There has been discussion on all of the weekend news shows about our 45th President's attack on the "fake news" and his unorthodox way of handling the press. As a social studies teacher, we have to deal with questions from children about these very topics. I like to approach them with my "what's old is new" way of deciphering information. I think about to John Adams' administration and the Alien and Sedition Acts when it was illegal to speak out against the government in newspapers and several newspaper editors ended up in jail. For the sake of SC history, Thomas Cooper ended up in jail. These acts prompted Thomas Jefferson and James Madison to write the Virginia and Kentucky resolutions that started the states rights movement. This movement was a sleeping giant that eventually led to the Civil War once John C. Calhoun picked it up and took it to the next level with nullification and secession theory.
What can happen in 2017? It all depends on the American people. We have to learn how to listen objectively to the news. The media is for our protection and is designed to keep us informed. Democracy is all about holding each branch accountable. If 45 doesn't want us to know what goes on behind the gates of the White House, that's too bad. It's okay to dislike the press, but it's quite another to claim that they are "the enemy of the American People." Our free press should be free of political influence and although it isn't, they have done a great job of pulling the covers off when needed. Although closely related, PR is a different discipline from journalism. Journalists are looking for the story and the truth. The Public Relations firm is looking for the spin. We accept both in our democracy because we have the freedom of speech. Will we always know the complete and total truth? Perhaps not, but at least it isn't whitewashed suppression like some of the communist and authoritarian regimes out there. If we think about John Adams, we know he was a one term president that was overly concerned about his image in the press. He had an axe to grind. He was a ONE TERM President. Do we perceive that 45 will make it the entire term? I don't believe so, but stranger things have happened in the last 6 months. John McCain stated that every dictatorship in history began with an attack on the press. Some say 45 (a bully) needs an opponent, so he's taking on the press. Will he be successful? Should he be successful? USA Today is reporting that Shepard Smith from Fox news has defected from the 45 honeymoon camp. They presented tweets from Trump calling for his resignation and his blind followers echoing the sentiment. Is this mob rule and unstable leadership? hmmm.... What are your thoughts on this latest "crisis in the White House?" We'll be monitoring the situation.
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Being a first year teacher can be VERY TRYING! Luckily, there are always people around you who have done it before and lived to tell about it. I offer these tips with the greatest sincerity I can muster realizing that you have no idea what you are about to encounter. 1. Create a procedure for EVERYTHING. I didn't feel like this was necessary, but I quickly realized I was WRONG. Someone told us that we only needed up to 5 rules but they didn't mention procedures. Create a procedure for transitions, entering the room, where book bags should be stored, asking for tissue, supplies, and more. It eliminates the guess work and helps acclimate the students to your classroom. It is absolutely a mistake to believe that students know how to behave in your classroom. You have to set the expectation. 2. Parent contact is key. Reach out and develop a great relationship with the parents and you'll have less headaches. I used a newsletter my first year and this year I'm using Remind 101. I also have an open door policy. Parents can stop by any time. 3. Find a life line or someone you can VENT to without judgement. It is imperative that you have an outlet and someone to listen to you whine. This person should be there to offer suggestions as well. 4. Keep a reflective journal. You need to think about what's going well and not so good with your lesson and interactions with students. Most seasoned teachers say it like this "monitor and adjust." Trust me, those journals will be a source of laughter and relief once you look back at them. 5. CLASSROOM Management is a bigger KEY!! Read and ask questions about the best tactics for classroom management. The important thing to remember is just because it works next door doesn't mean it will work for you. You have to find the best strategy for you. I greet the students at the door and set the expectation. I also have a set of procedures that the students hold each other accountable for. Remember to teach with hope because all students have the capacity to learn. Last Thursday, roughly 50 students from Allendale Fairfax Middle School visited the Statehouse and Museum in our capital, Columbia SC. The students were excited about the visit. The tour, although short lived, was informative and the legislature was humming with activity. I would have loved to have seen the legislators in action making laws, but they were speaking about a colleague that was deceased. The architecture was gorgeous. We also visited the museum, but it didn't have enough time to enjoy the full effect. I think I'll return on a weekend. Pictures speak louder than I ever could so enjoy these: |
AuthorBianca Woodard is a social studies teacher at Midland Valley High School. She's an Apple Distinguished Educator (2017) and a Microsoft Certified Trainer. Archives
April 2019
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