Get Schooled

By Ernest

September 1, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

What a GREAT story to lead us into the weekend. IMO, Mr. Stinson is just another example of the MANY fine teachers not just in DeKalb but throughout our state and country. Yes ,there are some that should NOT be teachers and we spent most of our time talking about them. As communities we have to find ways to both attract and retain teachers like Mr. Stinson. After all, it’s for our children.

By KA

September 4, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

I think we should clone him and all of the other successful teachers and put them in the failing schools. Since that is not possible, then his story should be recorded on cd and dvd and distributed to as many NEW parents as possible. Instill some good parenting skills in parents before they fail their children.

By Ernest

September 4, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

Karen, that’s an interesting idea! What if school systems created videos on good parenting skills, how to be strong advocates for their respective schools and related topics for distribution. Heck, stakeholders could also view and/or download them from school system websites.

By Teacher Teacher

September 4, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

I had the privilege of teaching Mr. Stinson’s son, a fine individual.

As for Mr. Stinson’s worth as a Teacher of the Year, take him out of Lakeside, drop him in McNair, give him remedial math classes, and let’s see how well he does. It’s very easy to laud a fellow who teaches extremely advanced math classes at a still majority-white school in DeKalb.

Plus, aren’t the three links on the DeKalb Metro section to the story a bit much, huh?

In any event, congratulations to Mr. Stinson and the elite group of students he teaches.

By OldSchool

September 4, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this

Having taught a number of summers in the Governors Honors Program, I’ve discovered that even with the highest performing students, the cream will still rise to the top and the dregs will still sink to the bottom…it just happens at a much higher level.

I congratulate Mr. Stinson and wish him well. Likely he teaches single grade level classes of advanced students and obviously he does it very well.

But my hat is truly tipped to those CTAE instructors who challenge their mixed level/mixed ability/mixed interest/and mixed training classes every day. An overloaded/underfunded Construction instructor with too many special needs students and the mission to teach plumbing, framing, wiring, and masonry to 9th-12th graders (similar could be said of Metals, Automotive, Drafting, Health Occupations, etc.) deserves accolades and praise and a big pat on the back. Typically they are seldom recognized for their efforts.

These are the true “consummate educators” as they teach not only the requisite skills for the trade(s), but life-long learning and life-long EARNING skills as well. They also keep countless students from giving up and quitting school. I’ve seen it many, many times.

By Ernest

September 4, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this

Teacher Teacher, I’m not sure I understand your comments regading Mr. Stinson Are you suggesting his success and recognition is a direct correlation to both his audience and the complexion of his school/students?

By jim d

September 5, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

Ernest,

Almost sounds like Teacher Teacher may harbor a few ill feelings. I wonder if she may have been in the running for teacher of the year?

By SET

September 5, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

Teacher Teacher has a point. It’s one thing to teach bright students in white schools and quite another to teach “average” students (whatever that means) at a majority black school. Different skillset. Different Highs and Lows. Different dedication.

And it’s not only the students in minority dominated schools who are “different” it’s the parent and the administration also. And remember this. There will be fewer “Mr. Stinsons”. Look at the demographics we are moving into. Because of this country’s suicidal open borders policy combined with the diseugenic programs started in the 60’s and continuing unabated, we will have an ever increasing ratio of black and brown schools to white schools as time goes on.

I for one would like to see more articles about teachers and administrators who can take minority students and their schools and produce more than anyone (including the players) ever thought could have been produced. I’m sure when we read about these people we will find they were willing to fight with the students and parents to give them what they needed instead of what they wanted. Nowadays that is a rare breed.

By OldSchool

September 5, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

jim d, I’ve taught gifted students and the difference between a class of gifted and a class of average and below average students is very apparent. Gifted students are usually self-motivated and want to succeed. They usually will dig out their own answers and seek new, innovative solutions. Average students usually are content to be told the answers or will make only a prefunctory effort to solve the problem. Their self-motivation is usually at a lower level.

