Comments on: #988-Quit thinking bad teachers can’t do tremendous harm

By: Quit Bit Week in Review-Behind the Scenes

Quit Bit Week in Review-Behind the Scenes — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:51:07 +0000

[...] Quit thinking bad teachers can’t do tremendous harm (Open rate: 88.9%) [...]

By: Sofy

Sofy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:22:05 +0000

I think this is more of a statement on positions of power rather than “teachers”. Those in powerful positions have the responsibility to act accordingly. Period. Having said that, on the subject of teachers, having two children in the public school system, we have yet to encounter what might be considered a bad teacher. Some have been better than others in terms of activities and methods of teaching but none have made them feel demeaned or less than what they are. I think that parents are far more influential than teachers in the outcome of their kids and to play the blame game is counterproductive. The one teacher that stands out made a point of telling each of her students something unique about them that made them special to her. Even those students that likely challenged her every day received a kind comment. That, to me, is the message of this post. Keep them coming, Deano!

By: Dean Dwyer

Dean Dwyer — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:22:51 +0000

Yes I had many friends who often joked about this…summers off, leaving at three…you know the drill. Having done the profession I truly believe that it is one of the most difficult jobs on the planet…you wear many many hats with virtually no down time. It is one of the few professions where you are required to give an all-day presentation, with zero time to prepare (all must be done on personal time.)

But just so it doesn’t come off like I am teacher bashing, I taught with some incredible people. There are great ones out there, unfortunately as you said, their a few misfits who overshadow the truly great and committed ones.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:03:58 +0000

I do agree that I missed your message. The first few paragraphs seemed like such an attack on teachers that I felt I needed to advocate for us.

I agree that it’s hard work to earn and keep respect from parents, but my point is that teachers are often seen as “getting summers off” and “leaving work at 3″ and people are often quick to criticise. This goes for many professions (doctors, police officers, nurses).

After reading further into your message, I appreciate the positive comments that are also posted. It’s sad that a few “bad apples” can affect the way people remember their school experiences.

By: Dean Dwyer

Dean Dwyer — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:26:13 +0000

Thanks for sharing Sandra. I think you may have missed my point entirely. You are assuming that a parent advocating for their child means they are somehow doing them a disservice…and that you link that to a speeding ticket or divorce is well, ridiculous.

Interestingly enough, in my 17 years of teaching I did not have to plead for parents to teach their kids to respect me…nor did I have any angry parents come knocking on my classroom door…because I worked my butt off to make sure my students knew I was in their corner. Things weren’t always puppy dogs and roses, but they also knew I wasn’t going to ship them off to the principals office or call home because I didn’t want to take the time to solve our differences.

I worked hard to earn their respect by giving them mine…and in return I had theirs…thinking it comes from the parents is misguided thinking on your part…and I might also suggest you start talking to students to find out their experiences with teachers…you might be surprised what you hear…kids know when they are not liked even if nothing is said by the teacher..and don’t think that doesn’t have impact…sure it doesn’t make for great story telling, but the impact can be just as devastating.