By Robby Valderrama
In today’s world, it is impossible to pick up a newspaper
without reading about teachers and education. From Sacramento to
the Oval Office, it’s a hot topic.
By Robby Valderrama
In today’s world, it is impossible to pick up a newspaper without reading about teachers and education. From Sacramento to the Oval Office, it’s a hot topic.
And in light of the recent budget cuts, people across the political spectrum acknowledge the flaws in the public school system, particularly in California. According to EdSource Online, “(California) ranked first in teachers’ salaries in both 2001-02 and 2002-03, paying an estimated average of $56,283 in 2002-03.” Yet, as stated by the National Education Association, “Eighty-seven percent of California schools are in unsatisfactory environmental condition.” The NEA also noted that, “the average size of a California elementary school is 30 percent higher than the national average.”
So who holds the answers to the serious problems facing our school? Is it politicians? Parents? The Governator? What if there were a group of individuals who spent the majority of their time living and learning in our schools? These individuals would surely have important insight regarding our educational system.
Well, there is such a group. Collectively, they are known as “students.”
But really, are students ever asked for advice? Rarely. By the time they get to high school, students know the difference between a bad teacher and a great teacher. They know what works in a classroom and what does not.
According to Gilroy High sophomore Enzo Bertolami, the characteristic he appreciates most in a teacher is good student-teacher rapport.
“I value a teacher who can control students and relate to you.”
Fair enough. But what if a teacher is too strict? Or too lenient?
According to Bertolami, “Strict teachers spend the whole class disciplining and sending kids to the office, and no one learns anything. I have the most respect for teachers who are in the middle.”
Maintaining this balance is a large part of being a first-rate teacher and goes a long way in establishing a comfortable, healthy atmosphere in the classroom.
When asked what teachers could change in the classroom, Bertolami said, “They should help kids more. Many kids I know give up because they don’t understand the concepts and haven’t received any help from the teacher.”
Based on their own experience in the classroom, students know first-hand what makes a teacher effective. Those running the public school system should take advantage of this wealth of knowledge. Ask the students. You just might learn something new.
