Sorry I have been out of the loop lately I was asked by my principal to take on a Geometry class 3 weeks before the start of school and since I have not taught this subject in years I have had to focus a little more on it. Plus, our “Tech restrictors” have blocked access to my login page from school. God forbid I upload a teachers’ column on a school computer! But then they also blocked access to NASA simulations (games), Teaching Blogs, and even a science simulation I used to use to teach Order of magnitude. I sometimes wonder what the job description is for “Technology Police”?

OK Let’s get started!- Excuse a little venting here and there I’m writing this on election day!

·        First of all, sorry Ms. Hanes I will try to write columns more often!

·        Is it just me or doesn’t it seem weird that the banks screw up and congress comes up with $700,000,000.00 in an emergency meeting. Then they hand out the money with no controls on how the banks spend it. Then to top it off some of the money does not even go to help banks (enough pork for a pig pickin!) Yet I have to spend over $1000.00 a year of my own money on materials and professional training?

·        Did they spend $700,000,000.00 on “no child left behind” in one bill? Just imagine what that amount of scholarship money connected to personal behavior and academics could do to change education. If you want to know what might happen just look at a private program funded by an oilman in La (Patrick F. Taylor.) Thank you sir for all you have done and are doing!

·        I find it interesting that public education has been left out of this election. Maybe that’s a good thing!

·        Hey businesses, recruiters, and colleges how about offering teachers boxes of free pencils, pens, and reams of paper. I don’t care of you advertise “USMC”, “Holiday Inn”, or “Piggly Wiggly” on the pencils. Anyone that wants to supply these things I know there are many teachers in your area that would take them!

·        Wouldn’t be nice if the national park system offered a free pass to all public school teachers so they and their families can enjoy a little savings in return for their dedication.

·        Let’s take this even further- How about more companies do like “Office Depot” and Sprint and offer discounts to public school teachers. If there are other companies out there that have significant discounts for educators let me know and I will post a list!

·        OK to a real extreme now. Cruise lines (Carnival- Be FUN with this idea, NCL try this on for freestyle, Disney make it a dream, Royal Caribbean give us the royal treatment, etc..) How about real super saver rates for teachers during their vacation times. Usually our vacations match increases in fares (summer, spring break, and Holiday time in December!)  What about discounts for NBCT?

·        In North Carolina last year they gave bigger raises to new teachers and less than 2% to experienced teachers. Yet when the NCAE published their “results” they only mentioned and “average increase of about 5%!” So what’s the idea hook new teachers with more money and give the short end to experienced teachers with family and kids to support and send to college?

·        I went to a “technology workshop” at a conference and the presenter was using only an overhead!  Makes you wonder!

·        Wouldn’t it be nice to see the politicians focus on the fact that poor education is often more about socio-economic conditions and families then is discussed?

·        Are drugs really the best long term solution to ADD and ADHD problems? Shouldn’t there be some training and development to help the individual overcome these conditions and eventually depend less on drugs?

·        If school vouchers allow concerned parents to move kids from schools at risk that is good! BUT how does that help the school at risk? It seems that that would leave them more at risk with fewer parents that are involved in their child’s education.

·        Did you know that there are school systems out there that:

o   Force schools to admit convicted felons so they can return to school.

o   Do not inform teachers that teach those students because they are minors.

·        Why is it when there is a sex scandal involving a student and a female “teacher” the press has no problem acting like the 15 year old male was “not really taken advantage of” but when it is a male “teacher” they are sex offenders.  Both should be treated on an equal basis! Not to mention the defense that the female was “too good looking to go to jail!” Then they have trouble telling a teacher from a para-educator from a volunteer - guess it makes better press!

·        Why is it so hard to have and enforce a consistent “attendance policy” in many school systems?

Teachers:

1.     Ask for what you need addressed personally to specific local businesses.

2.     Do not assume that “Unions” represent your best interest at all times. Have your own voice.

3.     Thank any and all companies, churches, and people that help education with your business and support.

4.     Know the facts and not the spin about education in your area and public education overall.

5.     Remember- You won’t know unless you ask!”