The Teacher's Lounge
What are we learning as
Educators, Parents, and Civic Leaders as a result of the Chicago Public Schools Teacher strike?
@dederittman
Dede Rittman @dederittman
Author, Speaker, Teacher
I am 100% behind the Chicago teachers. For years, teachers have been told to do more and more - just one more student in the classroom, just shorten your lunch period, just take a second job to supplement your income, just buy your own school supplies - and they need to stand up for themselves and their students. I was a teacher for 37 years, and no one wants to teach a class with 30-40 students. Chicago schools are terribly underfunded, and I do not see any way to improve the teachers'situation except a strike.
Dede Rittman - Author, Speaker, Teacher
Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop from a Master Teacher www.dederittman.com
Grady Gets Glasses www.gradygetsglasses.com
Blog: Lessons Learned from the Bunny Teacher www.bunnyteacher.blogspot.com
The Total Education Network - Co-Host and Producer
Twitter: @dederittman; Facebook Dede Faltot Rittman, Rittman Rules, Student Teaching The Inside Scoop; Grady Gets Glasses; LinkedIn Dede Rittman; Google+ Dede Rittman; tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Cell: 412-613-3805
Author, Speaker, Teacher
I am 100% behind the Chicago teachers. For years, teachers have been told to do more and more - just one more student in the classroom, just shorten your lunch period, just take a second job to supplement your income, just buy your own school supplies - and they need to stand up for themselves and their students. I was a teacher for 37 years, and no one wants to teach a class with 30-40 students. Chicago schools are terribly underfunded, and I do not see any way to improve the teachers'situation except a strike.
Dede Rittman - Author, Speaker, Teacher
Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop from a Master Teacher www.dederittman.com
Grady Gets Glasses www.gradygetsglasses.com
Blog: Lessons Learned from the Bunny Teacher www.bunnyteacher.blogspot.com
The Total Education Network - Co-Host and Producer
Twitter: @dederittman; Facebook Dede Faltot Rittman, Rittman Rules, Student Teaching The Inside Scoop; Grady Gets Glasses; LinkedIn Dede Rittman; Google+ Dede Rittman; tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Cell: 412-613-3805
@staciemcclam
Stacie McClam @staciemcclam
Educator, Author, Filmmaker, and a Radio Show Host
I’m not sure what we are learning about the CPS strike? There have been teacher strikes all over the country for the last two years but there haven’t been any changes. So I don’t know how to answer the question especially since I’m not teaching in CPS. I just posted info about the strike because I think it’s important for people to know what’s going on in schools - how teachers feel and what students need. We need to hold our leaders accountable. We have to speak up for our kids because otherwise their needs will be ignored because they aren’t a priority. The things that the teachers are striking for are the bare essentials - smaller class size, more nurses, librarians, counselors, etc.
Stacie McClam is an educator, author, filmmaker, and a radio show host of Teacher Talks on Tribe Family Channel. Stacie has 10 years of experience teaching 1st grade through 4th grade. She taught in Washington, D.C., Japan, Denver, Kuwait, and in Los Angeles County. In her 2018 book, “School Dismissed: Walking Away From Teaching,” Stacie describes why she left the teaching profession. The book raises awareness about the trauma that students and teachers experience at school. Stacie is transitioning from teacher to filmmaker. She has directed 2 of the 3 short films that she wrote. Her goal is to create narrative and documentary films about education issues. Stacie feels that she can better serve students outside of the classroom by exposing people to the realities that occur inside the classroom through film. She hopes to use her law degree to advocate for education reform. Stacie was born and raised in Los Angeles County. She attended the University of California at Berkeley, Howard University, and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
Educator, Author, Filmmaker, and a Radio Show Host
I’m not sure what we are learning about the CPS strike? There have been teacher strikes all over the country for the last two years but there haven’t been any changes. So I don’t know how to answer the question especially since I’m not teaching in CPS. I just posted info about the strike because I think it’s important for people to know what’s going on in schools - how teachers feel and what students need. We need to hold our leaders accountable. We have to speak up for our kids because otherwise their needs will be ignored because they aren’t a priority. The things that the teachers are striking for are the bare essentials - smaller class size, more nurses, librarians, counselors, etc.
