I don't understand why things always have to change. New isn't always good. Sometimes old ways work best. It seems that every time I turn around there is something new in education.  Makes me yearn even more for the good old days.

Now, worksheets are taboo so we call them printables and they sell like hotcakes.  Sitting at a desk or table is too old-school so we sit children on the floor or on pillows. We're in the digital age (just in case you weren't aware of this fact),  so we want to be paperless (which doesn't exactly explain why printables are so popular). We want to use markers, whiteboards, or digital resources, but not paper. Email is the preferred method of communication, and recess has been reduced because it is instructional time we can't afford to lose. Kindergarteners are expected to come to school already knowing their shapes, colors, alphabet, and how to tie their shoes.

So, I'm just going to say it. I sat in a desk. In a row, of all things. I had worksheets. I had to memorize the multiplication tables and the Preamble. I had recess. I  learned to color in kindergarten and tie my shoes and play. I also took naps in kindergarten. I had rules. I was given expectations. I had homework. I was spanked when I deserved it. My teachers disciplined me and were supported by the principal and my parents.  I never saw a computer before I entered college.  I never used a calculator for math. I was expected to be responsible and accountable.

And, you know what? I grew into a responsible adult who can tell a square from a circle and tie her shoes. I still know my multiplication tables and the Preamble.  I use social media, but I know how to carry on a face-to-face conversation. I use paper and I don't feel guilty about killing trees (gasp!) I even learned computer programing in college and use a computer on a daily basis (who am I kidding? It is more like minute-by-minute).  I vote. I have a job. I can meet a deadline without breaking a sweat.I do my best to contribute to society. I laugh and I cry. I have friends that I wouldn't trade for anything, and my parents are my best friends. I still have respect for my teachers (even the ones that called home).

 I survived the good ole days. I turned out all right, as did many of you. So, why do things always have to change? Why are we always looking for a new way to do things? You know what they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.



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This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Education has become too divisive. There are now distinct groups within the educational system, each touting that they have the best interest of the kids in mind, but rarely showing it.   You have administrators that taught for a maximum of three years, teaching coaches that maybe taught for one –two years, and people in HR that have never taught.  Schools have become political arenas for agendas to be pushed. 

Back in the day things were different. I know that memory has a way of making the past seem better than it was, but there were some things that were better.  For instance, teachers taught.  We knew what was expected, we knew what our kids were expected to know by the end of the year, we had a pacing guide (a guide to be used as a guide, not a “set in stone” follow it to the letter or else guide), and we knew how to teach. We had gone through our college programs and, more importantly, student teaching. We worked with our teams and our administrators when it was, not only fashionable, but also true that everything we did was “for the kids”.  Our principals had our backs. They were in our classrooms, in the hallways, on the playground, and in the lunchroom. They planned PD that had nothing to do with professional development, but everything to do with team development.  Meetings were at a minimum. You had one if you needed one.  Teachers were kept in the classroom, not pulled out to attend the latest conference on the newest educational trend.  Parents were held accountable for their role as parent. They were expected to be part of the education of their child.  Parents were invited to take part in class activities.  The students were responsible for their part, after all it was their education.  Students were expected to be in class on time, with all assignments complete. They were expected to show respect to adults and peers.  They were held to a higher standard.  Everyone was. 

Now, accountability is becoming a thing of the past. New grading methods do not require students to be responsible OR accountable.  Unprofessional fraternization between administrators and their ‘pet’ teacher leaves conduct open to speculation.  Teachers have increased expectations, with less time to meet them.  Meetings have become all the rage. There is a meeting for every purpose you can imagine. Most of the meeting content could be handled through email, rather than a drawn out affair that cuts into class time with students.   

Teachers are treated less like professionals and more like puppets. Why do all educational trends start with someone that isn’t in education?  It never ceases to amaze me that the most valuable resource available is the one ignored. Why aren’t we asking teachers what works and what doesn’t work? Why aren’t we asking teachers about curriculum, discipline, and best practices? Why aren’t we asking teachers for their opinions and ideas?  And, why aren’t we listening? 

