Post by batgrrrl on Aug 25, 2013 14:27:51 GMT -5
So, I copied and pasted this entire thread from the BATs page in hopes of moving it to a more suitable forum where we can debate this freely.
I need some advice. I am a veteran teacher with 14 years experience. I was approached by a friend the other day to help her nephew. The nephew is a TFA teacher. He is currently having a really hard time managing his class. As we all know, the children and the teachers are basically set up to fail. They simply don’t have the training or experience to excel, especially in a school that is already struggling. As a human being, I want to help. As a BAT I want to say, “See I told you Teach for America was a terrible idea.” What to do? What to do?
Karen Rowan www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/02/28/its-time-for-teach-for-america-to-fold-former-tfaer/
about an hour ago · Like · 3
George Hess What to do? Nothing!
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Shelley Barker Help him. And when he asked, "How did you do that?" or "How did you know that?" you respond with, "Because I have years of experience and a degree in education in my past. Then, if he truly wants to be a teacher, encourage him to get his degree in education.
about an hour ago · Like · 3
Marcie Kukoda Have him ask Wendy Kopp to help him. Then you do your own job well.
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Karen Rowan TFA teachers are inexpensive. They are being hired INSTEAD of professional, experienced teachers. If you are a professional, experienced teacher, you owe it to your professional colleagues not to work for TFA... for free.... and help them take jobs from quality, professional teachers.
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Anne-Marie Pfeifer Gibbons As fro TFA teachers, some do stay on as teachers and are quite effective working in public schools. He may be your next hire in your school.
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Shelley Barker To add, I think I'd keep records of how you helped him and the conversations you had. Then, write a piece on your experience and get it published. Send it to TFA as well. Just one more straw...
about an hour ago · Like · 4
Rebecca Hotaling Nix That is a pickle, indeed. Although I'm PRO-BAT, I don't think, for the students' sake, I would let it go. I'd help.
about an hour ago · Like · 4
Beth Glazer Schettino How much help should he get? Anne Marie is right, classroom mgmt can't be taught - it is a learned experience and everyone has a different style. I didn't walk into my classroom with all the knowledge and techniques I have now. It takes TIME, which is a concept foreign to TFA. Sounds like he wasn't prepared for what he got. Surprise.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 1
Karen Rowan www.teachforamerica.org/why-teach-for-america/training-and-support
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Giulie Garland I'd help him. Invite him to observe your class - and he should be observing and helping in other classes in his school. You know, like a student teacher. Hmmm.
about an hour ago · Edited · Like · 4
Lani M Martin Help him and write and blog about what happened. Send it to TFA and all of us. Classroom management is difficult and he is not going to get it right away...so do some research while you are helping!
about an hour ago · Like · 3
David Hensel You should help because that is what we do. Helping him will help his students too, so it will create a ripple effect. I think you already know the answer to your question. Good luck!
about an hour ago · Edited · Like · 2
Jeff Burleson We all know they are taking jobs. However, in this case "what's done is done!" Don't be part of the problem by punishing the kids. Help him and make it known without mentioning names. Diane Ravitch would love something like this.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 5
Nancy Brackett Wood Do nothing. Classroom management is only one factor. Even with it, are you sure he could teach? The school district gets what they pay for. You spend your time giving him management skills, and they still don't have a real teacher in him- but they will have an overworked teacher in you.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 2
Tomás Nieves Let him navigate his own life. By helping him you undermine all public school teachers.
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Michael Husa There are two outcomes in this young man's future, either he remains as a teacher (hopefully improved by assistance of quality educators) or he leaves teaching and goes into a different line of work and will remember that veteran teachers were unwilling to help him. If we are willing to let him be a failure just to prove a point, we are no better than the politicians who are willing to underfund public education just to prove it is a failure. I am a huge supporter of teacher's rights, but am a bigger supported of quality education for students. Those of you who are saying let him flounder etc should be ashamed of yourselves, you are exactly what the politicians are saying about teacher unions, you are only in it for yourself.
about an hour ago · Like · 8
Beth Glazer Schettino Michelle, is he even a "teacher" in your school? If not, everyone who says help him should think about their own workload and exactly what helping him entails. The fact remains, he can ASK a colleague in his own school or his TFA "experts."
