A Staff Divided
I am an economics teacher at a high school. Last month the Ayn Rand Institute sent me a class set of Atlas Shrugged along with a teacher guide. I assigned it to my econ class. Most of the students are actually enjoying the book although it can be dense for the teenage mind. About 1/2 the class wants to participate in the essay contest. What do I get in return? About a 1/2 dozen teachers praising me for having the courage to assign the book, and a bunch of them telling me they hope parent complaints will come in to force me to not use it anymore.
Good news, getting thanks from parents.
Bad News, sneers and jeers from my teaching colleagues.
One administrator "expressed concern" over the assignment being controversial. I pointed out that it is on the STATE approved reading list.
Good news, getting thanks from parents.
Bad News, sneers and jeers from my teaching colleagues.
One administrator "expressed concern" over the assignment being controversial. I pointed out that it is on the STATE approved reading list.
Previous comments...
And I am glad you are getting support from parents. I have a feeling they appreciate a teacher who isn't just teaching to a test, but giving them tools that encourage actual thinking!
When I started out as a student teacher, many years ago, I was assigned to what was then called "Special Education" classes. Without any training I was given a "Special" lesson plan and 15 rambunctious kids ages 6 to 10. I quickly realized that the lesson plan was stupid. Getting these kids to proceed along a prescribed path all at the same time was a fantasy. There was no way to even get them to line up for a trip to another room. I decided to work with them on as practical a level as possible. Regimentation was out of the question. Getting to recognize people who could help them, or where to get off and on the bus were what I attempted to teach. The principle berated me for not "making progress" on the lesson plan. I tried to explain what I was doing, but she wouldn't hear of it from a newbie like me. Too bad. I had to quit -- much to my regret, because I came to have affection for the kids. I realize that the situation has greatly changed since then, but I find that most people have great difficulty thinking on their own. They do not take the time to question what they were taught or what they were told. It takes a lot of effort to form ideas and opinions that run contrary to those of your relatives, friends and associates. As much will power, perhaps even more than, say, a body builder needs to stick to the task. AS is a wonderful way to get people questioning their premises, and if it "gets to" even one or two kids, it is a great accomplishment.