When the Teacher Fails
a short narrative poem15 total reviews
Comment from Liz O'Neill
This is a very current issue for teachers. Some feel that way. Others realize it is the system they teach in. I taught English/Language Arts in a town that didn't speak Standard English. They spoke a mix of Appalachian and mountainous Vermont dialect. When they were taking the culturally biased standardized tests, my teaching abilities was judged. It was called Merit Pay. The greatest amount anyone could get for the yearly raise was $400. I got $100. The teachers do not fail the students, the system fails them.
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2020
  |
This is a very current issue for teachers. Some feel that way. Others realize it is the system they teach in. I taught English/Language Arts in a town that didn't speak Standard English. They spoke a mix of Appalachian and mountainous Vermont dialect. When they were taking the culturally biased standardized tests, my teaching abilities was judged. It was called Merit Pay. The greatest amount anyone could get for the yearly raise was $400. I got $100. The teachers do not fail the students, the system fails them.
Comment Written 07-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2020
-
Liz, you speak eloquently for those of us who understand how the "system" often goes wrong. I remember too well how I resented standardized tests--the idea that one test fits all situations. Worse was dealing with a school board that was insisting on MERIT pay without explaining HOW the teachers would be evaluated. Fortunately, we had a strong union that overcame that onslaught. Many thanks for your great review. Rod
Comment from HarryT
Nice heart-felt work. I was an educator for over 45 years, there is always a few students that one feels they missed, could have done more, and as an administrators a few teachers to whom I could have been more helpful. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2020
|
Nice heart-felt work. I was an educator for over 45 years, there is always a few students that one feels they missed, could have done more, and as an administrators a few teachers to whom I could have been more helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 05-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2020
-
I truly appreciate comments on my poem from a colleague, Harry. Thank you. Rod
Comment from lancellot
Yes, it does illustrates how some teachers feel, but that also is sad, because just because you gave gave a failing grade, doesn't mean you failed the student. You must also teach responsibility and hold them accountable for their actions or lack of. Many times that is a far greater life lesson than just advancing to the next class. Just like here on FS. A two star honest review is much more valuable than a five star undeserved fluff review.
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2020
|
Yes, it does illustrates how some teachers feel, but that also is sad, because just because you gave gave a failing grade, doesn't mean you failed the student. You must also teach responsibility and hold them accountable for their actions or lack of. Many times that is a far greater life lesson than just advancing to the next class. Just like here on FS. A two star honest review is much more valuable than a five star undeserved fluff review.
Comment Written 04-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2020
-
Thank you very much for taking the time to share my poem and comment. I think your analogy regarding FanStory?s reviewing system is quite appropriate.
Comment from LisaMay
Your poem captures the feeling of the teacher very well, and the repeated line emphasises the nagging thought - I can feel the sense of regret eating away. A caring teacher will always feel a sense of responsibility for student success, but your mentor was entirely accurate - there are usually other forces at home to hinder a student.
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2020
|
Your poem captures the feeling of the teacher very well, and the repeated line emphasises the nagging thought - I can feel the sense of regret eating away. A caring teacher will always feel a sense of responsibility for student success, but your mentor was entirely accurate - there are usually other forces at home to hinder a student.
Comment Written 04-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2020
-
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing my poem and your comments. I eventually did realize my mentor was correct, but I never did accept student failure as not being partly my fault.
-
I think that would be a natural feeling for any teacher wanting the best for their pupils.
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Hello my friend
A wonderful entry for the Failure writing prompt contest. Nice presentation and appropriate picture. You followed the rules well.
You, or the character in your poem, sounds like a good teacher. Well done.
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2020
|
Hello my friend
A wonderful entry for the Failure writing prompt contest. Nice presentation and appropriate picture. You followed the rules well.
You, or the character in your poem, sounds like a good teacher. Well done.
