The title to this post is not very accurate, but I could not say "Rants and Raves" because that would infringe on Kirsten's territory. I went on Friday and signed my contract with the McIntosh county school system. I am officially employed! I began to be a little nervous when I had not been asked by them to come in and sign my contract. I thought that they had decided not to hire me and hated me so much that they were not going to call and tell me. But they did call and I went. They are having new teacher orientation on August 1st so I get to go and meet the other new teachers and get all of my benefit information. I am so thrilled that I can get dental insurance that includes orthodontics. Trey can finally get his gap closed :) I worked my bum off to pay the 3,700 dollars for Reese's braces, but it was well worth it - nothing says "Neglect" like a messed up grill. That may be harsh, but I hate screwed up teeth, and one time, on Oprah, they had an expert that says people judge you first and foremost by your teeth. I am also happy that I can get some much needed work done to my own neglected grill. I also found out that the governor is giving all Georgia teachers a $100 gift card to use for materials for their classroom. The human resource lady did not make it clear that this was for the classroom, so I thought it was just a gift for the teachers. So I had my first gaffe when I said,
"Oh great, I have three little ones to get ready for school and that will come in handy."
"No. That card is only for your classroom."
I was embarrassed. Now she will think I am a dull creature. I thought the card was a nice gesture from governor Purdue, but the lady in human resources, Ms. Starr, said that it was only because it was an election year. Well, thanks anyway Sonny.
On another note, in last nights Brunswick news (you can read it online at www.thebrunswicknews.com) there was an article about the findings of an investigation into the discipline referrals in the Glynn county schools. The investigation revealed that minority students make up a disproportionate number of discipline referrals and that it seems to be the same teachers over and over again. This morning, I listened to Straight Talk on the local AM station and they were discussing the article. One of the principals in town makes her teachers read Understanding Poverty by Ruby Payne so they can understand how poverty affects a child's learning experience. Sounds like a great idea to me. One guy called in and said, "I think it is just crazy that that principal makes everyone read that book. I mean, you are asking teachers to dumb themselves down is ridiculous."
Yeah, reading a book is asking teachers to "dumb down." What on earth are people thinking? Do they really think that trying to understand the lives of their students is not a good thing? That knowing what it is like to be hungry and have a crack head for a mom or dad would not be useful for a teacher? I was infuriated and I tried to get through but the lines were jammed up with idiots who wanted to express the same opinion as that moron. OK. I feel better now.
5 comments:
sorry people are stupid. I really hate it when stupid people open their pie wholes and express their opinions. I think reading the book is a wonderful idea and should be required of all public school teachers.
I'm sure I would have made the same mistake about the gift card. I'm sure the receptionist doesn't think you're a dull creature. They should have made it clear in the first place that it was a gift card only for the classroom.
I'm excited for you. I know you'll be the best teacher in Mcintosh! I'm glad you'll have benefits too!
I think that ALL teachers should have to work in an under-priviledged area or inner city school before they begin teaching. I am sure that the book gives them some insight, but putting its ideas into practice is another story.
I believe teachers should have compassion in their discipline techniques, to a point. Having a crackhead for a mother is no excuse to misbehave on a regular basis or to hurt other students. I think there is a thin line between proper discipline and being manipulated by politically correctness.
I remember days, albeit a few, when I didn't care that student A had a schizophrenic mother that didn't take her meds; I still wanted to throw a book at him. However, he was a white kid, and this "problem" seems to be a mix of economics and race.
I think it's a difficult situation to handle, especially if you are a compassionate, insightful person (like you are). You are going to see your co-workers treat their students like crap because they want to make themselves feel superior. It sucks, but I know you will rise above it all. I know you are a fabulous teacher and will be example for everyone.
Here are some links that I believe will be interested
Interesting site. Useful information. Bookmarked.
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