Of all professions, it seems that its always open season for criticizing teachers, especially within the system itself. Teachers are often blamed for student behavior, lack of achievement, parent complaints and other occurrences that are out of their control. For example, I have seen teachers criticized for not knowing why students behave the way they do. I have also seen teachers criticized for students’ lack of achievement. Teachers are often blamed or held responsible for outcomes where they have no power or authority to influence action or change. I refuse to bash teachers, because in the words of the great gospel songstress Mahalia Jackson, I know the troubles we’ve seen, and I know, too well, our sorrows.
As outspoken as I can be about public education, some might mistakenly think I am against public school teachers. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have worked with some awesome educators over the years who have demonstrated their professionalism and love for children in the classroom every day. My disdain is for the public school system, not the teachers who teach within it.
I desire deeply for the wanton bashing of educators to just stop already. Teachers are not to blame for everything wrong with public education. What people seem to not realize is, teachers have very little power in district, campus and even classroom decision-making. Teachers cannot control when campuses open up again. Teachers cannot control what is taught in schools. Teachers cannot teach what they don’t know. Teachers are not allowed time to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom.
I had a (rightfully) angry parent demand to know why teachers don’t know more about the Science of Reading (SoR) that has gained so much traction lately. Data related to SoR speaks to scientifically teaching reading the way children learn at the brain level. I have yet to meet a teacher who was taught the SoR in college. Research suggests in America, as many as 15% of children and adults are Dyslexic. In 14 years, I, a special education teacher, never received any professional training related to Dyslexia. What I know about Dyslexia and the SoR I learned from friends, parents and Twitter. Despite my desire to do so, I was not equipped to provide the academic service and support some of my students surely needed. Even worse, I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
I recently enrolled in a highly respected, very expensive training to gain the knowledge and skills I need to adequately serve students with Dyslexia. Many teachers, including me, can ill-afford to take such a measure. Teachers are teaching the way they were taught to teach. They are following orders they have been given. They are towing the company line because it’s safer than rocking the boat. This isn’t right, but it is what it is. Many teachers want to ensure their students are successful but aren’t given the training, tools, time or in some cases, permission to do so. Just know, there are great teachers in schools with their hands tied. The real issues are most likely not with teachers. Teachers do what they are told to do. They have little power or influence in decision-making. They are not calling the shots.
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