We Need Good People to be Teachers

School began at the university again last week. It is difficult to believe that another school year has begun. I am teaching an "Introduction to Teaching" course this semester and I have a wonderful group. I am thrilled with the caliber of people who are considering being a teacher. It always reminds me of the hope I have for the best people to be in the classroom. I know it doesn't always happen because a teacher's salary is not very tempting, at least in my state. It is also a demanding and difficult job at times. I hope, however, that most of these top students decide to stick it out and become an educator. It sometimes becomes difficult for me to put a positive spin on negative reports in the media. But, I just try to constantly remind them that the most magical place on earth can be an effective classroom, because it changes a child's life. Many of the folks in my class this morning are there because they had a great teacher who made their life better. I wish all teachers realized what a difference they can make.<div>I was also thinking this week about my student teachers from last year who are now beginning their teaching career in a classroom. What an experience they are having and will continue to have if they keep their focus on why they decided to teach. Some of the best people I have ever met were in that group and I know they will influence lives for the better.</div><div>The best and the brightest, with the focus on the kids, makes all the difference for a child.</div>

We Need Good People to be Teachers

School began at the university again last week. It is difficult to believe that another school year has begun. I am teaching an "Intr...

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Setting the Baseline: Reading Report

Yesterday saw the publication of <a href="http://bit.ly/mU5DdD" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Setting the Baseline</span></a>, a new publication from the National Literacy Trust which reports on the findings of an online survey conducted with over 18000 8-17 year olds in November and December of last year. The authors regard the results as portraying children as <a href="http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/news/3834_the_reads_and_the_read-nots" target="_blank">read and read-nots</a>, with many children saying that they barely read books at all, while others get through more than ten a month. Other findings included the preference of many children to <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/aug/23/survey-children-reading-habits" target="_blank">read online information rather than traditional comics</a>.<br /><br />

Setting the Baseline: Reading Report

Yesterday saw the publication of Setting the Baseline , a new publication from the National Literacy Trust which reports on the findings of ...

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