Seminar 11/10

I thought hearing parents' opinions was very beneficial. First, I was glad that this did not turn out to be a panel of parents telling future teachers (us) how to treat their children. To me, it was informal and they provided good examples which implemented suggestions about the do's and dont's of teaching, with respect to their children. It was extremely powerful to listen to two of the parents with children who are exceptional. I think it is this style of parents who are the most competent in relation to effective teaching. They also understand the importance of the connection between the teacher, student's parents, and the student.

With all do respect, I wasn't impressed with Mr. Belay. His attitude toward teachers and education appeared very negative to me. I can think of an example when he said he stopped going to P/T conferences because they were a "colossal waste of my time." I agree that numerous charts and graphs don't say much, but it still seems important to me to attend the conferences. Also, his profession doesn't seem very realistic with respect to normal education. As a lawyer, I can assume that his family is financially competent. I would liked to have seen a parent who struggled (or struggles) financially, and hear their side of the story.

Overall, I understand that parents have a very important role in their childeren's education; however, with no reference to any of these three parents, it is important that all parents at times should realize that teachers are not to be held accountable for everything [exs: a faulty curriculum, lame education pacts (NCLB)]. I agree with an important comment brought up at seminar prior to this one stated by Mr. Roush. He told us that in order to be a good educator you must work as a team with your students, and the students' parents. This is an important basis for effective educators.