And in many cases it is the stupid teacher. How one learns life’s lessons is subjective and it is really hard to distinguish what works for one individual, but doesn’t work for another. A lot of criticism has been levied against our education system and how it is failing our youth. I will jump on the bandwagon, but put the blame on organizations like the NEA for Dumbing Down American Education.
Labor unions have their purpose and usually start out with good intentions. But quite often the organization quashes the individual, and that is where they lose their way. Unions are made up of individuals, and people that choose to go into the teaching profession obviously are doing it for a desire to shape the future of our society; certainly not for the money. Effective teachers typically connect with a select few, those that want to learn. The rest slide by or slip through the cracks. The NEA’s philosophy is “No Child Left Behind“. It’s not about education; it’s about MONEY!
This post was inspired by a couple of coincidences that happened today that point towards individual teachers exhibiting good behavior (questionable at the time) and making a difference.
Last night, I was commenting on a blog about young William graduating from Kindergarten. At first, I thought that it was ridiculous to have a ceremony for getting out of Kindergarten. But after reading the article, I realized that his teacher had done a great thing for those kids. I went on to tell my story about how I got an ‘F’ in Art in the 8th grade for making a kite that didn’t fly. And how that ‘F’ made me a better artist, kite flyer and kite builder. I don’t think I have related that story to anyone, ever, since the forty years that it happened.
This morning, I got a call from a close friend, somewhat distraught, she said: “K—-- got her report card today, and got an ‘F’ in Art! (sixth grade)”
“All Right!” I exclaimed, much to my friend’s chagrin. I know that K—-- is a good artist, and a failing grade is just what she needs to inspire her to be the best that she can be. I have no idea why K—-- got an ‘F’, but it will be something she will think about and no doubt will make her a better person.
Below is a drawing K—-- made of my dog, Chocolate Farleigh four or five years ago. Can anyone make the argument that she isn’t a great artist?
Criticism is a part of life, people are different, and if you don’t draw any criticism, you aren’t making an impact; good or bad. The good teacher will guide the student to follow their heart and be the best they can be. They should also teach to them to take that criticism with a grain of salt, and use that grain to try to prove their point. When it comes to Art; nobody is right… nobody is wrong.
The other coincidence came from a discussion in a private forum about “Bringing Music Back Into My Life”. Essentially, we were talking about the influence certain songs or pieces of music have had on our lives, and the memories that they trigger.
A biggie for me is the song “Landslide” by Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac). I have a whole post about this song coming in the near future. But I came upon this video that is an excellent example of a good teacher behaving properly. Gregg Breinberg is a music teacher in Staten Island, New York. Gregg directs the PS22 Chorus, a group of about 60 students that has taken YouTube by storm with over 4 million views of their videos. They have the rest of the world in their sights.
Ironically, it was Perez Hilton who has helped this group of talented children reach their star status. Perez, who appeared so full of hate at the Miss USA pageant last month, obviously has a softer side. I would like to think that a great teacher like Gregg Breinberg can inspire and influence adults too
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older too.”- Stevie Nicks
Thanks for posting this. I LOVE Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac.
“Player’s only love you when their playing.”
Love the video! The biggest problem I saw when my kids were in school was the expectation of “cookie cutter” kids. They wanted everyone to do and act the same. And that included force feeding Ritalin if they decided it was required :p
Luckily we moved to a MUCH better school where even my struggling student could succeed.
I agree criticism can make you better as long as it’s a productive criticism.
Anita
Sometimes we need constructive criticism. It is easy to get tunnel vision about our work and efforts. Sometimes we just need some feedback from someone that has more experience or another perspective. It depends on how that feedback is given. Sometimes critiques are given to help someone focus and improve and sometimes they are given to cut someone down. It is the intent that makes the difference