Posts
If you have not yet had the opportunity to view Matt Damon's speech at the Save Our Schools March in Washington, DC, please do yourself a favor and watch now. I had heard about it from various sources, but had not taken the time to watch it until I stumbled across it at Mr. EduHowTo's blog. It's a refreshing, inspiring, feel-good seven-and-a-half minutes that will help you to look forward to the upcoming school year, in spite of budget cuts, standardized tests, and threats of school take-overs. Damon, whose mother was a teacher, speaks out against the current teacher-bashing atmosphere that seems to prevail in society today.
The complete blog post, "A Ray of Hope for Educators," posted August 5, 2011 by "Mr. EduHowTo" can be viewed at: http://eduhowto.wordpress.com/2011/08/05/a-ray-of-hope-for-educators/
Betty, I have to thank you for sharing this video with us. It was touching to see someone that I admire as an actor voice his love and backing for teachers. The point that Matt brings up that resonates with me so much is that when test are not our driving power we get to know our kids so much deeper and in this we find ways to tap into them that inadvertently help them to be successful on tests and in society.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for sharing. I will pass along to my colleagues as we begin our new year!
I appreciate the fact that Matt shows empathy with teachers stressing the fact that it's ridiculous that job security is based on how students do on tests. He shows a keen understanding of the issues that go into the classroom and most importantly, points out the education is about helping the student grow and discover a joy for learning. It is not about filling in bubbles, but rather growing and learning about the world and himself.
ReplyDeleteHe points out the big business and government do not realize this. Basically, they only look at numbers instead of individual students. He speaks up and says that there are millions of people behind teachers. Hopefully that silent majority speaks up and tell Congress and the media that public education works. After all, the majority of them received a public education as well.
I have heard so much about this speech but didn't hear it until you posted! Thank you. Very inpirational! I think I will pass it along to my colleagues as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is always nice to hear a "Thank You." I know I too had amazing teachers during my public school years. I also come from a family of middle school teachers and know first hand the scarifices teachers make for their students - mainly our sanity :-)! There are days when I think to myself, why do I care, but truly deep down inside I love my profession and haven't left it yet!
ReplyDelete