"Succeeding as a new teacher in any context is extraordinarily challenging, but you will not face the challenge alone. All corps members attend a rigorous pre-corps training institute and have access to extensive professional development and online resources during their two years to help them develop into strong classroom leaders."
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 3
Michelle Whitfield no
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Kelly Ferguson I'd tell your friend that successful classroom management comes from training, experience, and sometimes natural talent, there is no secret you can give him to fix it quickly. You could recommend he read some books (Love & Logic, Tools for Teaching, Wong, etc.) or better yet, send him to take my Classroom Management online course that starts tomorrow night. Message me for the info, I don't know if it's appropriate to advertise it on the BAT page. (If it is let me know, I'll market the heck out of it!)
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Xian Barrett As someone who was displaced by TFA teachers, I'd urge you to help him, but making it clear the whole time that it's disgusting that TFA would set him up for failure and then force you to depend on the very people they are trying to destroy the careers of.
Tell him you are happy to help him because you need him to succeed for his students, but that you expect him to be a strong voice against TFA from within. Direct him to TFA Resistance.
about an hour ago · Like · 11
Jeff Burleson Either way he is the teacher of record and will be for the remainder of the year. I would hate to think 30 kids will be running amuck learning nothing if I could have helped a little. We all must live with our decisions. I am as anti deform as is possible, but in the end I will have my integrity knowing I did what I thought was right by my standards. The same is true for you. I don't judge you on your decisions.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 9
Michelle Noplis Nascimento Of course, I even try to ask students at University of Florida (Go Gators!) who are studying education if there is ANYTHING else they've considered as a major....
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Deborah Pruden Help him
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Tomás Nieves The world is not warm and fuzzy. Anyone who supports TFA in any shape manner or form is sticking a dagger in the backs of public school teachers.
about an hour ago · Unlike · 3
Nancy Brackett Wood Michael, I think you've got it wrong. You help a TFA teacher, their kids may got some education for that year. But next year, when more TFA teachers replace real teachers, and the year after that- you haven't helped students. You've taught the school district that TFA is a good alternative, and students will suffer long term.
about an hour ago via mobile · Unlike · 2
Eric Muhs I think he's a got a lot of damn gall to start sucking the time and energy of another teacher. Statistically speaking, he'll quit teaching at the end of the year anyway. If not before. Tell him to get resources from TfA. They're well funded and know everything anyway.
about an hour ago · Unlike · 5
Jennifer Drury ^^^
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Michelle Beers Decker We are teachers and teachers help. You should help him and his class succeed. But make it clear, in some subtle way, your thoughts on TFA and why we, as truly trained teachers, feel this way. He will understand clearly because he needed your help. Keep a journal, it might come in handy for that book you write.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 6
Kelly Braun ....
about an hour ago · Like
Beth Glazer Schettino That's BS Michael. I'm in it for my students, I put in the effort to get the education and have years of trial and error experience in the classroom and now we are fighting against people like him who want to take the easy route. Comparing my refusal to actively help in the dismantling of our public schools to what politicians are doing to make us look bad and help corporations profit is insulting. He clearly doesn't need any help looking bad. Maybe a little "rigor" on his end would do him some good.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Greg Curran Help him out some...hate the game, not the novice player...
about an hour ago · Like · 6
Kelly Braun <-----as someone said above----yepppperini BADASS moderators are right on this thread......and some in here are bu buh bat bye....brb
about an hour ago · Like
Jane Fletcher I would help him, because, ultimately, you will be helping the kids.
about an hour ago · Like · 4
Margaret DePaula You are a teacher and who has the most at stake here!! THE Children!! Of course help him!
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Beth Glazer Schettino He's not a player. He's cheap labor designed to put you all out if a job.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Earnestine Garrett Runkle Help him! He, like everyone else, needs a job!!!!! Share some of the many great ideas that have been posted!
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Beth Glazer Schettino He doesn't even work in her school!
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 2
Aileen Whalen Perkins If there is no class mangement then there is no real learning going on. I would help him out. Whether or not he takes the advise is totally up to him.
about an hour ago · Edited · Like · 2
Cj Breland I don't see anything in your initial posting about the nephew himself asking for help. I would only offer help if the TFA himself asks for it, and I would preface every suggestion or strategy with, "Didn't they include this in your TFA training?"
about an hour ago · Like · 4
John O. Landon Michael,
TFA's rarely stay in Education. They see this as paid "Volunteer" (yes, I said PAID VOLUNTEER) work. Less than 5% of TFA's stay in education.