Yes, I put a lot of “usuallys” in my post. And yes, you do need to refer to my previous post about GHP. I have found both gifted and mixed classes equally challenging but for very different reasons. It takes work to stay ahead of the gifted and work to get the mixed to just try.

By jim d

September 5, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

No problem old school.

I was merely commenting on what was a percieved downplaying of Mr. Stinsons accomplishments by teacher teacher.

By SNY

September 5, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

Off topic!!

I just thought that I’d let all of you know that this weekend, I made the decision to obtain my teacher’s certification. I have a BA in Accounting and I want to teach the business classes. I want to become one of those people who is going to put-up or shut-up. So far I have contacted the GA Professional Standards Commission and they are suppose to send me some helpful information. Is there anyone on this blog who would be willing to help me? If so, let me know. I hope I can do this!!!

By KA

September 5, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

SNY, One person can make a difference. Good Luck!

By teach overseas

September 5, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

SNY-

Congratulations on your decision.

I would suggest that you look at the job prospects of business teachers in the schools. This is not an area covered by NCLB and when budgets are getting tight- these are the “fluff” class that get cut first. This is of course depending on where you live- but even very large high schools will have a very limited staff of business people. With a degree in accounting— your prospects are much brighter if you were willing to teach math.

By Dragonlady

September 5, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

SNY— You received some good advice from teach overseas. Math teachers are much in demand. You might want to investigate teaching math while you are investigating.

By Patti Ghezzi

September 5, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

Hi all, I just wanted to point out that the previous teacher of the year in DeKalb, whom I had the opportunity to write about, was at the psychoeducational center, working with kids I think it’s safe to say are the most challenging you’ll find anywhere.

So it’s not just those lucky enough to work at Lakeside who get recognized!

Patti

By Taxpayer

September 5, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

Teacher Teacher, Mr. Stinson has not always taught gifted classes and has built a solid reputation as a fine educator over a number of years, not just those he has spent teaching gifted classes at Lakeside. I daresay that if you took him to McNair and gave him the worst students, he would do a great job with them, too. Mr. Stinson is a master teacher and an excellent role model for any kid of any race. Give the man his due.

By Teacher Teacher

September 5, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

jim d and Taxpayer: I believe I complimented both Mr. Stinson and his son. The year I taught at Lakeside, I had the privilege of teaching Mr. Stinson’s son who has been one of the best students I’ve ever taught. I never got the pleasure of interacting with Mr. Stinson — we had brief comments with one another in the hallway — but the students always spoke well of him as a teacher. I put great store in what students say about their teachers. My point is what Taxpayer makes. I have no doubt that Mr. Stinson could do an equally admirable job at McNair with remedial math students as he does at Lakeside with advanced ones. He was, however, not honored for whatever it was that he did in the past. He was honored for the year he taught advanced math at Lakeside. And, forgive me for saying it, but he was probably selected as DeKalb’s Teacher of the Year as a result of the incredibly bad press Crawford Lewis received when he removed Lakeside’s Principal Chelf for unsubstantiated racial complaints. I say this not to denigrate Mr. Stinson, whom I both personally and professionally respect and admire, but because I have a pretty good idea of the pathetic machinations of DeKalb Schools’ administrators, something Patti and the AJC seem to want to ignore or gloss over most of the time.

And, yes, Patti, over a dozen of us were laughing our butts off today in a particular DeKalb County faculty lounge because several of us had bet as to how soon it would be before you’d insert the proviso about last year’s TOY. I lost the bet because you posted it sooner than I thought you would. Yes, in DeKalb TOY tends to swing between advanced teachers and special ed teachers with a middle school teacher thrown in every now and then. I wonder why, Patti. Do you have any idea?

