Ryann continues:
I don’t have the energy for conflict or a battle, and I don’t feel like defending what I do to parents or administrators who don’t understand it, and I don’t have the personality for the conflict…should it get out there. I know I “get it” but I am not strong at articulating it just yet. I am blown away by what I read and hear and that teachers are so nitpicked over every little thing that they do. What ever happened to professional judgment? Whatever happened to treating teachers as professionals? I am just thankful that I have a bit of freedom in how I teach, but non-targeted is still a little “too different” to attract attention, especially at my school where the parents are overly involved. I am a single mom and I need to keep my job! I fear (however irrational it may seem) not being able to defend myself if my name were attached to a quote. I feel like I need a few more years under my belt before I am out of the closet…how ridiculous and sad is that?! I am able to say I use TPRS/CI strategies, but I have to act like I have targets. I was observed Friday and used targets, as I was specifically asked ahead of time “what will they be able to do after the lesson”…it is just easier that way, the rubric gets checked, etc. So, when needed, I play the game…wish it weren’t the case. Our school has just started pushing students to take the CLEP exams for college credit, so once my kids start passing it and earning college credit, then I will feel a little less restricted. They wanted me to look at doing the “college in the high school” program where students earn college credit for taking high school classes, but I would have to use the college curriculum, books, final assessment, etc. I said that wouldn’t work with the limited schedule we have (class just 4 days a week) and it wouldn’t work for how I am teaching. The students at my school are stressed out enough, they don’t need me adding to it! Hopefully that will suffice and keep them at bay for now.
Thanks for understanding, you guys are great!