Teachers are expected to be respectful and professional in any situation to any person.  They are expected to follow the directives of a superior, even if they know that what they are doing is damaging to students. They are expected to be on the cutting edge of technology and know all the latest in education. They are expected to be on call 24/7 and take work home with them every day. They have policies to memorize that change on a monthly basis.  They are expected to provide for someone else’s children out of their own pocket.  They are expected to forfeit their plan time at the drop of a hat. They are expected to overlook discipline issues so that kids can be kids and administrators will have better numbers to turn in to the higher ups.  They are expected to produce exceptional test scores at the end of the year from students that weren’t expected to turn in assignments (due to administrative decisions).  Teachers are expected to attend conferences and extended learning opportunities during school breaks. In short, teachers are expected to work miracles. No other profession has this expectation for their employees. Teachers were once a group of respected professionals performing an honored public service.

So, maybe things weren’t all that great back “in the good old days”, but things were better than they are today.  I think we could (and should) learn from our past and turn things around to make a better educational system for our kids.  I think it is time that we treat teachers as the hard-working professionals that they are. 

Have a great week-end!

Kim

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Okay, so I'm dropping the ball today. I'm tired, stretched thin in a million directions, and frankly, in no mood to be perky, helpful, or informational. Sound familiar?  Find yourself running in two directions at once?  That's me. Today.
I have no reason to feel this way. I couldn't even begin to count my blessings. The fall weather is perfect. I have a loving family, a job I love, and a wealth of true friends. But, I'm feeling exceptionally sassy and stubborn. It's that time of year: parent conferences, grades due, and the Christmas countdown as everyone gears up for the holidays.
So.... I'm going to ignore the deadlines and the countdowns and stop. Just. Stop.
Stop and enjoy the crisp colors and the stiff breezes, and start counting those blessings. After all, God didn't intend for me to run through life. He intended for us to enjoy the beauty that He created.
Why don't you slow down and take a good look around. Savor the season and praise the Creator.
Happy Fall!

And.....
When you have time.........

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Scarecrows- Non-Fiction Printables

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This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Well, it is that time of year again. I was lucky. Conferences were always on or near my birthday in the fall and on or near my anniversary in the spring. How lucky can you get?  In thinking of the time-honored event, I put together some thoughts, ideas, and suggestions to help make conference time easier, conferences run more smoothly, and (hopefully) reduce your stress before, during, and after. The following is the opening page of my newest resource at TpT (and Teacher's Notebook and Teachwise).  I priced it at $1.50 and included printables for conference invitations, thank you notes, areas of opportunity forms, parent contact forms, and more. 15 printables in all, for spring and fall.   Check out  the gif on my Teacher Stuff pinterest page to see more pages. Have a great fall week-end! Find this product and more at Chocolate 4 Teachers!

               Sanely Surviving Parent Teacher Conferences!

No one looks forward to parent-teacher conferences because of the time it takes to prepare for conferences and the time involved in conducting them.  Afterwards, you are too exhausted to enjoy a long week-end or too busy honoring requests made during the conference to enjoy and rest.  Try these ideas, that I have used and found successful, to make conferences less stressful and your well earned time off restful.

 Of course, these won’t solve all the problems you may encounter. We’ve all had that “impossible-to-please” parent or the parent that is living in denial. My best advice is to pray. I start off the year praying and continue throughout the year. For me, praying before conferences is a necessity.  I realize that I may not be changing a parent’s response, but I am changing mine.  I am also setting the tone for a pleasant conference, which may change some parents’ perspectives. Remember, they have only had their child’s version until now. This is your opportunity to develop a working relationship with parents. Who knows?  It might change a child’s negative behavior by showing them that parents working with teachers forms a team to help them succeed.

                     students + parents + teachers = success!

Being organized is a huge help. Preparing in advance and doing everything you can to help conferences run smoothly will help you have less to do afterwards.   During my first years, I found myself running around, jotting down “to-do” notes of things that I needed to do after conferences: follow-up with Meggie’s mom on her progress in reading; add Kara’s mom to the class email; or call Tim’s dad to see when he is available to discuss Tim’s recent behavior.  I also spent my long week-end honoring each request. I returned to class exhausted. You need a break, a well-deserved break to recharge. You can put your mind at ease by organizing and documenting.

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This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers