Wednesday, September 17, 2008

School's Beginning - Another View

Consider this from a new teacher to the system:

After being interviewed by the school administration, the teaching prospect said,

"Let me see if I've got this right: You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning.

You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride.

You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job.

You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of anti-social behavior, and make sure that they all pass the state exams.

You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English and Spanish by letter, email, telephone, newsletter, and report card.

You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps.

You want me to do all this and then you tell me that I can't pray?"

2 comments:

Mama C. said...

I can remember, quite clearly, saying The Pledge of Allegiance every morning in school when I was a child. Now, the powers that be are opposed to having the children recite it, because "God" is mentioned. My oldest daughter doesn't even know the words! She doesn't know any of our Anthems, either: The Star Spangled Banner, The National Anthem, or God Bless America. Why? Because learning such songs might be discriminatory to some people. The Christmas Concerts at first were re-named "Holiday" concerts, and eventually, all semblance of any kind of Christmas carol was removed from the program. Soon after, the concert was eliminated all together in December -- moved to the spring, so as not to further offend anyone.

I can also remember, after standing to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in the classroom each morning, that we were to sit down, and have a moment of silent prayer at our desks. Such activity would seem appauling these days.

I totally agree with the teacher, who brought up what I think is a very valid point. Maybe if more faith were instilled in our young people today, then the less-positive "ideologies" might take a back seat.

Ericka said...

I think they should hang this message from the raters in every school gym across america.
very good saying.
Love you guys
jared