Among our high school and middle school students, there is an alarming and increasing trend for them to be little one another for academic excellence, as if the image of 'school boy' or 'school girl' were among the derisive to be served up. Sadly, I see a similar sort of subtle derision towards teachers who excel. I have heard, far too many times, comments that imply that somehow the effective teachers are doing well because they get 'better kids'. Honestly, when I was in the classroom, I hear it enough to begin to self-doubt. Stepping out to coach helps me to see clearly that it was the qualities of self-reflection, drive and dedication combined with respect for kids AND not some magical class roster that helped me reach for more as a teacher. I am not saying I was or am perfect--but it is the reaching that separates professionals from employees, IMO. I am convinced that it is that reflective stance that can just plain intimidate others. Take heart, Elisa, and remember--we make our PLC's where we find them.
Lori Jackson District Literacy Coach and Mentor Todd County School District Box 87 Mission SD 5755 ----- Original message ----- From: Waingort Jimenez, Elisa <elwaingor...@cbe.ab.ca> To: Special Chat List for \To Understand: New Horizons in ReadingComprehension\ <understand@literacyworkshop.org> Date: Sunday, February 08, 2009 10:03 PM Subject: Re: [Understand] Chapter six? > My sentiments exactly. I feel as I am seen as too eager, too studious or > just too much. It's exhausting trying not to be who I am but it's also a bit > alienating being the kind of teacher you describe below. I once walked into > the school library where two teachers were chuckling as one showed the other > my blog. There may have been nothing bad intended in the chuckle but it > still made me feel sad. > Elisa > > Elisa Waingort > Grade 2 Spanish Bilingual > Dalhousie Elementary > Calgary, Canada > > The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even > touched. They must be felt within the heart. > —Helen Keller > > Visit my blog, A Teacher's Ruminations, and post a message. > http://waingortgrade2spanishbilingual.blogspot.com/ > > > > and find at times I am > alienated from others because of my desire to read and improve on my > teaching etc. > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Understand mailing list > Understand@literacyworkshop.org > http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/listinfo/understand_literacyworkshop.org > > _______________________________________________ Understand mailing list Understand@literacyworkshop.org http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/listinfo/understand_literacyworkshop.org
