4/2/11

The times they are a-changin'.

We are experiencing stormy seas here in Oregon. Our budgets have been cut by the state, and school districts across the state, and the country, are searching for ways to ensure a quality education for all its children.

As teachers, we know in our hearts that our jobs have great value. We also know that the public values what we do.


This crisis is real, and what we have known about education and our programs will be changing. We teach about life-long learning, and now we are being put in a position that is going to test that belief and our commitment to that very ideal. We have to remember that we are all in this together, and no group of working stiffs is immune from this reality.


And while we watch this storm and hold onto what we value with all our might, I offer this perspective.



He says it all. You know the drill- watch it to the end. Teacher says.










And so we fight for what we know is right, and all the while we know that the times, and education, are a changin'.

22 comments:

Brian Miller said...

taylor mali is one of my fav slammers...his book is amazing and being a teacher he is a huge advocate...people in my area are stupid...no kidding...there are 4 schools in a 5 minute radius. they each have 150 students...the plan was to consolidate, qualify for greater services, keep all the teachers...but people would rathe have the building they went to school in...so they picket until they change the plan and they cut the technology out of the budget...just beating my head against the wall...sorry i am venting...

noexcuses said...

I love this guy! I don't teach, but I work in a school! I used to work for lawyers....I will take integrity over the might dollar any day!

Thank you for sharing. This video should be seen by everyone!

SkylersDad said...

That was amazing. And you deserve so much more.

Susan Higgins said...

In my opinion, it's part of the plan to make American's slaves to the top 1%... Education sets us free.

Keep us dumb and we believe the lies that bind us to illiteracy.

Anonymous said...

As a teacher in NJ, we're dealing with a government who really seems to dislike public school educators. It is disheartening and disappointing. And sadly, a lot of people support his apparent viewpoints.

Taylor Mali was our district's keynote speaker a few year's ago on our first day of school. He was amazing in person. Truly incredible. (I'm sure our district could NOT afford him now with the budget cuts, including professional development.) That was one opening address where everyone stopped worrying about all that was left to do before the kids' first day, wished it would last longer, left feeling truly inspired, excited, and proud to be a teacher making a difference.

Linda M said...

I love this guy's take on what's important and what's not.

You might be interested in this opinion piece which was in The Washington Post in mid-March.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/what-if-were-not-broke/2011/03/11/ABhFE6T_story.html

Bruce Coltin said...

I'm afraid it wil get worse before it gets better -- hopefully not much worse.

cheatymoon said...

I've been watching that video every year the night before the first day of school, as a reminder for me.

I keep telling myself that it will be ok as long as I close my classroom door and focus on the children. Listening to the very toxic adults in our district (and in the media) will shift my focus from what's important. These kids are holding on for dear life and have no idea what's going on out there.

Lynn MacDonald said...

There's no way I could have taught my children...without teachers, educators and specialists there is no way I'd have to kids in college and one slam bang success story about overcoming a bleak outlook!

Agreed

Lili said...

It's happening here in California. The budget cuts are killing every level of quality education.

I'm just stunned. Taylor is awesome.

Joanie said...

I love this guy!!! I've seen this before.

I'm trying to help move you up the Babble list, but I think I'm maxed out on daily votes! (no fair, Babble!)

Elenka said...

Troubled times in Maine, too. I can't even believe what people say about teachers when they don't even know what they are talking about. Let them try and do it.

Queen Mahin said...

Yes, yes, yes. We're living with our values upside down. Why? And at what cost? Thank you for this. I'm cheering for the teachers. Hell yes, you make a goddamned difference!

Melissa B. said...

Even though I haven't received a raise in three years, I'm so thankful I don't teach in Wisconsin. Or Ohio. Or, now, I guess, in Oregon. Hang in there. Eventually the crazies will come to their senses, don't you think?

Pamela said...

Governor Cuomo is making drastic cuts in New York, too, and the tiny rural and inner city schools have way larger percentage cuts than the wealthy districts. Not cool.

Pseudo said...

I echo Movie. I try not to watch the news or listen to people who have no idea. Really no idea.

And I love this guy. I showed this clip to my students when I taught high school.

Barrie said...

Education is not faring too well in California either. ;(

Sweepstaker said...

Thanks for sharing this video. Everyone should see this. :)

Ladybird World Mother said...

Oh I love, love, LOVE that man!! If only we could all be that inspirational. Fab stuff. x

Cora said...

People can be such asshats. I mean really.

I know a woman who used to make fun of how little money I made and would say enraging things like, "....poor people, like YOU, are so....(blah blah blah)". I was nanny to her children at the time. AND I'm her sister. But whatever. I made more important things than money.

I made her kids happy when they were sad. I made her kids feel safe when they were scared. I made her kids WANT to behave and WANT to be helpful and WANT to be good because, dammit, I made them feel loved!

Hell, I once made them believe there were INVISIBLE CANDLES on a candle-less birthday cake and singlehandedly transformed a ruined birthday party into one of the best parties they said they'd ever had!!!!

So, to hell with people who think the size of your paycheck is what dictates your worth! Money comes and goes. Making a difference lasts FOREVER!

(By the way, my word verification is "pusses". I don't know what your blog is trying to tell me by that, but I'll admit I'm a little intrigued.)

Joanna Jenkins said...

California is in a huge mess too and our kids are paying the price.

Ugh! xo jj

Unknown said...

Had seen this before as well. I contend that one doesn't have to be a teacher to know what the heck is going on in the educational system. And everyone should make it a priority to know so that then they/we can do something about it; send emails to congressmen, senators, etc. Don't wear blinders about education, health care, etc.