MSTA video a plea for public schools
Portable classrooms, poor temperature control, over-crowded classrooms, and federal and state mandates are just some of the issues Maryland public school teachers face in a new Maryland State Teachers Association commercial (watch it below).
The two-minute video touches on some of the obstacles faced by Ms. Johnson, an art teacher, during her first day of school.
While wheeling around her cart of supplies, Ms. Johnson observes a series of deficiencies that exist in the school.
“Using a dash of humor and a heavy dose of current reality, the video highlights some of the unmet needs of Maryland’s students and schools,” the MSTA describes the video.
What do you think of the video? What are your thoughts on the video in the context of the current Thornton funding problems? Obviously it is slightly dramatic, but some of the themes are constantly raised by educators in counties large and small.
Categories: Around the Region, Teaching
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If you think that the MSTA video is an exageration check out the front page story on the Frederick Gazette's most recent issue.
The story details the plight of art teachers holding classes in hallways and music teachers teaching on the stage (with lunch going on just a curtain away). The MSTA video highlights some very real problems in our public schools.
Posted by: gary brennan | November 2, 2007 9:58 AM
Loved it! Absolutely loved it! Sure, there was some embellishment, but on the whole, it presents the main concerns and issues in a responsible and engaging way.
And by the way - forget about the A/C breaking down. When I taught in BCPSS, my 3rd floor science lab didn't even have AC's. During the hotter days it could reach 100+ degrees in there with upwards of 35 students. In fact, the only part of the building with Air Conditioning was the Administrator's offices.
Priorities?
Posted by: Artie | November 2, 2007 1:06 PM
From what I understand, the vast majority of BCPSS schools don't have A/C installed. My old school certainly didn't. That is why when it reaches 90 degrees before 11a.m., all the students are released. However, even when that doesn't occur, it is still pretty hot cramming all those tired, sweaty, hot children in a small room.
Posted by: Steph | November 2, 2007 3:16 PM
What I found amusing is that I caught the code words early: by the way the Social Studies teacher described it, I knew she was going to be leaving the building to get to that class.
Overall, it pretty much nails the topics down, and while it may feel a little heavy-handed to those of us who are in the trenches, I'm willing to bet that it strikes just the right note for people who don't see it every day.
I haven't seen this ad anywhere. Where has it been airing?
I have to give credit to one principal that I know of, who retired last year. Her office had the air conditioner in it but,in an egalitarian move, she wouldn't run it because there wasn't any A/C in the classrooms.
Posted by: Claude | November 3, 2007 11:02 AM