The State of Education

I was recently told that I was an ineffective teacher. A parent came in because her child is not doing well in class and she bluntly informed me that I was the cause… I’m not challenging him… not providing enough experience with scientific investigations… not doing enough “stand in front of the class and lecture”. Instead, I am “forcing” him to read and write something every day *gasp* and that is just not good teaching in her eyes.

Now… what she had to say is not totally off base. I do have the children read and write every day in class. Partly because I feel it’s important to have a knowledge base when you are studying a scientific concept. But also because we are constantly pressured to have as much reading and writing practice in our classes, even science and math. We were told at the beginning of the year (and every faculty meeting since) that we are ALL reading teachers. 90% of our professional development is geared towards teaching reading. So yeah… my kids read a little every day.

That leaves less time for labs, exploratory projects, and real life science experiences. Couple that with the pressure to get the kids ready for the FCAT, the large class sizes, and the lack of funding for even the simplest equipment… Well, you are starting to get a picture of the typical middle school classroom. Not to mention the time we are expected to spend teaching "character education", you know... values... manners... the things less and less parents bother to teach at home anymore. Plus, we were told this year that we are personally accountable if a student receives less then a C… which translates into, “If a child refuses to participate in class, its your fault and you have to do whatever it takes… stay unpaid after school, let them redo all the work they didn’t do the first time, make the work easier… whatever it takes to make sure he/she passes.

So my dilemma is… how can I be this awesome teacher that is willing to focus on meaningful, engaging lessons that sometimes have nothing to do with the curriculum or reading or the FCAT, ~and~ be the teacher that makes sure everyone in my crowded, underfunded classes pass no matter what while making sure no one is “left behind”, even if they don't care whether they are successful or not?

Am I an ineffective teacher? According to my administration, my kids test scores, and the State of Florida… No. Am I the best science teacher I can be? Under the restraints placed on me by my administration, my kids test scores, and the State of Florida… Yeah. Well, at least I try to be. Am I a sellout? I don’t know. I just know that I just don’t feel like I’m making a difference as a teacher anymore. And I don’t like the way that feels at all.