I've been teaching for 31 years. By standardized test results and other informal measures, my students, overall, have been successful.
Recently my choice and voice with regard to teaching has been greatly limited. In a sense, I am mostly told how to teach. It's discouraging especially since I've put a lot of time and energy into the research, planning, preparation, and delivery of lessons.
Of course, I don't know it all and there's always more to learn, but in this case, I do have some knowledge, knowledge that points me in a direction that's quite different than the directives I'm given. I will do as I'm told since I don't want to lose my job, and no child will suffer any physical or great emotional harm by the directives. I do believe, however, that seasoned educators should have substantial say over what they do and how they do it to teach well.
This is discouraging, but it is the way it is for now, and I will follow the directives I am given. Onward.
Recently my choice and voice with regard to teaching has been greatly limited. In a sense, I am mostly told how to teach. It's discouraging especially since I've put a lot of time and energy into the research, planning, preparation, and delivery of lessons.
Of course, I don't know it all and there's always more to learn, but in this case, I do have some knowledge, knowledge that points me in a direction that's quite different than the directives I'm given. I will do as I'm told since I don't want to lose my job, and no child will suffer any physical or great emotional harm by the directives. I do believe, however, that seasoned educators should have substantial say over what they do and how they do it to teach well.
This is discouraging, but it is the way it is for now, and I will follow the directives I am given. Onward.