Where are the Teachers
by I have a six year old autistic son. I have always been a very involved parent, and have been noticing lately that a lot of teachers have stopped caring.
I am writing this blog to address the absent nature of many of the teachers in today’s schools. I have an autistic kindergarten aged son who has recently been experiencing some behavior problems at his school. I am most concerned about the problems that he’s been having because up until now my son has never displayed any behavior problems. The notes that have been coming home suggest that there is no supervision in the classroom. Now don’t get me wrong, I understand that a teacher cannot be at all places at all times. However, I got a phone call from the school that my son kicked two students in the line on the restroom. My question is this, “What is happening that the teacher does not ever what happens before the inappropriate behavior occurs?” I have had numerous meetings with the school, administrators, etc. to discuss his behavior intervention program (BIP).
There seems to be no true supervision in the classroom. I have observed this fact first hand. The teacher pleads with the children to sit down, be quiet, pay attention, keep their hands to themselves, etc. and the children rarely heed her instructions. My grievance with what has been going on within the class rooms is that there seems to be no connection between the teachers and the students. When I observe my son’s class the teacher seems to be detached from the children. It’s almost as if she is on autopilot. I graduated from high school in 2001 and I must say that as I remember it, things were the same then. We floated from class to class listening to what might as well have been a recorded lecture. There was no feeling in the majority of my teachers. Some even went as far as to say that they were only there because they had no other options.
I believe that those who teach play a vital role in the development of our children’s lives. It is the primary obligation of parents to teach their children right from wrong. When a child goes to school they learn how to interact with others. They learn what is socially acceptable and are given the opportunity to practice those things. It is the duty of the teacher to educate our most impressionable and valuable assets. The difference that a teacher can make in the lives of their students is something that is so special.
Is there anybody out there who may be experiencing the same issues that I am? If so, how have you been dealing with them?
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Post CommentBrian R
On May 7, 2008 at 8:21 am
I agree with you Girl.. Where are they??
Toni Marie
On May 7, 2008 at 8:26 am
No Samantha I’m not going through the same thing but I understand how you feel.I can think back when I was in school too. The teachers who did connect with the students were considered unfit to other teachers.Alot of the teachers most students connected with, were mainly coaches,elective teachers,hell even the security guards connected more with the students.I believe the teachers lost their edge because the students show no interest.Administrators make teachers follow a guideline that prepares kids for tests and assessments rather then surving in the world we live in (which requires simple reading,writing,and arithmetic).I feel that alot of teachers have given up and the ones that haven’t are put in preferred areas of the community.It’s not an excuse but I’ve seen it as a student many times.I feel it is the teachers job to demand respect and give it,show their students who’s in authority because they care about what’s been shown to be important, and if that’s not education being taught by the parent then it is the teachers job to prove otherwise.The problem is the teachers no longer believe that to be their duty, and worse alot of parents don’t either.I Love Your Article!!!!!!
Lori
On May 7, 2008 at 8:50 am
I too, see these same behaviors in the schools. I know the entire system needs an overhaul, but for now who can make a change? Parents! When you have a child with special needs, especially autism, there needs to be consistent structure in the classroom and in the home. The teacher needs to have a strong presence and knowledge of how to interface with an autistic student. IDEA affords parents in-home training. Are you receiving any training? Has the district brought in anyone knowledgable addressing the behaviors related to autism? Children with special needs and students in general need to have an education that prepares them for thinking and applying what is learned. The community they will live in will require a vocation even if that job requires support from someone other than a co-worker.
Vicki
On May 7, 2008 at 9:47 am
I was in a discussion with a group of teachers and some school administrators recently about the TAKS Alt and how it is affecting teacher performance in terms of the time and difficulty involved with orchestrating testing. The comment was made that this really removes them from their students in addition to placing a significant amount of stress on the students. A comment was made that many teachers were quitting due to the rigorous testing procedures and the fact that some could not design the tests. They also talked about the students’ loss of confidence after having taken a test where they were held to standards they could not achieve. I was in a meeting recently where there was a discussion about whether a student should take a TAKS Alt or TAKS Modified and teachers were telling the administrators that as the student worked much more slowly she could not complete the entire TAKS. She still had to take it rather than the TAKS Alt because she was working on the same material as other students. They were able to justify allowing her two days to complete the test. My conclusion is that the testing that is being used in schools today are a major part of the problem in schools. I am all for students being held to a standard, but they should be achievable standards. The fact that a student has worked for 12 years to get an education and cannot get a diploma because he or she cannot pass a Math test is rather sad.
Carla M. Brown
On May 7, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Sam,
You have touched on a huge soap box of mine, but it arises out of a different perspective. I’m a speaker, freelance writer, and coach…only my coaching is relative to communications. So I’ve seen a lot. Specifically, I coach public speaking and debate at a magnet elementary school here in Houston and adults who want to improve their speaking skills…
Prior to that, I had heavily considered teaching and was one exam away from certification in Early Childhood – 4th/Early Childhood – 4th, ESL, but changed my mind out of disdain for the lack of parental involvement in children’s development, hence my different perspective.
I agree – what’s going on in the classroom is mind-boggling, and at times, utterly disappointing. But for those teachers who ARE committed to educational development’s labor of love, there is a widening gap when it comes to the parents’ obligation to provide the necessary balance for that development. What I like about your posting is that you are ACTIVE. In fact, I had this discussion with parents at my sons’ school last night.
Yes, we want our teachers to be the best. Yes, we want our children to have an enriched experience whenever possible. BUT, I think that we as parents are obligated to give teachers who DO care, the support they need. In fact, I believe this parental attrition can often contribute to the relaxed standards teachers may develop as a result of the “the parents aren’t going to do anything anyway” attitude. You’re probably among the elite at your son’s school in terms of follow-through…
While there’s no excuse for them failing to provide support for your son, there’s definitely a need for the circle of support to be closed all the way around. In essence, we need more teachers and parents who support one another for the sake and growth of our children. Hats off for taking the baton and running with it…
J$Rich
On May 8, 2008 at 1:17 am
Its not even a question if you are adamant about this matter at hand. I’m very pleased to see another caring parent. I’m all for your movement and I pray that your problem with your son becomes resolved.