The following quotes are taken from Anthology, chapters 21, 22, and 23.

“Many of the recommendations that have emerged in the current debate either ignore the role teachers play in preparing learners to be active and critical citizens, or they suggest reforms that ignore the intelligences, judgment, and experience that teachers might offer in such a debate.” Chapter 21, Page 197.

In recent debates with government officials there have been disagreements about the way teachers teach students. I think that teachers who are certified and have experience for the most part know what they are doing in the classroom. It is the state officials who are causing trouble, stating that teachers need to teach a certain way or blaming them for low test scores. Teachers are doing the best they can with the limited resources and time that are given to them.

Deborah Meier: “First of all, any kind of teaching requires toughness. You have to have firm convictions about a whole lot of stuff that you are not, in fact, always so sure about.” Chapter 22, Page 205.

This quote is so true. As a teacher you need to be tough and stand your ground. It also relates to the quote number three you need to stand up for what you believe in.  Toughness does not mean strict but dealing with tough choices many times a day. For example, deciding what lesson is more important to teach students when you have limited time. Even if you are not sure, you still have to make quick and tough decisions on a daily basis and teachers need to be able to support the reasoning.

Bruce Marlowe: “Suppose your way of doing your work, exercising judgment-is very different than your colleagues’ ways? Or very different from what the principal, school district or state is invested in?” Chapter 22, Page 205.

This is one of my fears when becoming a teacher. I think the best thing to do in this situation is to have an open mind. Teachers need to be willing to look at both sides of what is being presented. I think it’s important to stand up for what you believe in, but it’s also important to know when to stand down. Choose your battles carefully. Even if teachers disagree with the school system or colleagues they need to understand where they are coming from and hear others thoughts because they might make an important point that the teacher did not consider.

“When asked how teachers in his school were responding to the new learning standards and to the state-mandated testing, he explained that his state was preparing lessons, and directions for delivering all lessons, for all teachers in the state and that teachers would do exactly what they were told to because they didn’t have a union and therefore wouldn’t do anything they weren’t supposed to do for fear of losing their jobs.” Chapter 23, Page 209.

I find this quote quite upsetting. I really feel for these teachers because they can’t teacher how they want because they are not part of a union. Why are these teachers not part of a union? Is it due to expensive fees? Personal choice? These teachers have no say in how they teach their students, I find this unfair.

“To be able to think critically or analytically does not mean to criticize. It means to look at messages and materials through a different lenses and from many perspectives; it means to be able to recognize propaganda regardless of its origin; it means to be able to detect crap; it means to pull apart materials, sort them, question them, reorganize them mentally, and then synthesize the pieces into a coherent understanding and whole” Chapter 23, Page 211.

For teachers it is important for them to be able to think critically. Teachers need to have this skill because it is something they will use every day. For example, teachers that have to teach to the test. With a critical mind a teacher can eventually figure out a lesson to make teaching to the test more engaging for their students. Thinking critically about problems that come up in the classroom is important. As a teacher you do not want to use the first solution you come up with, a good teacher will come up with a few answers and compare and contrast what would work best for their students.

“Without thinking teachers, we do not have thinking schools. Without thinking schools, we do not have thinking students or future citizens who can think. Thinking and questioning teachers will not only tweak and improve our school systems but will work to improve our democracy and model the responsibilities of all citizens.” Chapter 23, Pages 211-212.

I love this quote because it really emphasizes how important it is for people to use their own minds and really think about the world. Teachers teach children how to think and use their brain power in school. Thinking occurs ALL the time it helps us to make improvements in society. By teaching children to use their thinking skills/brainstorming helps them to develop new ideas which will help them become responsible citizens in our society. Without thinking, we would be zombies in our own world.