Education Nation Part 1: Tony Danza

Watching Tony Danza talk about his experience teaching was probably one of the more reality based expositions for teachers. He hit the nail on the head when he said that in his several years of teaching 10th grade English he realized that respect for teachers is paramount. As an educator myself, I live with the daily struggle of surviving the sad home lives, the tragedies, the disparities and unfairness manifest in the home lives of the students I teach. Teaching is so much more than just lesson plans and the current "flavor strategy" administrators are salivating to see. Tony stated quite unequivocally that perhaps a "little respect would go a long way." He meant respect for what teachers must grind through on a daily basis.

In a class period (anywhere from 45 to 55 minutes)a teacher must teach the curriculum, instill values, develop character, teach self-discipline and self-control and counsel students all day, everyday. That was Tony Danza's take. He joked that perhaps he needed another period to squeeze all that in...I'm sure he didn't get it. This is something we teachers are all too familiar with.

As a parent, do you ever wonder who your child turns to when you get a divorce, can't afford groceries, or get put in jail? When your dating life spills into your home and your kids are all confused, did it ever occur to you that your child might be coming to me for parental support that you should be providing? Teachers are second parents, away from home, and in some cases doing a better job at connecting with your children than you are.

When asked about how to get rid of bad teachers, Tony's comment was encouraging. He said that he wasn't sure there were bad teachers per say, just frustrated ones. He got that right. And yes, we do cry...sometimes it's the only way to get through the day. OK, a glass of wine helps:)

I'll be commenting on the Education Nation Summit every day. Keep posted. I wish Tony good luck and thank you.

http://news.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/general/view/20100930whos_the_boss_in_the_classroom_tony_danza/srvc=home&position=also