Now... This really is a tough question. TFA, is supposed to be supporting this young man. There are millions of dollars that have been invested in the TFA teacher, so he should FIRST seek assistance from TFA!
Now, don't get me wrong, if I was asked to assist this young man... I would! That's what I do! I'm a teacher dammit! Badass as I am!
I would also have to educate this young man that teaching is a job... Not volunteer work done to pad a resume! Also, I would encourage him to get assistance from TFA, his school administration, and his PLC (professional learning community which he should have been assigned to, ie... Other 8th grade math teachers in his school or district). This way... I am also teaching him how to find the support he needs in the most professional manner. But if he still needed help, I'd go so far as to observe him teach and yes, informally mentor him.
If he is not encouraged/taught to seek assistance appropriately, so many things happen;
-He ends up wasting a years of his students life.
-TFA thinks they are doing a great job since he never had to ask for help!
-He will falsely pad his résumé with his TFA experience and possibly get a job at PEARSON, negatively affecting education even more!
Help him as appropriate, don't forget... It's ok to let him know this might not be the thing for him.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 3
Tomás Nieves Either you are a BAT or you are not a Bat. A true BAT understands what is at stake. Those that wring their hands and weep about the kids clearly do not understand the big picture. Every time a TFAer succeeds the corporate masters say "see, we can do the job better than those public school teachers." That results in more lost jobs in the public sector. Short term gain equals long term loses.
about an hour ago · Edited · Like
Ican't Giveup Politically speaking? Neither. Not only does he need to earn his own experience, but keeping family separate from work is essential. He needs to get advice from his principal, peers, observations, research plus years of experience. Just my old bat 2c
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Tina Andres I would say, "Do you need some help?" If he says "yes", I would then say, "Who do you think can help you?". If he believes that a veteran teacher is the one who can help, I would then ask him why he thought that taking a job away from a veteran teacher or any teacher with a full credential and training was a good idea. TFA has moved into charter schools in Los Angeles amid an unprecedented job shortage and glut of fully credentialed teachers. I would probably help him but I would use it as a means to helping him understand the destructive nature of TFA.
about an hour ago · Like · 5
Susan Boundy He needs help...we are teacher and therefore help everyone! Help him please
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 3
Kelly Braun <----NATL MOD here--- STOP COMMENTING ON THIS THREAD IMMEDIATELY names are being taken, bannings are happening.....this thread is DONE FINISHED KAPUT
about an hour ago · Edited · Like · 1
Tomás Nieves He needs help? Let him go to his corporate masters for it. Maybe Bill Gates perhaps can help him?
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like
Jeff Burleson Anyone who thinks the world is warm and fuzzy is misled. Just read this thread. I agree with Beth, public ed as we know it is being threatened. I live in TN. Take a look online at the covert methods in which corporations have infiltrated. SpEd is being outsourced, Pearson owns us, and our state BOE just voted via video conference with approximately 6 people and obviously one dog present, to tie student test scores to teacher licensure. This means you can lose your license not only your job if your scores are low. How many issues can you find with that? That being said, I will still help. It isn't about us or them at the student level. To quote O'Brother Where Art Thou, "I've spoken my peace and counted to three"! Best wishes. DrBOnline
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 1
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Kelly Braun .
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Margaret DePaula Sorry but as a PARENT, GRANDPARENT and a TEACHER it scares me that so many people do not care what happens to the children that will possibly lose an entire year of teaching that could possibly be avoided just to prove a point!! Sure it may happen anyway even with the help but to not try is not very Badass to me!
about an hour ago · Edited · Like · 4
Tomás Nieves Perhaps those children can enroll in a public school. Plenty of experienced teachers there!
about an hour ago · Edited · Like
Paige Campbell Do what is right.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Tomás Nieves No Troll Zone!
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Kelly Braun ,
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Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Michael Flanagan MOD: we are voting to delete this thread.Tell the TFA hack to get a real job a
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 3
Xian Barrett I have to admit that because I'm not willing to sacrifice the best chance to destroy TFA from the inside and the educations of 30+ kids, I'm being told that I think the "world is warm and fuzzy" and I'm "not a real BAT" doesn't strike me as strong organizing.
Being a BAT means that you courageously stand between kids and danger whatever the cost...and you maximize their chances to WIN.
