Hello YCTA
Today (May 8) is California's Day of the Teacher. Let this be a day we reflect upon our profession. This week also marks the 150th anniversary of CTA. Our
union has been an advocate for students, educators and public education for 150
years. Click here for the link to the CTA celebration of 150 years.
My message for this day:
We make a difference in the lives of young people and impact a future beyond
our own.
I quote from Maya Angelou
People will forget what you said
People will forget what you did
But people will never forget how you made them feel.
This embodies a basic belief that our actions with young people go far
beyond that which is tested and analyzed.
We teach. We make a difference. We
care and build relationships one child at a time.
One other reminder of our greater purpose:
"The purpose of education is to
enlighten the student as to how to use their own mind, rather than to fill it
with facts for a test." (no
citation for the quote) We teach students to be thinkers and use information so
that they are empowered for their futures. This one from Diane
Ravitch speaks to this idea of teaching and thinking: "Can teachers
successfully educate children to think for themselves if teachers are not
treated as professionals who think for themselves?” click here for
link to her website
May I suggest a thought-provoking article on educational reform and
testing. A good read if you share my concerns about the future of educational
reform. Click here for a link to the article.
Celebrate today and reflect about the joy and promise of our profession.
I am proud to be a teacher. I am proud to be an educator.
I believe in the future, therefore I commit myself to teaching. Thank you
to all of you who commit yourself to playing a role in educating young people.
Have a wonderful day, Dina
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