"Take a look, it's in a book..."

Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high.

Take a look, it's in a book - Reading Rainbow.

I can go anywhere!

Friends to know and ways to grow - Reading Rainbow.

I can be anything!

Take a look, it's in a book - Reading Rainbow.

Today on the way into work, I heard some very sad news on NPR. After 26 years, Reading Rainbow's last episode will air today, Friday, August 28. (You can find the NPR article here.)

Because of a "shift in the philosophy of educational TV programming," Reading Rainbow's broadcast rights were not renewed (several hundred thousand dollars which nobody would pay for -- not even PBS or the Corporation for Public Broadcasting). Apparently, shows today are all supposed to be about teaching kids how to read... not about teaching them why to read, or aiming to instill a love and joy for reading. I know my experience as an educator has been relatively short in terms of length/years, and I won't deny the importance of helping children learn how to read. But one of the big challenges I faced as a teacher, specifically in a low-income school, was really getting my kids to enjoy reading, to understand how reading could benefit them, and to get them to want to pick up a book whenever they had a free moment. It's much easier to create a love for reading when you're around, with, or observing someone else who loves it.

I grew up watching Reading Rainbow religiously (that and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood were about all we were allowed to watch, hehe), and I will truly miss it. I think the television world has lost something valuable by not renewing the rights (which is something I don't think I've ever said before). I hope reruns will be played... but even if not, I'm going to have to go find some copies of it somewhere so I can continue to enjoy it (and get inspiration for when I inevitably return to teaching).

Until then...

Refuting the Criticism (a little bit)

One of the tasks I faced before joining Teach For America, then when I was a TFA corps member, and now, as a Teach For America alum, is refuting the constant criticism and skepticism from many people about the effectiveness of "non-traditionally trained" educators that make up a large percentage of the TFA corps. Sadly, most of this comes from those within the educational system itself. While I wish this wasn't the case, as pointed out in the following article, "few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example" (Mark Twain). My hope is that in the coming years, those feeling the need to protect the "traditional" way of doing things in education will realize that while Teach For America definitely DOES have a different way of approaching and doing things, the only fight worth undertaking is the fight for our children.

In the meantime, here is an article from US News about the effectiveness and impact of Teach For America teachers: Teach For America Makes the Grade at Challenged Schools, Criticism Aside.

Given Obama’s address last night, with education being one of his four main focuses, I think one particularly interesting paragraph in this article has to do with TFA’s funding. I found this little blurb both humorous and disheartening:

"Surprisingly, most of Teach For America's federal funding comes from outside the Department of Education's budget. This points to the organization's place as a crown jewel of national service efforts but also to the contempt for the organization within the education community. In January, for instance, based only on rumors that Wendy Kopp might be asked to join the Department of Education, the president of the national organization representing traditional teacher training institutions sent a letter to education lobbyists in Washington calling Kopp "unacceptable" for government service because she promotes a, "revolving door of under-qualified teachers as the best answer for poor children." The letter went on to imply that Teach For America did not serve the interest of students."

Let me just say this: ANY first-year teacher experiences hardships, regardless of their training. Trust me. I saw first-year teachers at my school who had been “traditionally trained” and they struggled just as much, if not more, than TFA teachers. Part of the reason for this is because Teach For America offers a huge network of support for their teachers throughout the year – which often matters a lot more than what classes you took in your undergrad days (especially when talking about teaching in urban schools). Also, TFA does train teachers, and all corps members have to meet the No Child Left Behind requirements for being “highly qualified”. Beyond that, Teach For America teachers really, truly care about their students, and invest in them a way many teachers do not. Lastly, at least Teach For America is doing something. And honestly, it’s a lot more than “just something”. The results are impressive and well-documented. Kids who most people believe can’t succeed are learning and achieving. They have someone who believes in them and pushes them and doesn't discount them because of an invisible price-tag stamped on them at birth. They are working to right an injustice and because of that, I will continue to support the organization and its mission as they (and we) work towards educational equality in this nation.

Go Shopping, Save Money, Help Kids

If you’re looking for a good excuse to go shopping, I've got it for you. If you've been thinking about buying something, but waiting for a good time to buy it, I've got that for you, too! Or, if you're just looking for a good deal that helps people, I've got that as well! I'm just a helpful person today, huh?

I got an email yesterday from one of my friends who works for Teach For America (the organization proper). Since I'm the Learning Team leader for lower elementary, I guess I'm "on the list" to receive certain updates. The email was telling about an opportunity to help Teach For America this weekend while getting some great discounts.

If you shop at Gap, Banana Republic, or Old Navy (all subsidiaries of Gap) March 12-15 you get 30% off as part of their Give & Get campaign. Plus, 5% of your total purchase will then be given back to Teach For America. Just print this coupon, present it at the checkout, and specify Teach For America as your chosen organization: http://www.gapgiveandget.com/np/tfa.html For more information, check out TFA's press release.

This is a pretty great deal at any point in time, but I think it’s really great that even after 30% off, they're then giving an additional 5% to Teach For America. As most of you probably know, Teach For America is the organization that I joined after graduating from college. It's a non-profit organization that is working to eliminate educational inequality in the US (and now abroad, through Teach For All). TFA recruits people they see as possessing leadership qualities – not necessarily those who have had experience teaching. As such, the alumni base is quite broad, with many people staying in teaching after completing their 2-year commitment, and many more (like me) staying involved with education and community development even if not directly through teaching. One of the reasons TFA teachers succeed as much as they do is because of the constant support and training TFA provides... and yes, that’s why this event and support is very much needed!

If you want to read more about TFA (beyond the links I've already included), here’s an article from US News about what it's "really like", and there is plenty of information on TFA's website. There’s also a ton out there if you just google it! I am a deep supporter of Teach For America and its mission, and I will readily testify that while it was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, it has profoundly shaped me and influenced the direction of my life. And beyond all of that, it’s truly affecting students and schools across the nation. So, go get shopping and help change kids' lives! =)