I went to public school - I loved it. So much in fact that I became a teacher myself - and after 25 years I still love public school. Yes - changes have been made in the curriculum, the stress level for teachers these days is difficult to describe (because where do I begin), the state requires more testing - but in the midst of all the political caos there is still not much difference from when I grew up in school. Kids are still kids, teachers are still teachers. You will run into a few bad ones - kids and teachers - but life can't always hand us strawberries and whip cream right? We just have to roll with the punches!
I have a mission field where I teach and I strongly believe that I'm there for a reason. I also believe that my children should be implemented into the public school system. Am I nervous that they are going to have to experience things way younger than I did - Yes! (But they will still be at an age where as a parent I can discuss these situations with them and provide Christian guidance and mold their young minds to be observant, aware and alert against the enemy - as teenagers I may not be so lucky.) Am I nervous that they will get into bad relationships - Yes - but that can happen anywhere - even at church. Am I nervous that some crazy kid will come to school with a gun - Yes - but it's more likely that they will encounter someone with a gun at a grocery store or gas station than an elementary school. Am I nervous that a teacher will not give them the structured education that would benefit them the most - Yes - but being a teacher myself I can monitor progress and fill in the gaps when needed. Am I nervous that they will get chicken pox and lice - Yes - but they could get that anywhere. Am I nervous that someday my children will have to be taught certain "subjects" that are against my moral standings as a Christian - Yes, but as of right now those controversial issues are far from being implemented into our classrooms, especially in Idaho - thank goodness!
The reason I write this post is not to dog on those that homeschool, send their kids to charter schools or private schools - I have many, many friends (in fact most) and family members that believe that is what is best for their family and their children and I highly respect them for that. However, I do get a little bit upset when I here people getting after the public schools - I know it's not directed to me personally but I do take it personally - I can't help it - I am the public school and I won't stand by and not defend it - because I still believe in it. I teach precious young children, some of which will only find love within my classroom walls during the course of 9 months - how could I not take it personally?
There may come a day when I decide that the public school system is no longer doing my children justice by what they are teaching, but not yet - not by a long shot. As a teacher I am well aware of my curriculum and the curriculum taught in my school district (K-12), and if there ever came a day when the state requires me to teach something that goes against everything I believe in I will be the first to hand in my resignation, find my children a private school or homeschool myself. There may come a day when that will happen and I will be prepared for it. But right now - that is far from true and if we take the Christian students and parents out of the public school system there will be less people to fight against those issues being pushed into the school system and it will slip in easily and somewhat unnoticed.
I don't mean to offend anyone by writing this blog. This was not my intent!! I am just expressing some of my frustration with the trend of the public school being dragged through the mud and having a bad reputation.
I do understand how lucky I am to teach in Melba, a place where parents are actively involved with their children's education, a place where teachers stay until they retire, a place where the kids are loved and hugs are given daily, a place where learning is fun and exciting and the students are not stressed. I understand that not all public schools are like that and I know I'm blessed. However, I have many friends and family who are in other public school systems and they will be the first to tell you that the public school system is still a great way to educate the young minds of our future.
I look forward to my future and my children's future in the public school system, and I will stand up against controversial things being taught as part of the regular school curriculum if that time ever arises while my children are in school - even if I stand alone!!
4 comments:
Well written Kara! The part about being nervous about chicken pox and lice made me laugh:) I admire you for being such an awesome and dedicated teacher to all the children in your class!
You are a blessing to every student you have. I have no doubt that God has called you to serve as a public school teacher. Your heart and passion for it is amazing. I was raised by an elementary school teacher and I know how much dedication a teacher has to their chosen career, but especially to their students. I was concerned that my decision to homeschool would have disappointed my 35+ year teaching mom. She has come to support our decision and even team teaches with me as she watches the kids one day a week. I remember when there wasn't a decision to make about what school our child would attend or how to school our children. We just went to school. It amazes me that their is this debate/choice in todays world.
Thank you for teaching. Thank you for caring. Thank you for making Melba and beyond a better place because of what you do there. God has gifted you for teaching. I praise Him for calling and equipping teachers like you!
Several years ago I took the same stand that you do. I understand where you are coming from and I respect your thoughts. My decisions to homeschool are not based on many of the fears that you listed, but mainly on the fact that I feel that God has called me to be home with my children and raise them to love the Lord with all their hearts, minds, and souls...I feel that it would be difficult for me to accomplish this to the best of my ability if they spent the majority of their days away from me learning about everything except things pertaining to Him. You are very blessed to be teaching (and having your children attend) in Melba. It sounds like a wonderful school district. Melba is also very blessed to have you in their schools. I know that you will impact many lives...as you already have. I know that for many children public school is the only option for them...and because of this, I am thankful for Christian teachers and other Christian children to be His light to them...but I do not feel that this is where God desires for my children to be. Thank you for respecting my thoughts and opinions...and for understanding my need to change my stance on homeschooling. You are a dear friend. I hope that someday you are given the desire of your heart to be home with your children, but for now I am so thankful that you love where God has you for now. :)
Thanks for your comments and encouragement. I understand why each of you homeschool and wish you the best of luck with it. Your children are lucky to have their moms as their teachers.
I do believe that I can raise my children to trust, love and obey God as they attend public school. And I pray for wisdom as to how to lead them through this tough and yucky world. Their education will bring with it lots of prayer.
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