Is it fair to ask what sacrifices those who are trying to define those of us who have sacrificed much have made themselves?
about an hour ago · Like · 4
Michael Flanagan scab is a scab.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 1
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like
Jeff Burleson kelly Braun: Feel free to ban me. I don't appreciate idle threats and like to know where I stand with people and organizations. It helps me make decisions. DrBOnline
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Teddi Beam-Conroy Help him - kids' lives and education are at stake. What are we here for if not every child's right to learn?
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Kelly Braun all bannings are done by the vote....and there is a leave this group button right at the top of your page....
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Thomas V. Henderson Help, of course, BUT have him video blog about the issues he's having, the gaps in his "training" and the results of your suggestions and direction.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
John O. Landon Kelly,
Are you a Moderator?
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Patricia Nelson Miller You will help him because you are real teacher. It will be a teachable moment where he will be able to understand why lack of preparation makes TFAs an accident waiting to happen.
about an hour ago · Like · 6
Kelly Braun yep NATL MOD---lead ADMIN Ohio......
about an hour ago · Like
Kelly Braun .
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Kelly Braun .
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Kelly Braun .
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Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like
Kelly Braun ^^^^^^^^^in joy the show folks........
about an hour ago · Like
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like
John O. Landon Kelly,
Seriously? You are a moderator?
To be honest, you are acting like a post troll. What's with all the pictures and comments and such? This is a good discussion and we should be helping each other!
I'm a Badass teacher... I'm against TFA... And I'm all for helping other veteran teachers hash important issues out!
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 7
Michelle Beers Decker I agree Margaret, allowing children to suffer is not our agenda here, educating people on these reforms is. It's a perfect opportunity to educate this young man, who probably was feed the kool aid and thinks he's doing a good service to children. Our point is made when we prove TFAs need support of real teachers than to stick our tongues out at them and watch them drown. That just makes us look bad.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 2
Michelle Noplis Nascimento Bully much?
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Jose Lopez Kelly,is that the new way mods are handling thing. Instead of deleting a thread by vote you are taking names of people who comment and banning people?
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 2
John O. Landon Maybe we need to vote on moderators!
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 2
Tomás Nieves The children would not suffer if they were in a PUBLIC SCHOOL.
about an hour ago · Like
Greg Curran kelly...there's a Whit Stilman movie playing over at the Varsity. I was thinking if you're not doing anything later...say around 5....
about an hour ago · Like
Margaret DePaula I don't think so John, we have GREAT Moderators!!!
about an hour ago · Like
John O. Landon Yes, I'm a Badass teacher and if you are going to moderate a discussion, then do it!
Without threats!
Maybe you are just a PEARSON troll after all!
59 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Tina Andres It would be a good idea for everyone to join the forum in order to have a clear place for TFA discussion. Please join the forum everyone, it is a much more organized place to discuss these types of things: www.forum.badassteacher.org
59 minutes ago · Like · 3
Kelly Braun I'm just biding my time........
59 minutes ago · Like
Kelly Braun I said to stop comments on this thread a longggg time ago....I also said TFA conversations were being directed to the forum.... the ABOUT section is very clear and concise...
58 minutes ago · Like · 2
John O. Landon Kelly,
So, you are biding your time, not moderating? Now I understand.
Thank you for clarifying!
58 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Kelly Braun no I am holding the fort---while the vote and the names and exact details are being added to the list.....5 votes on each deletion and person...it is a badass process....
57 minutes ago · Like
Kelly Braun you all are the ones wasting time with the TFA sh*tsky......and it was good to gather....cuz the net caught a bunch this time....
56 minutes ago · Like
Karen Rowan Kelly... the people who are posting on this thread can't see that you said to stop. They can only see the post and the last few comments. There's also nothing ON this page that indicates that discussion is not allowed or that there is a forum. I'm embarrassed about how many of my colleagues I invited to this group and this is what they are seeing.
56 minutes ago · Like · 5
Patte Carter-Hevia Color me confused, but I fail to see the problem with the thread. It's a discussion. People have differing ideas. I'm okay with that. I learn.
What or who determines what can be discussed here and what gets moved to a "forum?" What are the criteria?
Why the threats of banning if one continues to post?
I'm not trying to start something. My questions are serious ones.