Stacie McClam is an educator, author, filmmaker, and a radio show host of Teacher Talks on Tribe Family Channel. Stacie has 10 years of experience teaching 1st grade through 4th grade. She taught in Washington, D.C., Japan, Denver, Kuwait, and in Los Angeles County. In her 2018 book, “School Dismissed: Walking Away From Teaching,” Stacie describes why she left the teaching profession. The book raises awareness about the trauma that students and teachers experience at school. Stacie is transitioning from teacher to filmmaker. She has directed 2 of the 3 short films that she wrote. Her goal is to create narrative and documentary films about education issues. Stacie feels that she can better serve students outside of the classroom by exposing people to the realities that occur inside the classroom through film. She hopes to use her law degree to advocate for education reform. Stacie was born and raised in Los Angeles County. She attended the University of California at Berkeley, Howard University, and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
Neil M. Noble
Author and Musician
Anytime teachers go on strike, it's because of poor pay, supplies or dilapidated buildings. All of these can be traced back to city, county and/or state funding. While strikes bring problems to the forefront of a news cycle, it's only temporary. The powers that be can simply wait it out. The only real way to beat the man at his own game is to do it from the inside. Fresh faces must step up and offer up new paths for the public to follow.
My interests range far and wide. In short, I’m interested in everything and fascinated by whatever is left over. This includes but is not limited to: art (all genres), architecture, antique furniture, most earth sciences, music, poetry, dogs, travel, religion (both history and philosophy), construction and more. I’ve lectured on the Dead Sea Scrolls and the history of the Jewish court of law called the Sanhedrin.
Author and Musician
Anytime teachers go on strike, it's because of poor pay, supplies or dilapidated buildings. All of these can be traced back to city, county and/or state funding. While strikes bring problems to the forefront of a news cycle, it's only temporary. The powers that be can simply wait it out. The only real way to beat the man at his own game is to do it from the inside. Fresh faces must step up and offer up new paths for the public to follow.
My interests range far and wide. In short, I’m interested in everything and fascinated by whatever is left over. This includes but is not limited to: art (all genres), architecture, antique furniture, most earth sciences, music, poetry, dogs, travel, religion (both history and philosophy), construction and more. I’ve lectured on the Dead Sea Scrolls and the history of the Jewish court of law called the Sanhedrin.
@RitaWirtz
Rita Wirtz @RitaWirtz
Author of Reading Champs& Stories from a Teacher's Heart, former principal
We need to prioritize public schools as community schools, which they are. Difference to rethink as hubs of learning, physical, social, emotional well being. As priority one. Teachers must have wrap-around support services. At a minimum, each school needs a counselor, nurse, social worker, librarian, and paraprofessionals. Small class sizes a must. Where schools function year ‘round offering services to children and care giving families vibrant community schools emerge. Children who are homeless, hungry, witnesses or victims of violence and trauma cannot be expected to perform. Children with no internet access are at a disadvantage. Teachers across our nation are striking out of despair and exhaustion because of immense needs. Fair pay means no more working additional jobs for the privilege of teaching. This takes redirecting monies away from standardized testing, etc. Despite mitigating, factors teachers are miracle workers needing autonomy and political commitment for equity. We can do more and must. If not now, when?
Rita Wirtz holds a BA in English and speech, a master’s degree in reading from Arizona State University (ASU), and an administrative services credential (K–12) through California State University–Sacramento (CSUS). She is a California language arts and reading specialist who has instructed at all levels including K-12 classrooms, labs, and clinics for more than 40 years. Rita was also a HS English teacher, principal (pre-6th), college prof., ESEA program evaluator, curriculum developer and keynote speaker. She currently lives in Oregon.
Author of Reading Champs& Stories from a Teacher's Heart, former principal
We need to prioritize public schools as community schools, which they are. Difference to rethink as hubs of learning, physical, social, emotional well being. As priority one. Teachers must have wrap-around support services. At a minimum, each school needs a counselor, nurse, social worker, librarian, and paraprofessionals. Small class sizes a must. Where schools function year ‘round offering services to children and care giving families vibrant community schools emerge. Children who are homeless, hungry, witnesses or victims of violence and trauma cannot be expected to perform. Children with no internet access are at a disadvantage. Teachers across our nation are striking out of despair and exhaustion because of immense needs. Fair pay means no more working additional jobs for the privilege of teaching. This takes redirecting monies away from standardized testing, etc. Despite mitigating, factors teachers are miracle workers needing autonomy and political commitment for equity. We can do more and must. If not now, when?
Rita Wirtz holds a BA in English and speech, a master’s degree in reading from Arizona State University (ASU), and an administrative services credential (K–12) through California State University–Sacramento (CSUS). She is a California language arts and reading specialist who has instructed at all levels including K-12 classrooms, labs, and clinics for more than 40 years. Rita was also a HS English teacher, principal (pre-6th), college prof., ESEA program evaluator, curriculum developer and keynote speaker. She currently lives in Oregon.
S. Keyron McDermott
Author and Educator
"With the on-going demise of the American middle-class more families are being pushed in the lower class. Minimum wage jobs mean fewer parents have the time, energy and money to give their kids the support they need to be successful in school. So it falls to teachers to pick up the slack. Even if the Board doubled their salaries, most wouldn't be adequately paid for what they do. The implications of this for the future of the country are profound and should worry our leaders far more than it seems to."