As for the AJC, I again point out that three links on the DeKalb Metro section to the one story about Mr. Stinson is overkill; however, it’s what I’ve come to expect from, at least, that section of the AJC. For instance, Columbia High School also won a State championship in basketball last year. You wouldn’t know it by looking at the DeKalb Metro section where the one and only link for the past four months has been about Avondale High School’s State win.

Can you spell bias?

Finally, jim d, just so that you know, I couldn’t have been Lakeside’s TOY as I no longer teach there. Anyway, I’ve been TOY before as well as STAR Teacher several times. I neither need nor expect such awards. I get my kicks from the praise I receive from my students in non-advanced, non-AP classes at an all-black school (well, there is one white kid for the moment) in DeKalb.

By Lisa B.

September 5, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

SNY,

Eleven years ago, I decided to leave the business world to teach. Like you, I was interested in teaching high school business courses, but when I checked with 9 or 10 area high schools, I found none who expected openings. You may want to ask around before limiting your options. I ended up getting certified in Middle Grades (4-8) Language, math and Science, in addition to Early Childhood. After leaving the workforce for a year and a half, I wanted to make myself as marketable as possible!

I will be happy to share thoughts and/or concerns.

By Taxpayer

September 5, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

TeacherTeacher, it appears that your own bias is showing. You praise Mr. Stinson, yet denigrate his award as probably being politically motivated. I hope you don’t choke on those sour grapes.

Why take anything away from Mr. Stinson and his award? Do our children have enough role models, enough dedicated teachers, enough highly qualified educators that we can afford to throw aspersions on someone like Mr. Stinson or on the fact that he was honored? How would you have felt if someone said that the awards you claim to have received were given to you only because it was time for a particular grade level teacher to receive them or because of political motivations? I am not blind to the problems in the DeKalb School System, but why bring them up in connection with a teacher who deserves praise and recognition?

YOU GO, MR. STINSON! OUR KIDS NEED MORE TEACHERS LIKE YOU!

By Teacher Teacher

September 6, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

Again, I personally like and professionally respect Mr. Stinson and in no way intended to denigrate him. Yes, I think TOY is a joke, but I don’t have that opinion of Mr. Stinson.

Have a good day, one and all.

By Ernest

September 6, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

Teacher Teacher, I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. However, when you say As for Mr. Stinson’s worth as a Teacher of the Year, take him out of Lakeside, drop him in McNair, give him remedial math classes, and let’s see how well he does , it seems as though you questioning his overall abilities.

By Ernest

September 6, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Above I meant “you are questioning”. Sorry for the grammatical errors.

By luvs2teach

September 6, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

All right, SNY! Are you ready to join us in the trenches?

You may be eligible for a 5 year non-renewable certificate - the PSC will do an evaluation of your transcripts, and can let you know what you need. You may be able to start teaching right away with that (or as soon as you pass the Praxis II). Be careful though, most counties pay special certificates at a lower rate than fully-certified. Your military experience may count for your pay rate, though

I went about the process kind of backwards - I got a job first, and then had to find a program to become fully certified. I went through the State University of West Georgia’s Teacher Responds program. It has changed a little since I went through, but depending on your location, you may want to check it out. Georgia TAPP is another program, but I don’t know a lot about it, except that I’ve worked with people who went through it. Both take about two years.

Another option would be to go for your Master’s - some schools (I believe Emory is one - don’t quote me) have a MAT - Master’s of Arts in Teaching - program - that would enable you to get both the certificate AND the increased Master’s pay.

Like others, I recommend that you go for math instead of business - it is a high demand subject, which means you will be able to be hired with a provisional, and that you can qualify for HOPE scholarships towards your Master’s.

Best of luck - keep us posted!

By OldSchool

September 6, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

luvs2teach, I qualified for the HOPE money as a teacher in a critical area when I began my masters. It was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. Took forever to get the money credited to the university and even before my first class started, I was getting letters asking for repayment. Those letters came in pairs (two identical letters) I “borrowed” under $2000 and paid it back promptly before I was even halfway through the masters program. I got my degree in Dec. of 2003 and would you believe that even with a ZERO balance, my credit reports all say my “loan is in deferment.” I’m convinced the program is run by clowns and clown wannabes.

