Changing the narrative about teachers and state education

There's nothing that makes my blood boil faster than hearing teachers being referred to as part time (i.e. 9.00am to 3.00pm) and always on holidays, and their skills being talked about as if just anyone could do the job. To be fair, this happens rarely these days and I have been reflecting on that after hearing a group of parents in our school speak so positively about the work teachers do. Coincidently just this week, I've seen few articles, blogs and posts about teachers themselves changing the stories told about their work - for example,  Education Week, Teaching is... and Edutopia.

In every school there are great teachers making a positive impact on students and their schools. These teachers are going above and beyond their classroom duties, engaging in their own ongoing learning, providing extra curricular activities for children in their lunch times and participating in learning communities either face-to-face or online. At Peregian Springs State School, this is true for EVERY teacher - I'm not sure how many Principals could say this.

One of the new members of our Leadership Team said to me this week 'You know, Gwen, I walk around our school and there's amazing work going on in every classroom - every classroom - not just one or two here and there - it's EVERY classroom.' And he's right. There is jaw dropping education, commitment and dedication in every room in our school. The focus of our teachers (and their teacher aides) is firmly and squarely on children and their learning - even in the Staff Room at lunch time.

Teachers and school leaders can change the narratives about our work - and we would love the help of our community and parents.

If you believe your children's teachers are doing a great job, tell a story about that - post it on your Facebook page, tweet it to the world, tell the checkout operator in the supermarket when he/she asks where your children go to school, counter negativity about the work teachers do with your own positive observations, and most importantly, thank your child's teachers. Too often they are told they didn't do a good enough job in one area or another, and this is usually some small thing that in the bigger scheme of a whole school culture of excellence shouldn't even rate a mention. Believe me, these observations of their 'shortcomings' hurt them terribly.

Less often than I'd like, I see them smiling from a pat on the back, sharing a card or email proudly, and holding their heads high confident in the knowledge of the esteem they are held in.

Let's work together to change the stories told about modern schools, state education and their teachers. At the end of the day this is not just good for teachers and state education - but also good for every child in those classrooms.

A couple of particularly awesome teachers - and there is another 45 more!

here are thousands of good teachers making a positive impact on students and their schools. These teachers are going above and beyond their classroom duties, engaging in ongoing professional development, and actively participating in personal learning communities - See more at: http://www.educationworld.com/a_news/opinion-change-teaching-narrative-focus-good-teachers-933798742#sthash.vhnpgwop.dpu