In recent years, many students have become more vocal about their opinions on their school and the overall organization of school systems across the country. From standardized tests to cafeteria food, opinions cover every inch of the school. But what do the teachers think? I interviewed my mother, a teacher for Santa Clara School District, to get insight into what she thinks about the issues surrounding the school system.
How long have you been teaching for?
32 years in total (27 in the USA and 5 in Canada).
What schools have you taught at?
James Smith Cree Nation (Saskatchewan), Youth Center for Young Offenders (Saskatchewan), Deerwood School (Manitoba), County Office of Education (Eastfield Ming Quong, Daves Avenue, Blossom Hill), Santa Clara Unified School District (Briarwood and Pomeroy).
What grades have you taught?
TK-8.
What is the best part about teaching?
Working with the children and seeing them smile when I go to pick them up. Seeing students on campus and them saying “good morning”or “hello.” Developing bonds with them and watching them grow and progress throughout the years. I like being that “special person” to them.
What is the worst part about teaching?
Parents can be difficult, co-workers, and lots of paperwork.
What do you think about standardized testing? Do you think they give an accurate picture of a student’s intelligence?
I do not like standardized tests as some students are paper and pencil learners. I do not think they are accurate as everyone learns differently and can show their intelligence in different ways–not just with tests.
What is the most prominent issue you currently see in the teaching profession as a whole? What do you think the cause of this problem is?
Parents and the people in higher up positions that do not really know what goes on in a classroom on a daily basis are making decisions about teaching that they are not qualified to make. They just move people around in districts instead of hiring people that really know what they are doing.
Are there any issues that you see at your school?
Yes, I have co-workers that are unable to do their jobs. Honestly though, I think there are issues at every school as you have many different persoanilites within your school. Someone’s feathers are going to get ruffled by someone else. No one teaches exactly the same as someone else.
Would you recommend becoming a teacher? Why or why not?
No, at this point in time I would not tell someone to go out and become a teacher. It is a hard profession and only getting harder each year. Teachers do not get paid what they should get paid. However, if you love children it is a good profession, but just know there is much more than just teaching children every day.