Every student, parent, teacher, principal, guidance counselor, librarian, or athletic coach has a success story to tell about their school. To honor these schools and the people who make a difference in lives of students every day, I want you to share your school success story. Complete the form below to share your school success story. We’ll publish a success story every week during the campaign on the campaign blog.
Thanks for sharing.
Mick
great post as usual!
I retired in 1995 as art teacher but remember the value of peer relationships at Blue Ridge Middle School. It is one of the best schools in student values in South Carolina. I taught 6,7,8 graders that selected basic art. A student with serious problems was transferred to our school to continue their studies.
After several weeks, the students at BRMS influenced the new student to give up body jewelry, bad language and negative thinking.
What a great solution for this teen learning with peers in the community of high standards and positive education. Peer influence changed this new student right before our eyes. Improved grades, attendance and positive thinking transformed this student’s school life forever.
Thank you, Mick Zais, for your contribution to the editorial page of The Greenville News on June 1. Your views are my views and it was wonderful to read my own thoughts!!! For years I have been saying that the two most important people in the educational hierarchy are the student and teacher. All others are to support and aid the teachers in their own particular teaching styles. Truly, the district office personnel who make and break teaching styles constantly with the latest technique are destroying our educational progress!
AND, may I add that all textbooks have already been collected at one of our SC middle schools – 11 days before the end of school – orders of administration.
Perhaps, we could eliminate all positions except for our fabulous secretaries, aides, teachers, principals, and superintendents. All others could be placed in the classrooms as teachers!!! How great would that be??!!!
I am a retired South Carolina teacher. I loved the students and I loved my job. However, in one year, I missed nineteen lessons because of other far less important assignments given to me by the school’s principal. My students would look at me as we passed in the hallways and ask if they were ever returning to my classroom. For me, it was heartbreaking. I was a teacher, not an administrative assistant.
Of course, this is no success story, but a response to your article in today’s paper. You have my vote!
I agree with Ann Wynn and Mick Zais!! As far as the textbook collection….the same where I teach!!! Even sadder….we are so STANDARDS driven (yes they are important- but not just to hear….”If it isn’t a standard, don’t teach it!”) Our school doesn’t even use text books….like they were created for! As a teacher of Science 4-6 and ELA….I feel like I have to re-invent the wheel every week!! It is exhausting!! There is no such thing as “teachable moments” anymore….we are on such a schedule and forced to teach “inside the box” that I feel powerless as a classroom teacher!! I was a born teacher and God gave me the gift of teaching…which includes creativeness. Well….throw that out the window. Our students can’t stand school…”It isn’t fun.”, they say! I feel the same way. Yes, we use technology and I love it- the kids love it….the administrators want to see it all day….but it is always on their terms!!
My other thorn is….I spend at least 80% of my day on disruptions and out of control behaviors. It is all put on the classroom teacher and not where it should be….the parents!! Something has gone wrong when the kids tell you, “Write me up….they aren’t going to do anything to me.” Yes, sad- but true. We need to go back to old school discipline.
Also, “The good ‘ole boy” system for acquiring a teaching/administrative job needs to stop!
Now for my favorite classroom memory…It was when I taught at our district’s Beck Alternative School. I taught 7-12th grade self-contained AND resource!!! Yes…all in one class!! But I developed a program there that worked…. It was successful. Kids were not returning. It was about developing relationships (professional!!) — Which allows for trust!! I could be creative and work with the kids. I loved it!! I regret ever leaving.
I interview with the Director of Choices (a bootcamp charter school in our district) next week for an administrative job!! I pray I get to go there next year in some capacity!! I want to be able to use my God given talents to reach and teach children!
My favorite quote from a University of SC professor: Children do not choose the circumstances into which they are born, nor in which they live. Teach each one. Jacqueline E. Jacobs
Let us teach!!
Parent’s need choices! My oldest daughter suffered from severe anxieties. K-5 was torture for our family and her teachers. The anxiety continued through first grade and into second grade. We were finally able to move her to a small, private, christian school (Blue Ridge Christian Academy). Within two weeks the majority of her anxiety’s had melted away. She suddenly felt safe in this small, quiet, christian environment. Today she is a rising 5th grader and a member of Duke TIP. She is able to interact with all of her classmates, speak in front of large groups, and function in high stress situations. Every child does not fit the mold of Public School. Tuition is an enormous strain on us and many families that attend private shcools. Many more could take advantage of funding the right CHOICE (be it home school or private school) for their education if they had a vouchers and / or tax credits.
Mr.Zais,
My childrens’ success stories began with the approval of South Carolina Virtual Charter School (SCVCS). This fabulous SC public school has given my family a choice in education.
My learning challenged 6th grader excels at SCVCS when my local brick and mortar school gave up on her. My gifted and advanced 5th grader works at break-neck speed when the local school held him back to keep all of the class working on the same “teach-to-the-middle” lessons.
Educational choice is of critical importance in our state. I trust that you will work to defend our public school options–our charter schools and our virtual schools–in order that all SC children may enjoy educational success.
Mr.Mick Zais,
I heard you speak to a Spt.group on June 7 and I remember one comment that
hit home . “Buildings can’t hug children.” We do!! If that day ever comes,I will not be a teacher,school counselor nor a Guardian Ad Litem.
Bless you for your commitment to SC education.
Susan and Tim Mottshaw