Not Gonna Do It

My school district is spending gagillions of dollars on a university-sponsored professional development sequence. And I like it. Yes, I said I like it. I'm not one of those old teachers who balks at professional development no matter what it is. I am a picky old broad who only balks at 90% of staff inservices.

So, this current "content enhancement" push falls into the 10% of times when I learn something I can immediately and enthusiastically apply to my classroom. We are finally getting away from theories and moving on to teaching strategies that I can sink my teeth into. I even worked on the weekend to make lesson plans based on the new tools, AND invited my principal in to evaluate me on its implementation on the Monday after the training. Now, I'm teaching my husband how to manipulate the technology necessary to do it properly. I am now an official Content Enhancement Whore.

That's why it pisses me off when I hear reports of other teachers who are, "not gonna do it." I heard a report through a student of Teacher I (for ignorant) actually telling the kids that he wasn't gonna do it because the way he teaches, kids learn, but the way they want him to teach is too confusing.

What a crock of shit. Teacher I just doesn't understand how these techniques could STRENGTHEN his curriculum; and he doesn't understand how the hell THEY WORK. I wanted to rat him out to the principal so badly, but I didn't because that would make ME look bad somehow.

Squeaky wheels don't get the grease in education; they get the axe. So, I shall continue to whore it up and teach the shit out of the kiddies. By the way, my evaluation went smashingly and it looks like I may even have a job in spite of the 10% spending cut our State is facing, and in spite of the fact that I'm about to publish a very controversial blook.

Stoopid or not? Time will tell.