My philosophy paper is coming along. I am finding that I start out with a great and solid idea, but get off track the more I write. I think it has more to do with new ideas popping into my head than anything else. By the end of this semester I want to have a good idea of what I want in my classroom, how I want to teach, and possibly, where I want to teach. The latter won't be as easy because I will probably take a job that isn't necessarily where I want to be. In due time, however, maybe I will end up in a desirable place. Or, maybe the place I end up in will become my desirable place.
I'm looking to help all children, and the issue of low and high achievers comes up in my paper. I was asked the question, "What's wrong with being a low achiever?" I guess all I read about is people feeling like there are students being left behind, forgotten, and forced to work at Burger King. But...what IS wrong with working at Burger King? I want to work with kids and help them succeed to an extent, but, it is ultimately their decision where they go in life. I don't think that we can guide all children in the places that WE want them to go. I think that there are places like Burger King and coffee shops and retail shops where we need certain people to work at for low pay. These places have historically paid less than other industries...and we need people to continue working at them. Not every one wants to be a lawyer or a doctor, right? But, does this mean I have no compassion for some students...? I don't believe so, I think I just have different goals for certain students. The world has a wide array of jobs that require different levels of skills and capabilities...we should teach kids that it's OKAY to want to end up in any one of these jobs.
Of course, there is more to "it" than just the above. I can tackle that another day...
I am pretty sure things will work out with your philosophy paper. It seems like I have all these questions that I want to answer when it comes to my philosophy of education. If I answer some of those questions, it seems like I have more questions. It is kind of frustrating, but I guess it shows that I am thinking.
ReplyDeleteI do not think there is anything wrong with working at Burger King. I guess it all depends on the person's perception of things. I think a lot of people associate a fast food job with failure like the person couldn't cut it. I do not see it that way. If a person is happy working at burger king and is able to make a living, then I do not see anything wrong with that at all.
lisbet, i like your idea of high achievers vs, low achievers. i agree with you when you said it was ok to be a low achiever... anyway, getting more to the point, is the notion that it's good to let kids work at their own personal best no matter what that is.
ReplyDeleteand, if they are struggling with something, to help them out in any way possible. i don't think we need to worry where they're going to work if you're teaching pre-school or kinder! lol anyway, it's important to reach the students on their level, and if everyone does that, then they will turn out to be confident in themselves regardless of what path in life they eventually take.
Lisbet, I totally agree about the having one idea in your head and then going off in another direction. When you think about all the areas of education it is hard to tackle the main few to write your philosophy paper on! In time it will come along...maybe just several rough drafts! That is how I think mine will end up going as well.People who work at Burger King are successful in their own way, if that is what they want to do in life that is great for them. My kids would starve on saturdays in between soccer and baseball games with out McDonalds (not that bad, but you get my point). We do need people to work in fast food places just as much as we need peole to be doctors...
ReplyDeleteObviously, the "problem" not mentioned is that these low-paying jobs come without health and dental insurance and when then these people get sick, they go to UNM on the taxpayer. Do you really think the taxpayer should subsdize Walmart so they can keep their prices down?
ReplyDeleteAnd why would you wish that on any student/employee?
What do you mean by this title? Do you want to be excepted for who you are? Good I am glad you are thinking about your paper. It is important for our grade in this class. But how important for our classrooms? Since it can change, even over a small period of time, how important is it? If you do take a job that is not necessarily where you want to be just transfer later. Meg Connors has told my class that positions are rare and to take what you can get and transfer later. Get your foot in there, not your mouth but the door. I am glad to see you want to help all children. I often wondeer why I teach in Rio Rancho and not in a school with a larger Hispanic population. I have realized everyone, across all races, finicial situations, and so on need help.
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