55 minutes ago · Like · 6
Polly Mundy wasted our time, the net caught a bunch... what is going on here? aren't we allowed to have grown up conversations or do the admin want to tell us what to value and debate?
53 minutes ago · Like · 3
Karen Rowan Group guidelines: Page administrators reserve the right to DELETE comments, threads, and (if necessary) individuals from the group that do not engage in respectful civil discourse. All potential removals are subject to review by group founders.
Examples of offensive remarks/comments are, but not limited to: insults to religious or political party affiliations, homophobic or racist comments, bullying, demeaning remarks toward students/children/parents, excessive or inappropriate use of vulgarity, or comments that conflict with the established mission or goals of BAT.
Posts / comments will be DELETED that are about our "name" or fist logo, weapons, the Pledge, religious texts, sex ed, personal agendas (i.e.- seeking to profit from published books or merchandise), and other topics the founders/admins might deem inflammatory or divisive. As of 7/26/13 we will ban anyone who posts in support of corporate deform entities that we oppose (TFA, StudentsFirst, Pearson, Bill Gates, etc.). As of 8/7/13 any post that asks members to evaluate another teacher's practice or teacher work will be immediately deleted. Our anti Common Core stance is found in the Files tab under Mission Statement and other posts labelled CCSS. We are fighting AGAINST Common Core Standards. Pro charter school threads will be immediately deleted.
53 minutes ago · Like · 1
Kelly Braun Karen Rowan you put the most blatant disregard comment in the whole thread....SERIOUSLY>...
and that is a shame because in here are true badasses who are more than solidifying their stance AGAINST TFA as in the mission statement
53 minutes ago · Like · 1
Jose Lopez Priscilla Sanstead Might want to review Kelly's comments. Is this acceptable mod behavior?
52 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 2
Kelly Braun you are the one that took a thread that could have gone well...and turned it.........
52 minutes ago · Like
Michelle Noplis Nascimento So opinions can only be held here in solidarity? This is the type of thing the media loves to say about us, that we hold students hostage to get our way. I think we need to stress that WE are here for students, and WE are doing right when others are doing us wrong. I think this is the type of discussion we should be having, real issues... help or not help? It's an ethical and union issue. ^ ^ I have also told many union members about this group BECAUSE of the discussions I have seen, but none like this one. : (
52 minutes ago · Like · 2
Kelly Braun Mark Naison <---bat bammmm
51 minutes ago · Like
Ican't Giveup Hugs Kelly, this is the result of bit carefully organizing the structure in the getgo. Unless the threads are MOVED to the forum, methinks the odds are not good. It's like in the middle of a passionate kiss, your darling says, lets take a short walk!
51 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 1
Kelly Braun for those who are in the thread earnest and badass true.....this will be able to be far more productive when the swamp smell is gone........
49 minutes ago · Like
Ican't Giveup See? There is much danger in unorganized passion. Off to pick up my laminating. Sigh. Still a long way to go here.
49 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 1
Karen Rowan This is the strangest conversation. What comment are you talking about?
48 minutes ago · Like
Lynne Van Bebber Rerucha meanwhile ... I say help him but only after causing him to endure a bit of a lecture on what exactly was wrong with tfa crap that he signed up for.. kinda like we always do when the little stinkers in our charge screw up-make them understand in no uncertain terms where and how they screwed up and help them to do it well-suggest books, courses at real colleges for teachers and simple methods-Alfie Kohn is the theory to base true self-management on-no tallies, no stickers, no nonsense just helping kids to get self regulation.
48 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Tomás Nieves The TFAer like many students will interpret your concern as weakness, No Troll ZONE.
45 minutes ago · Like
Patte Carter-Hevia I guess I didn't see what someone else saw.
I think I have a pretty well-developed ability to do my own gate-keeping.
The other day I was discussing network vs cable television shows with my fifteen-year-old. I said I didn't see much difference other than the subcontent (vulgar language, sexual situation, more graphic violence) that cable show producers were able to include in their content. It didn't make the acting any better or the story lines more compelling or real-life. It just made things different.
45 minutes ago · Like
Xian Barrett I don't find that actually calmly teaching students is interpreted as "weakness", but hey, I taught on the South and Southwest sides of Chicago, so maybe I just had pushover kids?
44 minutes ago · Like
Tomás Nieves In every conflict there will be casualties. Such is life, now get over it.
