Did you realize tomorrow, October 5th, is World Teachers' Day? My knowledge of the special time to honor teachers came from a Simple Truths email. The announcement contained a nicely produced message about teachers to herald the day.
Educators who immediately came to mind are Dana Spell, Linda DuBuclet and Nancy Olson. I've known Dana and Linda for many years, and met Nancy Olson the first time when my granddaughter participated in her innovative class on childhood development at South Mountain High School. In that class she was teaching teenagers how to take care of children.
The last time I saw Nancy Olson, my grandson was graduating from her dynamic pre-school class which had moved to North High School. Three grandchildren were exposed to the magic of Nancy Olson.
When I hear or read the stories in mass media about school budgets, test scores, this method, that system, students left behind, pushed ahead or dropping out, then I think of teachers like Olson, Spell and DuBuclet. I also think of my first grade teacher Mrs. Shortoff--who I suppose was dedicated, but I don't know. What I do know is she was teaching back when each class was ruled by the teacher sent into the classroom to teach.
No special programs or approaches to follow, just make sure the students know what they need to know to make it to the next level. Those days certainly seem to be gone forever. I hope not. I still believe in miracles, and it will take several of them to set things straight in the classrooms of America.
Meanwhile, let's focus on the good. See the Nancy Olson feature posted on the Prime Time & Promises page, where interesting people, ideas and issues are brought to the attention of thoughtful readers. Also, check out the Simple Truths teachers message at www.heartofateachermovie.com , and remember, tomorrow plan to do something for a teacher you love.
Educators who immediately came to mind are Dana Spell, Linda DuBuclet and Nancy Olson. I've known Dana and Linda for many years, and met Nancy Olson the first time when my granddaughter participated in her innovative class on childhood development at South Mountain High School. In that class she was teaching teenagers how to take care of children.
The last time I saw Nancy Olson, my grandson was graduating from her dynamic pre-school class which had moved to North High School. Three grandchildren were exposed to the magic of Nancy Olson.
When I hear or read the stories in mass media about school budgets, test scores, this method, that system, students left behind, pushed ahead or dropping out, then I think of teachers like Olson, Spell and DuBuclet. I also think of my first grade teacher Mrs. Shortoff--who I suppose was dedicated, but I don't know. What I do know is she was teaching back when each class was ruled by the teacher sent into the classroom to teach.
No special programs or approaches to follow, just make sure the students know what they need to know to make it to the next level. Those days certainly seem to be gone forever. I hope not. I still believe in miracles, and it will take several of them to set things straight in the classrooms of America.
Meanwhile, let's focus on the good. See the Nancy Olson feature posted on the Prime Time & Promises page, where interesting people, ideas and issues are brought to the attention of thoughtful readers. Also, check out the Simple Truths teachers message at www.heartofateachermovie.com , and remember, tomorrow plan to do something for a teacher you love.