THE Hurried TEACHER

By Linda Chmielewski

     There’s no doubt that the effects of the changes taking place in our high tech, fast-paced society are most keenly felt in our schools.  Things that used to be valued in the home are losing ground to the pursuit of the latest version of the American dream. Children come to us who think that family dinner is a once a week event; either their parents can’t get home from work in time for dinner, or there is an after school activity that prevents the family from sitting down together.  Family conversation is at an all-time minimum and limited to essentials like who, what, where, when, why, and how much?  Homework is viewed by many as an inconvenience, interfering with other activities.  Parents talk more with their children nowadays through cell phones than person to person.  The problem is that they don’t always know where exactly their children are when they are calling.     

     The structure of the typical school day remains much as it always has, but the curriculum certainly has changed, and changed, and changed.  We can’t seem to find just the right mix for our students.  Pressure from outside the classroom results in a seemingly continuous process of trial and error, facilitated by deep pockets full of funds to buy materials based on this current research or that.  Success is defined and redefined.  Take your pick.  Currently, government has taken a high hand in determining what is important for public school children to know and be able to do.  Much of their vision comes from the demands of the business world; they are trying to turn learning into a business whose main objective is maximizing the kind of learning that can later produce profits for them.  The time to kids back in the regular classroom, and we’re faced with teach topics that have no obvious material value is quickly disappearing.  Mandates, timetables, new teaching strategies, and new (but less) curriculum keep us constantly trying to catch up.  Add to these the impact of the inclusion movement currently in vogue, putting special needs challenges that stack the deck against our chances for success. 

     Teachers are nurturers and, let’s face it, nurturing can take a huge toll on us physically and mentally.  The best advice I ever received after becoming a parent was to take care of yourself first so that you can take care of others.  It’s not too late to make a New Year’s resolution to be more conscientious about your own well being.  Teaching is only part of your life’s work, not your life.  Find the strength to say no to that “just one more thing” you’re asked to do.  Make time to nurture yourself so that you can nurture others.  

Officer Snap Shot by Jill Clark

 This month’s Officer Snap Shot profiles CEA secretary, Colleen DiFabio.

If you could play the role of an actor/actress in any movie, what would it be and why?  

This was a REALLY hard question because I rarely go to the movies!  I guess I would be Linda Hamilton from Terminator.  She was smart, resourceful, prepared, organized, and determined.  Plus, she was in amazing shape!!! 

If we were to talk with someone in your high school, what would they say about you?  

 If you were to ask someone from my high school about me (Ridley Sr. High), they’d probably say “Who?” I was a very good student, but very shy & kind of nerdy.

Where is your favorite place to go for a romantic dinner and what would you order?

The Melting Pot.  It has an amazing atmosphere.  As far as what I’d order, I don’t have a specific favorite, as long as I get dessert!!  

If deserted on an island for a month, what five or ten things would you take with you?    

I would take my husband, my cats (Luxie, Richie, and Casey), a lot of books, bug spray, soap, blankets and a razor! 

What is your favorite television show? Why?    

I have several favorite shows:  First, “Angel”, because I like the idea of good triumphing evil, especially since the “good guys” have their own flaws.  I also like “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” & “Scrubs”:  Both of these shows have really sharp humor which cracks me up!  Finally, I enjoy “Joan of Arcadia” because I like the idea that small actions can have a big effect. 

 In your field, who is the person whom you most admire?  Why?  

I most admire Sue Castle.  She was assigned to be my mentor as a first year teacher. I learned a lot from her about not only being a teacher, but also about being a leader in the union.    

In four words, you are…Opinionated, passionate, intellectual, and genuine.

What is your biggest fear? 

That is a tough question too.  I have a lot of irrational fears- bugs, germs, things like that.  However, probably my biggest fear is coming across a problem that I can’t

solve, or at least make the best of the situation.

If you could have one supernatural power, what would it be? 

I would love to be able to read people’s minds whenever I want.  Then I probably would know exactly what I need to say to get the result I want in any situation!

What do you most enjoy about your role in CEA?  If you could change one thing, what would it be?

 I really like being informed and educated about what is occurring at the local, state, and national levels of education.  I also like feeling as if I have the potential to make a positive impact on the field and profession of education.  One thing I would like to change is that I would like to see more people get involved and educated about our union.  Remember, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link!

Thank you for the interesting and thought-provoking questions!!

Volume 3 Issue 5                                                                                                                The Advocate