AJC.com > Blogs > Get Schooled > Archives > 2005 > April > 27
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
‘I No Longer Have the Strength To Fight’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This teacher posted on the Mundy’s Mill thread below. Be sure to read to the end.
“…Every day I see the disrespect of students to teachers and administrators. Unfortunately, there is very little we can do as discipline measures other than detention, in-school suspension, and out-of-school suspension. Most of the time, teachers cannot assign detention because parents can’t get the kids to school. We have watch our number of OSS because of No Child Left Behind- attendance is a measure of school performance. Our hands are tied, and we are extremely frustrated.
As a whole, most teachers are caring, dedicated professionals who would be happy to be held accountable to taxpayers. I have taught in a Title One school for six years. It is emotionally exhausting; it is demanding of time and money … yes, I spend over $500. per year on classroom materials so my students have what they need. Some parents either don’t have the money or don’t have the inclination to ensure that their child comes to school with materials. I firmly believe that ALL children deserve a quality education, regardless of where they live or their economic situation.
But, I have to tell you, after this year- seeing the constant disrespect and vandalism of a beautiful new building, and having 8th graders yell at me when I ask them to pull up their trousers or cover their cleavage, I’ve had enough. I am saddened that it become so bad that I feel compelled to move to a different school.
The children that I see every day are not being held accountable for their actions. Their parents, for the most part, blindly defend their children, even when there is a history of misbehavior. Or, they don’t even respond, saying they have too many other problems to “deal with this.” Now isn’t it a shame when a parent doesn’t have time for his/her child.
Someone said in an earlier post that schools are a reflection of society. I am constantly amazed by the intelligent and thoughtful discussion I have with my students; they are so very bright and perceptive and have so much iniative and inquisitiveness that it almost makes it worthwhile to stay. But then I walk into the hallway, and it’s a battle I no longer have the strength to fight.”
