Motivating Teachers

Our lawmakers seem to be looking for ways to cut costs. Consider the move to base tenure on test scores.

Huh?

If students aren't motivated to learn, why punish a teacher. If the only influence on our children is teachers, ten I would consider agreeing. And if all teachers did was teach, then maybe. But neither is true.

Children are caught in a tug-a-war and used as pawns in families. It's not that they crave attention, they need it. Some come to school with little support and much stress. Is it any wonder that they are distracted during an "optimal" learning part of the day?

Teachers are caught in a tug-a-war, as well. Teachers have to be bookkeepers, conflict resolution specialists and still be motivated after a parent has chewed them out for not giving a child individual attention in a too-crowded classroom. They have to keep problem children away from everyone in class and have enough time during the day to complete the paperwork required.

Teachers must look at the hurt in children's eyes. They have to see the scars on the bodies of children and wipe away the tears from a life that seems to not give even the smallest child a break.

One cannot expect all students to be motivated to learn. And if we cannot motivate our children to learn, then we cannot hold teachers responsible.

Threatening the paycheck for not motivating students is not the answer. If our children are to be motivated to learn, then we must motivate the teachers to teach.

One does not wound the heart of the education system without the whole system being affected.

I urge you to take action. Call your lawmaker and...

Don't wait for Teacher's Appreciation Day--

Thank your child's teacher.

Reflections On The Old and New

I didn't do it!

I didn't make a list of resolutions for 2010 to break.

It stresses me too much. I am just truly thankful that I made it through 2009.

With its bumpy roads (mostly bumpy roads), there is a part of me that screams just get through it in 2010.

With that in mind, here is a list of what I learned in 2009 and my goal in 2010:

• Whatever happens, its good to have friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and a family to help you through it.
• The quickest way to forget your problems is to walk into a room of two-year-olds and ask for a hug (it works every time).
• If you want to really feel closer to Christ, teach others to love Christ.
• The only way I am going to finish writing my book is to sit down in the chair and do nothing but write it.
• A new coat of paint gives a room a new beginning and countless possibilities.
• If you don't go to exercise class for a couple of days, your body feels very stiff.
• No matter how full I am from a meal, I still want the chocolate.

My goal in 2010 - To smile and laugh more and no matter what happens to lean on Jesus.

Have a great new year.