Teacher Appreciation

This week is Teacher Appreciation at the kid's schools. I must say teachers do not get the credit they deserve. I teach 6 five year olds on Sunday for 2 hours and they wipe me out. I can't imagine a whole classroom of them for a good part of the day. My kids have learned some amazing things and for the most part been a recipient of a great education. There are a few things that I wish they did a bit differently and that is why we've checked out charter schools.

There is a huge debate of public versus charter school. I'm not saying one is better than the other. I think you have to look at each of your children individually to see what works best for them. Blake was really struggling in the middle school. I could tell, although he had straight As, that he was learning nothing. Socially he was struggling too. The charter high school has made all the difference in the world to him.

I'm looking at charter school for the girls' next year, but all for different reasons. Samantha struggles in math. I love the Saxon math program and the elementary charter school, as well as Blake's school, uses the Saxon math program. This program students learn a concept and then repeats it in the next lesson and builds from there. For her, this program would be big progress. Ashlyn, on the other hand, would do better having to wear school uniforms. She is too concerned about what she looks like and what she wears and far less concerned about learning (although for now she's a very good student). Sydney is the youngest in her class and learns things at her own time. A small classroom size would be ideal for her with less distractions.

I grew up on public education and found nothing wrong with it. My personal feeling is you get out of it what you put into it. I had some fabulous teachers who inspired me to be and do my best. Additionally, my parents had very high expectations for my sister and I. Failing was never an option.

Whatever options you choose or have chosen for your kids, remember to send your teacher a little thank you note this week. They have worked hard this year and deserve some praise for helping our future generation make something of themselves! My hat is off to teacher's everywhere! Our nephew James is a professor in TX and through his comments we can tell he is a fabulous teacher who inspires his students (although they may not even realize it yet). Nothing can replace the influence of a great teacher!