Mission Possible - Book Give Away

You may or may not be aware of the fact that I am a teacher.  I have made mention of it a few times, but to be honest I don’t like to highlight it too often.  It’s not that I don’t love what I do.  It’s more because too often I feel as if I have to play the part of a defender on a daily basis.  I don’t want to be judged as a teacher.  I blog from home and I know you may find this surprising, but those kids of mine don’t really care what I’m doing when they want/need something.  They will interrupt me at the drop of a hat {I’m sure none of your kids do things like this}.  Interruptions may cause a mistake or two despite my every effort to prevent them.  This blog is my space and I want to step away from the role that often takes a beating or is often used as the scape goat for the problems with American youth.

Eva Moskowitz

Arin Lavinia

I was provided the opportunity to read the book, Mission Possible written by, Eva Moskowitz and Arin Lavinia.  I am also very fortunate to be able to give away a copy of the book to my readers! 

Mission Possible is an information text that discusses why schools are struggling.  Suggestions are offered to improve learning for all students through the use of   rigorous reading and writing curriculums that are affective.

http://bit.ly/NgXHVm

Along with reading the book I was asked to offer my opinion regarding: Stagnation and why I think this country treats teaching so differently than it does other professions? 

In America we are constantly seeking the fastest way to accomplish tasks.  Often society looks to educators as the ‘providers’ of knowledge.  Oh and by the way, they want that knowledge given quickly, as in yesterday! 

Well I’m here to tell you that it is not possible for one single person to possess all of the knowledge there is, let alone have the ability to take that knowledge and pour it into someone else’s brain.  Knowledge is not something that can’t simply be given.  It is something that is learned.  Teachers help students to understand concepts.  Students gain knowledge about the world through their understanding of basic concepts.  Understanding and learning concepts takes time and practice.  When students aren’t able to demonstrate their understanding of knowledge adequately, who do people turn to place blame on?  . . . The Teachers, which lowers respect for teachers.

It’s difficult to compare educating to other professions.  In an office, for example, a typical day may consist of; working on assignments, attending meetings, and conferring with colleagues regarding various work related tasks.  Time is given to complete tasks and feedback is provided when mistakes are made. 

So often I think people overlook the fact that an educator’s first priorities are students.  Yes, teachers attend meetings and work on assignments, however, in between the meetings and paper work there are students, children, who are the priority.  Rarely is it taken into consideration that children have different needs than that of the average business client.

a Rafflecopter giveaway **I was compensated for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.**