I would assume that most Oklahoma teachers are smart enough to read between the lines on that test - regardless of their political persuasions - we develop survival skills early on in our careers (if you last that long). Congrats - and thanks for the shout out - a lot folks don't understand the myriad of variables and decisions it takes the team to run a good public school. And yes, parents, we take that trust VERY seriously. I had kids in school, too.
I usually associate these ridiculous "tests" with asks for money. My grandmother, who was a die-hard Republican (she's been gone for 20 years now, and I loved her very much, so I will simply assume that she wouldn't have approved of Trump), used to get GOP junk mail every day, and it was often in the form of a "quiz." "Do you believe Ronald Reagan is the only thing standing between us and Communism? Yes, I am a real American / no, I am an absolute moron," that kind of thing. You were supposed to fill it out and return it (preferably with a check), because they CARE SO MUCH ABOUT YOUR OPINION.
I have actually been shocked that, since taking this quiz, Prager University has NOT tried to sell me something (they want me to watch their videos, but near as I can tell they're all free). I agree that's usually the game here.
Great post. My kids attended public schools in eastern NC, and I worked in the schools for 35 years (in special education as a physical therapist). I wasn't a teacher but I went to many schools each week, and worked in every school in our district over the years. Of course there was always room for improvement, but most everyone worked SO hard to make it all work. It's a giant undertaking at every level. No photos to share! My kids are older millennials themselves!
That's the thing! I too have worked with folks in a wide variety of schools-- including ones that are struggling in all sorts of ways-- but in every single one of those places (and every single district office) there are lots of people working their tails off.
Damn, Garrett, the whole essay is just so good. ***“Stop hitting yourself,” a nation of pundits proclaims, as they grind your own arm into your side in perpetuity.*** Wow. Yes, this exactly. Thank you so much, this was absolutely what I needed to read just now.
I would assume that most Oklahoma teachers are smart enough to read between the lines on that test - regardless of their political persuasions - we develop survival skills early on in our careers (if you last that long). Congrats - and thanks for the shout out - a lot folks don't understand the myriad of variables and decisions it takes the team to run a good public school. And yes, parents, we take that trust VERY seriously. I had kids in school, too.
Thank you, again, for your career and all the love and care and intentionality you've brought to it.
I usually associate these ridiculous "tests" with asks for money. My grandmother, who was a die-hard Republican (she's been gone for 20 years now, and I loved her very much, so I will simply assume that she wouldn't have approved of Trump), used to get GOP junk mail every day, and it was often in the form of a "quiz." "Do you believe Ronald Reagan is the only thing standing between us and Communism? Yes, I am a real American / no, I am an absolute moron," that kind of thing. You were supposed to fill it out and return it (preferably with a check), because they CARE SO MUCH ABOUT YOUR OPINION.
I have actually been shocked that, since taking this quiz, Prager University has NOT tried to sell me something (they want me to watch their videos, but near as I can tell they're all free). I agree that's usually the game here.
Great post. My kids attended public schools in eastern NC, and I worked in the schools for 35 years (in special education as a physical therapist). I wasn't a teacher but I went to many schools each week, and worked in every school in our district over the years. Of course there was always room for improvement, but most everyone worked SO hard to make it all work. It's a giant undertaking at every level. No photos to share! My kids are older millennials themselves!
That's the thing! I too have worked with folks in a wide variety of schools-- including ones that are struggling in all sorts of ways-- but in every single one of those places (and every single district office) there are lots of people working their tails off.
Damn, Garrett, the whole essay is just so good. ***“Stop hitting yourself,” a nation of pundits proclaims, as they grind your own arm into your side in perpetuity.*** Wow. Yes, this exactly. Thank you so much, this was absolutely what I needed to read just now.
Glad you enjoyed that line (it was fun to write!)