part.
by Greg
Jung
MNEA president
Other Reflections
'We speak for you.'
‘Students deserve
more than a funny-money formula....’
‘Why are they stealing
from Missouri kids?'
‘We on the front lines
must take charge of making our schools safe for all children.’
‘MNEA is ready to fight
this attack on teacher certification, but we cannot do it alone.’
‘Our recommendation
process does exactly what it is designed to do.’
‘The best part of being
an MNEA member is the power we have when we stand up for public
education.’
‘Tell them their payment
is well overdue.’
‘It’s time for people
to recognize the value of the work we do.’
‘The people we elect to the
PSRS Board...
will have the ability to make decisions that affect your retirement
forever.’
Send a message Feb. 16 to legislators
that they need to take care of kids first!
Another hoop for you to jump through
in a single bound
‘Now is the time for all members
to reach out to invite others to join.’
'Missouri's economy will improve
only when legislators realize education is an investment.'
Almost 13,000 Missouri teachers aren’t
currently covered by Medicare
'Temper your frustration with determination'
The Classroom Trust Fund
'Having a pro-public education legislature
has never been more uncertain'
Missouri teachers missing benefits
of Social Security
Reflecting on our work
Every child deserves a great school
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