Advocacy #Oneword2018

Advocacy – public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.

My focus for 2018 will on advocacy. I need to advocate for creating a better education system for my students and peers. Right now our education system seems to be a target. Schools don’t get the appreciation for all the services that are provided. Teachers are leaving their chosen profession in droves for greener pastures. It is time for advocates to rise up and share the power of education and all that is positive in our schools.

It can be easy just to close the classroom door focusing on just my own class. Teachers need to remember what is best for our students and keep doors open. We need to discuss our practice critically with each other. Advocating for what we know is best while remaining respect of others opinions. I have shied away from advocacy in the past in fear of offending others. It can be a fine line of being and advocate and be arrogant. One must respect others points of view; agreeing to disagree to avoid confrontations.  These conversations have to occur to transform education.

For education to turn around it needs advocates.

Advocates for our students remembering that they are more than a score. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds with a plethora of goals the education system needs to honor them.

Advocates for our teachers. The profession has been beaten down by accountability.

Advocate for funding. Our schools need to keep pace with our ever changing educational needs.

Advocates for teaching and learning methods. To improve our system we need to accept the many learning styles and methods that work.

Advocate for many paths. Our society has focused too ling on “college ready”, we need to recognize that many career paths don’t pass through colleges.

I will not apologize for my advocacy. I care to much to not speak out for my students and profession!

 

My previous #oneword posts on Time and Opportunity.

Thanks for giving me your time to take the opportunity to advocate on behalf of my students.