Idealist, Disheartened, or Contented?

02/18/2010

Idealist, Disheartened, or Contented?

Tolerance and compassion are active, not passive states, born of the capacity to listen, to observe and to respect others.
Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, 1917-1984

A nationwide survey of nearly 900 K-12 teachers, reported in Education Week (October 21, 2009), revealed three distinct groups of teachers. Based on their individual characteristics and attitudes about the profession, teachers naturally fell into three broad categories:

40% were Disheartened and were more likely to...

give their principals poor ratings for giving support
express concerns about their working conditions and student behavior

23% were Idealists, more likely to...

say they became teachers to help disadvantaged students
believe their students' test scores have increased because of their teaching
say that good teachers can lead all students to learn

37% were Contented, more likely to...

report excellent working conditions
be experienced in their profession
work in middle- or higher-income schools
believe their students' test scores have increased because of their teaching.

Re-ignite Idealism

Most early childhood teachers enter the field with the goal of making a difference. If you or your peers are losing some of the initial idealism, our popular book, From My Side: Being A Child, can help you recharge your motivation. Sure to be treasured, this beautiful hardcover book celebrates the authors' lifelong travels to countries throughout the world. Over 200 full-color photographs illustrate how children learn from their environment when they are engaged in everyday life activities. Ideal for home and school, educators, and parents.

Talk with children about emotions!

Big Feelings is a children’s book that helps children name and share their emotions. A great tool to use in your classrooms.

www.ParentingCounts.org

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Looking for natural-play products? Garden Bed, Nature Bowl, Painting Messes? Outdoor Clean-up Station Recycled, durable, safe, EC sized.

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For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.