44 minutes ago · Like
Karen Rowan I can't figure out where anyone violated the mission here.... and there is not link to the forum on the About page or any direction not to post here. I'm completely confused as to why speaking out AGAINST TFA results in my having a "swamp smell." I don't support TFA. If you're upset with my comments, then apparently BadAss DOES?
43 minutes ago · Like · 2
Tomás Nieves Da Bronx takes no prisoners!
42 minutes ago · Like
Jo Lieb Why is this thread still up?
Happy BAT TO SCHOOL everyone!
42 minutes ago · Like · 3
Kelly Braun Jo Lieb I have a meme for that too.......but am waiting to hear.....
41 minutes ago · Like · 1
Kelly Braun it is a chalkboard that says BAT TO SCHOOL.....
41 minutes ago · Like · 1
Jo Lieb I know I just downloaded it and I'm trying to get it up on the CT BAT page. I love it Kelly Braun. You are BATtastic!
40 minutes ago · Like
Kim Franett Fergus No way to fix all the problems with one or two help conversations. Then, suggest if he wants training to be a teacher he should consider getting his Masters in teaching and fight for the good cause.
39 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Kathleen Passalacqua For anyone interested, here is a link to the BAT discussion forum. Boards like this make it easier to respond to individuals. forum.badassteacher.org/
38 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 3
Tomás Nieves During WW2 there were folks in France that collaborated with the Germans. If you are wondering what became of them Wiki it.
38 minutes ago · Like
Suzanne McClure Easy question. Help him if you can. Help anyone if you can.
36 minutes ago · Like · 2
Jason Lang You help them because you are a professional and then mentor them in the error of their ways.
36 minutes ago · Like · 2
Jo Lieb Kelly Braun I did it! Thank you so much for the meme.
34 minutes ago · Like · 2
Jo Lieb HAPPY BAT TO SCHOOL EVERYONE!
MAY THE BATFORCE BE WITH YOU AS YOU MEET YOUR YOUNG CHARGES FOR THE 2013/2014 SCHOOL YEAR.
34 minutes ago · Like · 2
Tomás Nieves The corporate masters who own TFA do not respect public education, do not consider you a professional and would like to see you and you union disappear. Didn't you get the memo? Why would you support that, unless of course you are a TFAer troll yourself. Hmmmmm..
31 minutes ago · Edited · Like
Jeff Burleson kelly I resign my BAT affiliation. This was an excellent conversation. Best wishes to the BATs!
31 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 1
Priscilla Sanstead Links to ALL of our many Badass presences are in the Files tab at the top of the page Look for the file called Badass Virtual Presences - we have 2 blogs, a Youtube, a TV channel, a website, a FB page, a Pinterest page - a Tumblr - you name it!
30 minutes ago · Like · 2
Patte Carter-Hevia I'm not trying to get banned here, Priscilla, but my first thought was, "Yeah...we have a presence and all that...but we can't have a discussion."
28 minutes ago · Like · 1
Johnnie Murphy You don't win battles by attacking individuals. You win battles by changing the system.
27 minutes ago · Like · 2
Tina Andres I think there is some exhaustion among the admins with this topic because the same thing has been posted and discussed so many times in the past and this is one of the reasons that the forum was created.
26 minutes ago · Like · 3
Xian Barrett Or maybe you are aiding TFA by bullying anyone who doesn't agree with you so that you weaken the movement. Maybe you are a double agent? Do you know what happens to double snitches?
Whatever.
26 minutes ago · Like
Tammie Jenkins Well Michelle, my humanity says help him, but my BAT says he needs someone from TFA to help him. They hired him and "trained" him, so they need to step in and support him. He needs a mentor as a public school teacher I was given three excellent mentors my first three years and i learned to manage my classroom. He will have to do the same.
26 minutes ago · Like
Karen Rowan Mark Naison
26 minutes ago · Like
Priscilla Sanstead Folks - we have had several days straight of unrelenting posts with a difficult or challenging person or topic. Several posts are under moderation at any point in time. We keep several tabs open trying to monitor many things going on at one. Thanks for understanding what an incredible challenge this enormous group is to keep track of when you agree getting constant message about a thread and are jumping back and forth sorting out who is talking about what.
24 minutes ago · Like · 5
Danielle North That is a tough one. Guess you'll have to follow your heart. Not sure what I'd do. Encourage him to take some education courses on the side?
