Teachers vs. Trained Professionals
Would one consider a teacher a trained professional?
I understand in chapter 8, the trained professionals that work for the PALS program are responsible for doing more than just bringing helpful parenting tips on being responsive to their children and their literacy development. I also understand that might not be the job for the teacher nor is it the most comfortable situation.
Are parents not seeking assistance from teachers because of the new opinions and negative attitudes towards teachers? This is where I question, aren't teachers trained professionals? I can understand seeking outside assistance on how to juggle feeding, tantrums and anxiety behaviors and other situations that encompass parenting. However, I strongly feel the literacy development should be left to teachers who have been trained and educated in early literacy development. Are all teachers going to be open to opportunities such as these? Absolutely not. But what about those teachers who would be more than willing to offer their assistance and professionalism?
Couldn't there be a greater benefit to having the teacher work with students outside of the class as well? Teachers know their expectations, routines and the way they teach the material. Aren't parents trying to replicate what is happening in the classroom?
As a literacy teacher, with old fashioned practices, heavy technology involvement and outside sources are a scary thought.
Parents, don't be afraid to turn to the teachers, ask for advice and tips on early literacy development.
I understand in chapter 8, the trained professionals that work for the PALS program are responsible for doing more than just bringing helpful parenting tips on being responsive to their children and their literacy development. I also understand that might not be the job for the teacher nor is it the most comfortable situation.
Are parents not seeking assistance from teachers because of the new opinions and negative attitudes towards teachers? This is where I question, aren't teachers trained professionals? I can understand seeking outside assistance on how to juggle feeding, tantrums and anxiety behaviors and other situations that encompass parenting. However, I strongly feel the literacy development should be left to teachers who have been trained and educated in early literacy development. Are all teachers going to be open to opportunities such as these? Absolutely not. But what about those teachers who would be more than willing to offer their assistance and professionalism?
Couldn't there be a greater benefit to having the teacher work with students outside of the class as well? Teachers know their expectations, routines and the way they teach the material. Aren't parents trying to replicate what is happening in the classroom?
As a literacy teacher, with old fashioned practices, heavy technology involvement and outside sources are a scary thought.
Parents, don't be afraid to turn to the teachers, ask for advice and tips on early literacy development.
I looked at this program as well and it left me wondering a similar question. I would be curious to know exactly what kind of trainings these professionals are required to have. To go off your question, I think it would be ideal if the teachers were the ones offering this support. I think a problem though is that some parents might feel embarrassed about receiving this support and would feel more comfortable receiving it from strangers or at least someone who is not in constant contact with their child and family. While there is absolutely no reason for parents to feel embarrassed, I think it is going to be a factor in why parents don’t turn to classroom teachers more often.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Emily's statement about how parents may feel towards taking this kind of advice from a teacher. Parents may feel as though they are not good enough is they are taking advice from a teacher, when i think we all know that is not a reality, but sometimes there can be a disconnect between parents and what happens within the school walls. a lot of parents did not have a good experience in school themselves, so they automatically do not feel comfortable with many of the things that go on in the school. They may feel as though they are being told they are not good enough, or that a teacher will know better than they will. so i am finding myself asking the question, "How can we present issues like this and provide teacher help in the least intimidating way possible?" I think a good way to start this is by opening the doors to the schools for parents as much as possible. the more we can get parents inside the school walls and allow them to see the good in the staff and the building, the better
ReplyDeleteI have often had the same question or feeling about whether the administrators and parents view the teachers as professionals. Teachers (especially in this state) are heavily trained for the job and you would expect them to be viewed as professionals and highly skilled in their craft. I agree with Sean's comment that the school should invite the parents in more often. Instead of only communicating when a students is having discipline issues. I know parents can also be defensive when their child is struggling. having a good rapport with the parent in advance may result in them seeing the teacher as an ally in helping their child.
ReplyDelete