Jody, this is the most important part of the whole discussion!! I’m a retired first grade teacher. I’ve been retired for 20 years and I’m still as passionate about teaching children to read as I ever was!
I was on our local school board for a four year term. I ran simply because I was convinced that I could open the eyes of our system to the importance of phonics AND to the fact that, with the right tools, it was possible to teach every child to read in first grade!
I taught for several years past my 30 required years because I participated in miracles beyond what even I thought was possible!
We have failed at least two generations at this point simply because of the practices this article clearly explains. We could turn our schools around on a dime. I am convinced that our failure is intentional.
I did not run for a second term because no one wanted to hear nor change.
For anyone who reads this comment, I recommend you search for a copy of NEA, the Trojan Horse in American Education by Samuel Blumenfeld. Your eyes will be opened.
Thank you, Jody, for your wisdom and insight. I look forward to everything you write and that’s because it says exactly what I would like to say! I agree, and Amen!
Jody, this is the most important part of the whole discussion!! I’m a retired first grade teacher. I’ve been retired for 20 years and I’m still as passionate about teaching children to read as I ever was!
I was on our local school board for a four year term. I ran simply because I was convinced that I could open the eyes of our system to the importance of phonics AND to the fact that, with the right tools, it was possible to teach every child to read in first grade!
I taught for several years past my 30 required years because I participated in miracles beyond what even I thought was possible!
We have failed at least two generations at this point simply because of the practices this article clearly explains. We could turn our schools around on a dime. I am convinced that our failure is intentional.
I did not run for a second term because no one wanted to hear nor change.
For anyone who reads this comment, I recommend you search for a copy of NEA, the Trojan Horse in American Education by Samuel Blumenfeld. Your eyes will be opened.
Thank you, Jody, for your wisdom and insight. I look forward to everything you write and that’s because it says exactly what I would like to say! I agree, and Amen!
Thank you so much, Becky! And thank you for your service in education!