I originally posted the following comment on MN2020's Tuesday Talk. The topic was TFA
"It
seems to me there are two main reasons to join TFA. One is as a resume
builder. There are some variations to this line of thinking such as
using it as a backup to finding permanent employment, but there are
clearly a large number of TFA corp members who don’t want to be career
teachers, and they should not be playing teacher. Teaching takes
commitment.
On
the other hand, it is clear there are people who are choosing TFA
because they do want teaching as a career. While I welcome them, it
does a disservice to our students for them to take a shortcut to the
classroom. This is why the U of MN should not be partnering with TFA.
If
you were a college senior or junior and you wanted to go into teaching
which route would you take—Option 1: A two year program that will take
two years and cost you thousands of dollar, or Option 2: a five (maybe
eight?) week summer training that has you teaching and getting paid for
those same two years?
After
paying for four years of college already, I know I would find option 2
very appealing. The problem, of course, is option two is good for the
adult, not for the students they will serve. Dean Jean Quam of the U of
M’s CEHD told me the University’s two year program is far superior to
any TFA model. Which begs the question: why create a shortcut?
In
the spirit of solutions, we should be talking about how we can make it
affordable and even financially rewarding for college students to take
the best route to the profession of teaching and not a short cut that
short changes our students."
TFA is by design a shortcut to the classroom and it is a union-busting temp agency. Those of us who are serious about education need to get TFA out of the picture and look at sustainable ways to prepare future teachers and, especially in the Twin Cities, diversify our teacher ranks.
Posted by: Rob Panning-Miller
2 comments:
Hear an interview with the author of this piece ROBER PANNING-MILLER with U of M grad student RACHEL SMITH on the AUG.2 edition of CATALYST:politics & culture archived on the CATALYST page at www.kfai.org
A "strong and sustainable teacher" refers to a teacher who is not only effective in the classroom but also capable of maintaining their well-being and enthusiasm for teaching over the long term. This involves nurturing self-compassion, finding joy in their work and personal lives, and actively participating in learning and growth opportunities. Sustainable teaching also emphasizes creating a learning environment where students are empowered and have a sense of agency, fostering a deeper and more lasting impact on their learning.
Key aspects of a strong and sustainable teacher include:
Self-Care and Well-being:
Teachers need to prioritize their own physical, mental, and emotional well-being to avoid burnout and maintain their energy for teaching.
Empathy and Connection:
Building strong relationships with students, understanding their needs, and fostering a supportive classroom environment are crucial for sustainable teaching.
Lifelong Learning and Growth:
Teachers should be committed to continuous learning, seeking new knowledge and skills, and reflecting on their practice to improve their effectiveness.
Empowerment of Students:
Creating a classroom where students feel valued, have agency, and are actively engaged in their learning process contributes to both their and the teacher's well-being.
Strong Community and Collaboration:
Building a supportive school community and collaborating with colleagues can help reduce isolation and provide valuable support for teachers.
Mindfulness and Self-Compassion:
Practicing mindfulness and self-compassion can help teachers manage stress, develop resilience, and foster a more positive and sustainable approach to teaching.
Addressing Systemic Issues:
Recognizing and addressing systemic issues within the education system, such as lack of resources, excessive workload, and lack of support, is crucial for creating a more sustainable teaching environment.
In essence, a strong and sustainable teacher is not just someone who delivers effective instruction, but also someone who thrives in their profession and who creates a thriving learning environment for their students.
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