To carry or not to carry? That is the question. Here's my two-cents: There are so many people out there who want to make a statement by doing horrible things to other people. It is the world that we live in, unfortunately. To that end, should teachers be allowed to conceal and carry? What a loaded question. (no pun intended) There are sp many points of view on this issue. Here's mine: I took a gun safety class one summer. When school started that fall, low and behold, one of my student's mother and her father were in the class, too. I asked her how she felt about having a teacher who could use a handgun. Her response? "I think it's sweet!" She went on to say that she would feel her child was much safer if I was able to carry at school. This is how I feel. If an unknown person were to force his/her way into our building, I would want have the ability to protect my students, my fellow teachers, and myself. Would I die for my students? In a heartbeat! I've lived a very good life. My student's lives are just beginning.
So, if teachers were ever allowed to conceal and carry, I would be one of the first to make that request with district officials. I do believe that anyone who owns a gun should first pass a background check and take a gun safety class. Rest assured, the people searching for fame by shooting up schools, movie theaters, malls, etc. I believe that this is not a gun problem. It is a person problem and those people should be getting the help they need.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Friday, October 9, 2015
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Many of my teacher-friends do not look forward to conferences. I am an odd-duck in that I look forward to conferences! For me, conferences are a time to touch base with parents, look at the strengths and struggles of each child, and form a partnership to help the students be as successful as possible.
This past week, we held parent-teacher conferences. Out of the 18 kindergarteners entrusted to my care, only one child's family did not show and that was due to a sudden family emergency, out of town. We will do that conference when they return, one day after school. Of those families, six conferences included both parents.
Additionally, I feel that parents can give teachers a huge insight to their children. One of the most important things that I can do is to make the parents of each child feel welcome and that their insight into their child will help me be a better teacher for their child. This is why, when I get my class list at the beginning of each school year, I call each parent, tell them I am going to be their child's teacher this school year, and invite them to Back-to-School Night. I also have a "secret" Facebook page, where I can share classroom news, pictures, updates, etc. Parents are also give my cell phone number. In the six years I've been doing this, not once have the parameters been breached. Those parameters include no calls before 6 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
This past week, we held parent-teacher conferences. Out of the 18 kindergarteners entrusted to my care, only one child's family did not show and that was due to a sudden family emergency, out of town. We will do that conference when they return, one day after school. Of those families, six conferences included both parents.
Additionally, I feel that parents can give teachers a huge insight to their children. One of the most important things that I can do is to make the parents of each child feel welcome and that their insight into their child will help me be a better teacher for their child. This is why, when I get my class list at the beginning of each school year, I call each parent, tell them I am going to be their child's teacher this school year, and invite them to Back-to-School Night. I also have a "secret" Facebook page, where I can share classroom news, pictures, updates, etc. Parents are also give my cell phone number. In the six years I've been doing this, not once have the parameters been breached. Those parameters include no calls before 6 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
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