Since my teachers required that we select a current event to present to our classmates (1957-60 Cummings Junior High) I became a avid reader of The Brownsville Herald.
My favorite section is the editorial page. I have become familiar with the frequent contributors and skip over the ones that express opinion but no facts. However, I always read those written by Mrs. Louise Butler. “The facts, Ma’am, only the facts!” as Det. Joe Friday would say in his TV show Dragnet. Maybe it is because I identify with her, also having been a teacher, coach, administrator, published author and an adjunct professor in kinesiology department at Pan American University-Brownsville. Education is in our hearts.
Ms. Butler’s recent letter (March 21) that addressed the need to retain teachers prompted me to put in my two cents’ worth. Having been in education for 43 years with BISD, at all levels, I have experienced every scenario she wrote about in her letter.
Correct me if I am wrong, but the common denominator behind the mass exodus of educators is the lack of autonomy, regarding decision-making and voice in their classrooms and curriculum. These restrictions prevent their effectiveness in the classroom.
Most of these restrictions are necessary because of the state tests that must be administered. If I remember correctly, testing with the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills was used when we went to school and the teacher determined whether or not you were ready for promotion.
In 1979 Texas started testing for basic skills in math, writing and reading. It was called the TBS. It later became TEAMS, TAKS and STAARS. The students used to make fun of it and call it “another H-E.B?” They claimed that they learned how to bubble in circles correctly, never mind the answer.
A study done by the National Academy of Sciences showed that students learned more through traditional lectures and discussions where they communicated and collaborated their ideas.
Teaching to the test became a given and that is when students forgot to enjoy coming to school. Teachers were there to make sure everyone passed the test, but in some instances were never told why or shown how.
Fortunately, there are many great teachers who are still committed to their profession and want to work with those students who need them and actually want to learn. Even though the respect is not there, deep in their hearts they know they are making a difference in their pupils’ lives. Most teachers find teaching and their subject enjoyable and still believe in their ability to teach. A person who is dedicated to their profession does so ready to take on a tremendous responsibility. They go all out giving their best.
So why are so many finding themselves with a dilemma, having to decide to stay or abandon ship? Could it be the challenging work conditions, the lack of an active support system, overwhelming stress, discipline issues, testing and data collection?
At the end of the list is their low compensation that always seems to be at the bare minimum.
A young man or woman contemplating a profession in education should take a serious look into what lies ahead before making their final decision “to be or not to be” a teacher.
Understand that you will never become rich on a teacher’s salary, but you will find your reward in the accomplishments of your students.
Develop a “tough skin” to take on all the disrespect that some students and parents lack, but embrace those students who still remember your name and the class they took with you.
Be willing to take your homework with you at the end of the day, for you will never have time during your planning period; that is used for meetings or parent conferences. Staying up late preparing innovative lessons for your students may never be acknowledged by your superiors, but some of your students will welcome them.
How glad I am that I chose to be a teacher for so long, but deep down, I feel I made a good decision to retire when I did. I taught in eight different schools and I was lucky to have some very supportive principals and superintendents who never took my autonomy in preparing my lessons. Their encouragement made my career such a pleasant experience. Future and current teachers, think about your commitment. Get yourself a mentor who will help you keep your courage to continue in the most important profession there is — who else teaches all others?
Mrs. Butler, thank you for your factual comments and for your service to Edinburg, where I did my student teaching with Mrs. McDonald at Sam Houston Elementary School and Mrs. Milligan, at Edinburg High School and teaching assistant to Jeanette Hawkins at PAC.
Judi “J.Rod” Rodriguez lives in Brownsville.
