Home, Sweet Home – Making Our House Into a Home

Recently my principal praised my efforts to increase achievement and integrate technology into the classroom.  First, I hate being publicly praised.  It makes me feel like the odd man out, like I’m doing something wrong in the eyes of the other teachers.  Second, what I’m doing in my classroom (blogging) is something I’m surprised other teachers haven’t done already and what I would have done a long time ago had the resources been available.  Third, I’m shocked and somewhat appalled at the comments made to me by other young teachers (with 5 years or less experience):  How did you learn how to do that?  I wish I knew how!  You’re such  an overachiever!  Doesn’t that take a lot of your time?  I’ll never be able to do that in my classroom.  Fourth, glares from a handful of veteran teachers tell me that they are never going to use technology in their classrooms because they have never used it and they shouldn’t have to learn how now.

Why am I shocked?  I’m shocked because these teachers are young, technology “literate” adults who should be interested in making content relevant.  I’m shocked because these veteran teachers should want their students to learn and succeed.  When did we stop learning?  Afterall, isn’t it a love for learning that drove us to the teaching career?  This post and this post sum up my frustration.  Go check them out.

http://thefischbowl.blogspot.com/2007/09/is-it-okay-to-be-technologically.html

http://www.techlearning.com/blog/2007/09/oh_sir_you_are_too_kind.php