Maybe others have had better luck. As for me, never again will I seek financial help from any agency with the word GEORGIA stuck on it.

By Lisa B.

September 6, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

I went through an alternative education program where I took 9 classes and completed student teaching. I was then given a T5 certificate because I had a Master’s in Business Administration. I completed the process in a year, but then had to wait until school started in August that year to begin teaching.

It seems Math openings always exist in middle and high school. I know several former accountants and computer programmers who now teach math.

By luvs2teach

September 7, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this

OldSchool - sorry to hear about the glitches in the system for you. I’ve known a couple people who did it without a problem - I’ve been considering it, but I haven’t done it yet - glad to know ahead of time to expect less than smooth sailing!

I should’ve been clearer, though, about the program - unlike the HOPE scholarship, this HOPE is a service cancellable loan - you have to teach for a certain number of years to avoid paying it off. It also is only available to certain majors - and those majors change depending on need.

Anyway - good luck to anyone who decides to take the road less travelled - no matter how you travel it!

By EducatorX3

September 7, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

SNY - If you will go to the GA. PSC website, click on Certification Self-Evaluation on the main page. Then, on item #3, click on the hotlink. You can scroll down to the hotlink “click here to read more about academic majors and related certification fields, you will find a chart that show what you are eligible to teach based on your degree.

In order to get a 5-year non-renewable certificate, you have to have a job with a school system. Once you have this test, you have 5 years to complete the requirements for the certifcate field you want.

Also, you will need to take the GACE test, a new test through the PSC, rather than the Praxis II.

I agree with what others have posted - Math is a high demand content field. You would probably have a better chance of finding a teaching position if you consider Middle Grades or 6-12 Math.

There are several “Post-Bac” certification programs offered through both RESAs (Regional Educational Service Agency) and local colleges. Depending on where you are and what you are looking for, I know there is an Early Childhood program at Gainesville College, a Post-Bac at North Ga. College, a Post-Bac at Pioneer RESA, TAPP at Metro RESA, a certification program at West Ga., Kennesaw, and Georgia State, and many others. You can also find a list of approved programs on the PSC website.

Good luck!

By Teacher Teacher

September 7, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

Hey, Ernest,

Thanks for the “benefit of the doubt,” but I really could care less what anonymous posters on this blog imply/say about me in my anonymity. I do, however, realize now that the flip manner in which I wrote my original post could and did lead to misunderstanding of my point. I applaud Mr. Stinson, but think the award worthless. That doesn’t, in my mind, in any form or fashion denigrate Mr. Stinson, a man I like and an educator I admire.

Ernest, nyone’s words can be twisted against them by someone with the mind to do the twisting. For instance, in your original post to this topic, you use “our” several times. I could take exception to that exclusivity. I could see in “our” a coded reference. I could rant about how I believe it shows a racist attitude (“our” delimited based on the color of the students) or how it shows a sexist attitude (“our” delimited based on the gender of the students) or how it shows a regional bias (“our” delimited based on where the students live). Blah, Blah, Blah.

Again, have a great day, one and all.

By Steve

September 11, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

I just found this “get schooled” column in the paper and found in very intersting. I am a new school bus driver for Cobb County and am finding this a very challenging job. For the most part it is very difficult to drive safely and discipline children at the same time. It has been necessary for me to get a bus monitor for my afternoon middly school run just to keep some order on the bus. I have heard that the schools no longer have what we used to call recess so that the children get a chance to burn of some energy. Their first hint of any freedom comes when they are discharged from school, and the first place they get to is the bus for their ride home. The elementary school seems to have the same problem also, especially 5th graders as they are in training to become middle schoolers. The exception is my high schoolers who are just a delight to transport. So far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!