How did you feel about the metaphor? The reading brought back some memories of being a high school teacher back in the day when teachers were teachers and administrators were leaders. Innovative strategies that met student needs were not looked upon with favor by the the narrow thinking of some school principals. It was either their way or the highway. Unfortunately I encountered such narrow thinking which resulted in the "institutional practices working against the teacher." In those days, I saw a lot of really good teachers leave the system out of frustration. Teachers today are more fortunate because they are encouraged to be more creative and to use strategies they know will work with their students. These days what counts is that the students learn. I have seen so many really good teachers at the elementary and secondary levels who use innovative but effective strategies and I've seen the students' reactions to such strategies. One high school health teacher I know uses music to teach his ESL students health concepts . For many island students, music is a way of communicating their thoughts and feelings. He also uses a lot of video technology to help students become more effective communicators. He is a great example of teaching reading literacy in the content area . Another teacher I know, uses student created visuals to motivate students to relate to the content. She then posts these visuals in the classroom to showcase student work and this gives students the motivation to want to learn more and do more. I say, "if it works, use it!" There are so many good teachers but they need the support of administrators who understand that some teachers need to use out- of- the- box strategies and to encourage them rather than frustrate them with narrow thinking. Because good and sound leadership is critical to an effective adolescent literacy program, I believe that many of our new administrators (who have little experience with effective literacy programs) need some professional development in leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills and they need to be able to model these skills effectively so that their specialist teachers would want to assume leadership roles themselves. For those who are stuck in a "my way or the highway" rut, (and we still have those in our current system) they need to be professionally redeveloped as well.My quote for today is from a reader of GUIDEPOSTS, Laverne Hart: If you aim at nothing, more than likely you'll hit it. How hard is this target to miss? On the other hand, if you aim at something, more than likely you'll hit is as well. So the moral is if you're aiming, aim for something because it is better than nothing.''
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As teachers, we have the opportunity to do so much for our students--whether good or harm is in our hands. I like your point Faye about taking things into our own hands and being creative with lessons. This is the only way to truly reach students at all levels. I feel for the teachers in the elementary and middle schools who are constrained by a program. I like your post too and how it applies to those in a teaching rut who refuse to change or accommodate our diverse learners. What do they expect would come of their unwillingness to help those students who need help?
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