I am an Educator

I feel I was "called" to this profession, one I am proud to have been a part of for 35 years. After 25 years in the classroom (N-8), I decided to become an Instructional Technology Specialist. Although my focus has changed to coaching teachers in the use of technology, I feel that I have a good insight into the demands on today's teacher.

Many teachers are leaving the profession during their first five years. The demands on today's teacher are phenomenal. School districts who adopt new programs, textbooks, professional development expectations and so forth are forgetting the need for the time needed to adequately prepare for lessons. Too many meetings, paperwork, assessments are interfering with the teaching and learning process. Our school day is the same length as it was back in the 1920's, but look at all the things to learn that have developed.

To do the best job for students we need to have initiatives and policies fully backed with the necessary funds to make it happen. Perfect example is the use of online testing when schools are not equipped with enough computers to basically 'shut down' any other use for 3-5 weeks of the school year. We need educators with vision...where are we heading and what is the ultimate goal?