S. Keyron McDermott has spent her life teaching children, and has even traveled the world doing it. She has firsthand experience of what children will need to cope with when they grow up and has made it her job to ensure she teaches them as much as possible.
Author and Educator
"With the on-going demise of the American middle-class more families are being pushed in the lower class. Minimum wage jobs mean fewer parents have the time, energy and money to give their kids the support they need to be successful in school. So it falls to teachers to pick up the slack. Even if the Board doubled their salaries, most wouldn't be adequately paid for what they do. The implications of this for the future of the country are profound and should worry our leaders far more than it seems to."
S. Keyron McDermott has spent her life teaching children, and has even traveled the world doing it. She has firsthand experience of what children will need to cope with when they grow up and has made it her job to ensure she teaches them as much as possible.
@Edufacey
Denise Fawcett Facey @Edufacey
Educator, Author, Blogger & Speaker
In the U.S., we have a long history of exercising our first amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. The teachers in Chicago are doing both by striking, making clear their strong desire for specific changes while simultaneously underscoring the important role of teachers simply by their absence from the classroom. Yes, it’s disruptive to education and likely a headache to parents who must seek alternate childcare, but this level of disruption may well be what is required to make their point and bring about change. Even if all of their objectives are not obtained, the acquisition of some key points makes this endeavor worthwhile.
Education is my idea of a good time! Not the boring kind, focused on staying in your seat, being quiet and regurgitating facts. No wonder students say school is boring. No, I'm talking about learning that intrigues, engages and challenges students so much that it awakens a thirst for more knowledge and evokes a sense of pride when they meet the challenge. Throw in creative thinking, a good deal of animated discussion and a dollop of excitement, and you've pretty much got my recipe for education. That's also what my books are all about. Check them out and let me know what you think.
Educator, Author, Blogger & Speaker
In the U.S., we have a long history of exercising our first amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. The teachers in Chicago are doing both by striking, making clear their strong desire for specific changes while simultaneously underscoring the important role of teachers simply by their absence from the classroom. Yes, it’s disruptive to education and likely a headache to parents who must seek alternate childcare, but this level of disruption may well be what is required to make their point and bring about change. Even if all of their objectives are not obtained, the acquisition of some key points makes this endeavor worthwhile.
Education is my idea of a good time! Not the boring kind, focused on staying in your seat, being quiet and regurgitating facts. No wonder students say school is boring. No, I'm talking about learning that intrigues, engages and challenges students so much that it awakens a thirst for more knowledge and evokes a sense of pride when they meet the challenge. Throw in creative thinking, a good deal of animated discussion and a dollop of excitement, and you've pretty much got my recipe for education. That's also what my books are all about. Check them out and let me know what you think.
@HP3potential
Hilderbrand Pelzer III @HP3potential
Award-Winning Educator | Author of “Unlocking Potential: Organizing a School Inside a Prison”
My thought on Chicago’s situation is the rise of charter schools and other school options are having both a positive and negative affect on school districts. The positive is we are getting more educational alternatives for our children and youth within the urban education sector. The negative is one pot of school funding affects school districts’ history, current culture, and future. It reduces resources and districts’ capacity to perform. Chicago teachers, like so many other teachers across the country, are fighting for their survival. The demand for resources, that help to keep students in the schools, and the classroom, is needed. Increasing achievement and accountability demands on schools and teachers has an economic cost.
Hilderbrand Pelzer III epitomizes creative thinking, brilliant intuition, and insight, and his sound academic principles and well-validated techniques produce extraordinary results. Pelzer is currently an elementary school principal in Philadelphia. He has 30 years of wide-ranging experience in the urban educational field, having served as an assistant regional superintendent, high school principal, assistant principal, and teacher. His enthusiasm for student achievement represents a lifelong commitment.
Award-Winning Educator | Author of “Unlocking Potential: Organizing a School Inside a Prison”
My thought on Chicago’s situation is the rise of charter schools and other school options are having both a positive and negative affect on school districts. The positive is we are getting more educational alternatives for our children and youth within the urban education sector. The negative is one pot of school funding affects school districts’ history, current culture, and future. It reduces resources and districts’ capacity to perform. Chicago teachers, like so many other teachers across the country, are fighting for their survival. The demand for resources, that help to keep students in the schools, and the classroom, is needed. Increasing achievement and accountability demands on schools and teachers has an economic cost.
Hilderbrand Pelzer III epitomizes creative thinking, brilliant intuition, and insight, and his sound academic principles and well-validated techniques produce extraordinary results. Pelzer is currently an elementary school principal in Philadelphia. He has 30 years of wide-ranging experience in the urban educational field, having served as an assistant regional superintendent, high school principal, assistant principal, and teacher. His enthusiasm for student achievement represents a lifelong commitment.