I understand being discouraged, frustrated, and just plain sad when you offer opportunities to kids and the kids don't advantage of them. Case in point; a chess club of 15, a nature club of 10, keeping a library open late for two or three. But wait....15, 10,2 or 3 are still people,very important kids! I count my successes anyway I can count them. And soon the word spreads. The geometry teacher could offer some small food treat. Food gets them every time. Then sneak in the real reason for the gathering! Seriously though, I used to be out to save the whole system of students. Now I take pride and feel joyful over each small success! Have heart,all.

Wise Educator,

Whereas I agree we should celebrate those that we can reach and I can appreciate your suggestion to provide food or treats to our students because we do need to go out of our way to help students; however, what do you suggest about the teachers who can't afford to buy special treats because they are too busy buying copy paper, books, pencils, and notebooks for most of our students because either they can't afford to buy them or don't care enough to spend their money on such meaningless things? And, let us not forget that, in some cases, we have teachers purchasing clothes and personal items for our homeless or less fortunate students which also adds up after awhile. I want my students to WANT to be educated, to STRIVE to be better people and to DESIRE change in their communities...but for the most part, they don't...is it the community? It is the parents? Are we not doing enough because I know I am doing everything but giving them the shirt off of my back--yet I, and many teachers, are faced with indifference every day. But maybe if I had pizza at Parent-Teacher conferences, I would get more than 8 out of 112 parents. Maybe if I had free candy and soda, I could get more than 10 out of 32 in my first period to show up on time or no more than 30 minutes late...and maybe, just maybe--if I offered them money, they would want to do better in school....wait, didn't we try that one already?

When will the indifference end and when will students and parents want, strive for and desire to get a better education and make a better life for themselves?

The invidious comparison between the oh so non-indifferent teacher (who "wants to save the whole system") and those fuc**** up, negro, inner city kids and, god knows their parents who are without difference, in-different, won't behave like expected . . . breathtaking.

Let us reflect on the galaxy of distance we have put in place with such rhetorical niceties and call it "dedication," even "love" for "our" (do you, call that classroom "your kids?") kids.

funny how structural inequality allows us to feel so good about ourselves.

indifferent

check that

To both bloggers,

I was not suggesting that food would solve the problem. I was really just trying to give you my perspective of many dedicated and NOT indifferent years! I will always care about ,yes,"my kids." (my birth kids have always said I put more into school than home!) I have just learned not to get so despondent over the big picture that I can't find joy in the day to day achievements. Sorry if I did not seem understanding or if "baltimore" feels my comments are niceties. I could comfortably retire on what I have personally spent in my classroom on kids/families.I find it amazing that those of us who profess to care can snipe at each other. How do we expect to work together and help parents and kids if we are not civil? We all have our ways of stepping up and making the City Schools work! Let's work together!!!!!

I do not think its that teachers/ adults are not civil. In fact, I think its sad that so many teachers have grown to 'accept' the status of the students. People always talk about the day to day successes. That is a sad statement on the state of our system. This is why our kids DO NOT succeed in college (or even make it). Because we have accepted the culture and allowed it to continue. TEACHERS need to come together, stand united and not accept it any longer. Do you really think Loyola High School or Calvert Hall staff would accept what we allow as a system? Why should we accept any different? Kids do what is expected. If ALL of the adults in BCPSS got together and were on the same page, the students would not have a choice but to conform. In EVERY school, there are always adults who are not on the same page. Some let the students talk on phones, listen to headphones in class, gamble, sleep etc. The mixed messages we send to students are where the problem arises. Common expectations can lead to common results. Lets hold all accountable. You cant always hold just the students accountable (although this does not exist in most schools) yet not hold the adults accountable as well. Its a 2 way street. I would much rather deal with my students because they understand my expectations than deal with adults who change expectations (if they have any) daily.