Comment Written 04-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2020
-
Thank you very much, Gypsy, for your kind praise of my poem.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
A poignant write here but I don't think the teacher fails if all the students don't pass, there has to be some co-operation from the pupils and it is a responsibility that they find hard to shoulder, I enjoyed the sentiments here though, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2020
|
A poignant write here but I don't think the teacher fails if all the students don't pass, there has to be some co-operation from the pupils and it is a responsibility that they find hard to shoulder, I enjoyed the sentiments here though, love Dolly x
Comment Written 04-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2020
-
Thank you,Dolly, for sharing my poem and your kind praise.
Comment from thaities, Rebecca V.
Your mentor was correct. You cannot reach every student. The first time you notice one of your lambs is not keeping up, spend more time with that one. If you have done your best, remember what your mentor said.
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2020
|
Your mentor was correct. You cannot reach every student. The first time you notice one of your lambs is not keeping up, spend more time with that one. If you have done your best, remember what your mentor said.
Comment Written 04-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 04-Jul-2020
-
Thank you, Rebecca, for your praise and good advice. I eventually realized my mentor was correct, but accepting a student?s failure never got easier.
-
Good teachers are like that.
Comment from R. Hiland
Can't imagine how hard this last half of the school year must have been for teachers who really care. My grandkids had to settle for "corona pass" this year. NO tennis team, no baseball team, no jazz band, no acapella chorus, no debate team, no marginal notes on term papers, no state spelling bee championships, no "good Job!" from teachers they respect.--and no face time with teachers doing their best....the whole system failed. End of rant. good job on your piece.
reply by the author on 03-Jul-2020
|
Can't imagine how hard this last half of the school year must have been for teachers who really care. My grandkids had to settle for "corona pass" this year. NO tennis team, no baseball team, no jazz band, no acapella chorus, no debate team, no marginal notes on term papers, no state spelling bee championships, no "good Job!" from teachers they respect.--and no face time with teachers doing their best....the whole system failed. End of rant. good job on your piece.
Comment Written 03-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 03-Jul-2020
-
Thank you so much, R. Hiland, for taking the time to rant. Fortunately I am retired and didn?t have to teach via electronic device this spring. From what I?m hearing, the whole system DID fail. And they are talking of bringing it back?or a hybrid?in the fall.
Comment from Mary Furlong
As a former teacher, I really relate to your poem. Repeating the
Line about failure reinforces the central idea. As I've said, I know the feeling, but don't judge yourself too harshly. Expectations of kids are often unreasonable, and besides, you can't win them all in any endeavor. Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 02-Jul-2020
|
As a former teacher, I really relate to your poem. Repeating the
Line about failure reinforces the central idea. As I've said, I know the feeling, but don't judge yourself too harshly. Expectations of kids are often unreasonable, and besides, you can't win them all in any endeavor. Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 02-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 02-Jul-2020
-
Thank you very much, Mary. It?s so good to hear from another teacher who can relate so well. ?You can?t win them all,? echoes the words of my mentor (see my notes).
Comment from Janice Canerdy
Your poem clearly conveys a powerful message about guilt--unjustified guilt in my opinion, if you used your skills to the best of your ability and gave students every chance to pass. Your mentor is right! Why am I so opinionated about this? I taught high-school English for 29 years and gave it ALL I had--reteaching, retesting, giving bonuses--you name it. I felt bad for those who failed--but not guilty.
reply by the author on 02-Jul-2020
|
Your poem clearly conveys a powerful message about guilt--unjustified guilt in my opinion, if you used your skills to the best of your ability and gave students every chance to pass. Your mentor is right! Why am I so opinionated about this? I taught high-school English for 29 years and gave it ALL I had--reteaching, retesting, giving bonuses--you name it. I felt bad for those who failed--but not guilty.
Comment Written 02-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 02-Jul-2020
-
Thank you, Janice, so much for sharing my poem and your support. Knowing another English teacher who shared my experience and ?gave her all? is very encouraging.
