While I do believe in the what Eugene has stated, the issue is one of "how
do you get the desired results?" I used to tell teachers to find something
special about every child that comes to school --even if it just the way
he/she passes out paper. The reason is simple: If you want things to
improve you have to identify and pull from strengths. Surely there is
something we can sincerely find to admire about each teacher ...as a
start. I would hate to have Teachers Week come and go without celebration
of some sort. The message left is not a base from which improvements
spring.
As for sincere recognition...it comes from the heart. If you don't feel
it, have someone else run the party.
Email sometimes makes your words seem harsh or as if you know it all.
This is not my intent. I've been there, in the trenches( For proof visit
http://www.dowtech.com/CLIIN/)and have the utmost respect for those who
ask the question. I have just never found it to work to focus on the
negative. People need to SEE a direction in order to improve. No one sees
a NO or a NOT.
Eugene Taurman wrote:
> I would suggest no celebration unless there is genuine proof of some
> improvement in the process of teaching. Celebrate victories and real
> improvement. Other wise we send the message that any behavior is ok.
> Teachers week is a nice honor but celebration should be for process
> improvement or passing a milestone toward the goal.
>
> Gene
>
> At 09:05 AM 11/7/97 -0600, you wrote:
> >Our school district is looking for a way to celebrate American Education
> >Week. Some of us believe that instead of using it as a publicity event, we
> >should find a way to sincerely thank the staff that do the real work of
> >nurturing our children.
-- Carol Sager, Sager Educational Enterprises http://www.dowtech.com/CLIIN/ Critical Linkages II Newsletter 21 Wallis Road,Chestnut Hill, MA 02167 V.(617)469-9644; Fax(same)-9639
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>