Today, I am happy to acknowledge that I am pretty lucky. I work in a caring school and send my daughter Kara to an elementary school that takes the arts seriously.
At the end of the past week of high stakes state exams, Principal Michael Ranieri at PS 191 in Queens managed to have the fifth graders as well as my daughter's second graders perform flamenco dances as part of an international festival. It was amazing.
At the school where I work, Middle College High School at LaGuardia Community College, we sent a first rate group of wonderful kids along with three caring adults to Houston where the Middle College National Consortium held the Middle College Student Leadership Initiative. For a couple of the students, it was their first time on an airplane. For the teachers back home it meant a bunch of extra coverages, but it was well worth it to see our kids contribute nationally and grow as human beings. It really is an honor to be associated with Middle College.
This piece probably won't get thousands of hits or a hundred comments but it is nice to know there are some positive events that are occurring that NYC teachers and students are involved with.
Anyone else have anything nice to say?
If not, don't worry, I'll get back to exposing the muck in the system soon.
20 comments:
I too am fortunate to be working at a school, Newcomers High School in LIC, that is a sanctuary for students and teachers in an often toxic system.
I am now in my twentieth year of teaching, all of them at Newcomers. When I started, it was a mostly young teaching staff, but people don't leave once they get here, so we have all grown older together.
Two years ago, the person leading the Quality Review commented on how we had by far the most seasoned staff of any school he'd visited, and how both students and teachers seemed very happy, in contrast to most of the school he visited, which were chaotic, suffering from a lack of direction (because all they did was ricochet from one demented mandate to another), and with overwhelmingly inexperienced staff and administration.
Perhaps this Chancellor, who can't possibly retire soon enough, and her replacement, should pay attention to that fact, and not treat veteran teachers like The Enemy, and let them offer their wisdom and experience to newer teachers.
Perhaps she also shouldn't close public schools just to make Eva Moskowitz happy, as well. And perhaps Michael Mulgrew shouldn't be her lapdog.
Don't worry James, the trolls will be out soon raking over every crime and picking on every horrible thing they can think of.
I often point out that before this school James taught in a tough school that was closed. I never heard James complain of being spat on or cursed out by students.
Jamaica had a totally undeserved reputation. The kids, obviously with some exceptions, were wonderful. I miss them but I've moved on; well I still look back.
There are mant teachers, who are good people, with very valud complaints. Trolls? Did you see Susan Edelman had yet another grade scandal article today. Think about how many of those go unrrported. What about things principals cover up, dont put in OORS, teacher abuse, threats, assaults, fights, weapons, drugs, cell phone use, recordings, fake grades...
Sorry for spelling errors, new phone..many and valid and unreported
I agree 11:22 but that isn't what this post is about. I wanted to be positive because this system has the potential to be much better than it is.
I have to say that I am in an excellent school, The High School for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture. We accomplish a lot in this school from our AP classes, to our many clubs, awesome fest (our yearly musical presentation), numerous trips (including Philadelphia, Connecticut,some years Washington D.C., and our yearly international trip, this year to Europe). Also, we don't have the violence that other schools have. Do we have our wise guys? Of course we do, as no school is 100% perfect.
Prior to coming here I taught for many years at F.K. Lane. I only left because it was closing. I can honestly say that the school had excellent teachers. I always felt that the education was there, many of the kids just didn't want it or had other things on their minds (a place to live, supporting their families, massive violence, both in and out of school, etc.) I remember when I used to go to pd's that the first thing I would hear is "you work in THAT school?" Well, THAT school was just fine, once you understood the problems of the communities that fed into Lane. One thing I remember when other people attacked the school, I always said "my History Club president received a full ride to Harvard. How many of your kids did that?" With that, many people quieted down.
As for the staff, both at Lane and CTEA - top notch. A mixture of older and younger teachers who work together. For me, I have learned how to tune out the b.s. that is known as the DOE. Yes, conditions today stink and I plan to fly out the door two June's from now. In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy the time with my kids. The other nonsense will be dealt with on a case by case basis. But it's not going to consume my day!
Ohm and James, I attended P.S. 191(The Mayflower School) back in the 60's. Then it was JHS 172, and Van Buren. All excellent schools in my day and I know 191 and 172 are excellent. MVB, not that great now but it still educates the kids that go there.
Lane aint good now, none of them. 27 year old principals and pot smoking all over...
I agree James, there is plenty of good work being done by teachers and students in spite of what we have to put up with on a daily basis. Too bad so many admins (with small brains) don't realize that we don't need them to intimidate us into doing good work. If they all evaporated on Monday, we would still be at it on Tuesday.
Really enjoying some of the comments here. There is so much positive that is going on in NYC schools in spite of everything.
Just because james didn't have those disrespectful things happen to him doesn't mean it doesn't happen to many of us hard working and dedicated teachers. Go back under your progressive rock. On a positive note yes many many good things are occurring despite the uft and doe. Enjoy your day and God Bless!
James,
Your article reads like a brochure from a well managed hospice.
Or…the plot summary from the new movie Get Out.
I’m afraid the cavalry isn’t coming to the rescue, and another four years of DeB will spell the end of public education in NYC.
I believe that NYC schools have the ability to provide all students with a rich and wonderful learning environment where every person is valued. However, too many of our schools are plagued by inept, malicious and vindictive administrators whose only goal is to destroy the schools. Consequently, we must stand together to oppose this Facist regime in our schools.
Standing together is the key.
Tell that to the Ed notes guy who on a few occasions blames teachers for kids cursing them out. Where does he get off telling hard working, caring and dedicated teachers kids curse them and disrespect them because of something the teacher did or said. The man must have read farina and Kleins play book on blame the teacher when ever you get the chance.
Could you please sit down. Student response, you know what it is!
Could you please put your phone away. Student response, you know what it is!
Could you please start the assignment. Student response. You know what it is!
I can go on an on my Ed notes friend. Support the teachers not the corrupt doe!
I don't blame teachers. I only blame you because you are a whining racist and anti-children who and you can't hide your disdain from kids so they treat you accordingly. I don't believe you are caring or dedicated to anything other than complaining.
I thought we were going to keep this one positive everyone. Can we at least try? My daughter's friends could be using the link to see the video.
God bless my friend you are my inspiration.
I chaperoned a couple of those MCNC trips. Super fun and amazingly impactful for the students. Totally tiring for the adults (which is the way it should be).
Nice shout outs.
Post a Comment