24 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 2
Kary Harger Help. You're a teacher. Teach.
24 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Karen Rowan @priscilla Sanstead thank you. Please read this entire thread, though.
23 minutes ago · Like · 3
Patte Carter-Hevia My husband came from Cuba on a raft. He was a political dissident (who, shortly after arriving in the US, applied for and was granted political asylum). He can tell literally hundreds of stories of people deciding what he could say and where and when he could say it.
22 minutes ago · Like · 1
Tomás Nieves Yes, teach him to stand on his own two feet by not helping him.
22 minutes ago · Like · 1
Julie Lauciello-Rupp Be a BAT!
21 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Cindy Lou Woo Helping another human being and his students isn't being a sell out or a troll or anything else- it's embodying the compassion that our schools need more of. He knows he's failing- he's asked for help. I don't think you make any point about testing / TFA / common core or anything else by turning your back on another person. You are making a point about what it truly means to be a teacher when you reach out and help a fellow human being.
21 minutes ago · Like · 1
Eleanor Cena I can't wait to read your article.
21 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 1
Michelle Murphy Ramey Join -----> forum.badassteacher.org
21 minutes ago · Like · 1
Tomás Nieves TFA is warring on Public Ed. Where do you stand Cindy?
19 minutes ago · Like
Patte Carter-Hevia So is the forum the cable version?
18 minutes ago · Like
Michelle Murphy Ramey Patte Carter-Hevia, the forum is a place for open discussion on a variety of topics.
18 minutes ago · Like
Jacqui Montgomery I say help him. I personally don't know any TFA staff but I know lots of teachers who were hired simply because they were family or friends of admin. I've helped them in the past so....,yes, help him but make sure he is also asking the TFA people and his admin for help so they are aware that he is struggling.
17 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Cindy Lou Woo On the side of compassion for individuals. Against treating all kids or teachers in a uniform way. For community, against nameless faceless products.
17 minutes ago · Like
Priscilla Sanstead Yes - forum - any topic.
16 minutes ago · Like
Tomás Nieves So you stand with TFA then I take it.
16 minutes ago · Edited · Like
Tomás Nieves If so then you are a troll.
15 minutes ago · Like
Katherine Harris Help him. Are't we in it for the kids anyway? It is just plain wrong to help someone fail.
13 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Ramon Espinal Michelle: It's fantastic that you have a great heart!! You know, we human learn through our own experience. The key here is to help that teacher and his students and to have ongoing conversation about the myth of TFA types being the saviors, in particu...See More
13 minutes ago · Like · 3
Cindy Lou Woo Yes, Tomas, helping someone in need means being pro TFA. Clearly MLK, Mother Teresa, and Jesus were pro TFA. The young man's already he's admitted he's in over his head. He's asked for help. I doubt he will take veteran teachers for granted or buy the ones TFA sells him if he's shown how much more the OP has to offer him than his TFA "mentors." It's a teachable moment. I don't think teaching happens through rejecting others. I just don't. I can agree to disagree with you on this, particularly since you're not the OP.
13 minutes ago · Like · 3
Patte Carter-Hevia Meh...
There's a reason why I don't watch many cable television shows other than sporting events that I can't get on network tv.
11 minutes ago · Like
Jo Lieb Watching Life of Pi on cable TV. What a great BAT TO SCHOOL movie.
10 minutes ago · Like · 2
Patte Carter-Hevia Tomás, while I understand your argument and agree with much of what you say, I tend to be on the side of those who have no voice or choice through no fault of their own.
9 minutes ago · Like · 1
Nicholas Basham We teachers like to help. I've seen teachers "help" to cover for poor administrators. Helping that TFA means your covering for a poor concept that doesn't work. If you help it will look like TFA works.
9 minutes ago via mobile ·
Jo Lieb "Animals have souls. I have seen it in their eyes."
8 minutes ago · Like
Nicholas Basham We teachers like to help. I've seen teachers "help" to cover for poor administrators. Helping that TFA means you're covering for a poor concept that doesn't work. If you help it will look like TFA works.
8 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Priscilla Sanstead OK - where is all this going? We have 2 sides - one saying help, one saying don;t. The history of threads just like this - for the last 9 weeks is that people eventually run out of patience and serious name-calling ensues. Then the OP pulls the thread and the mods get blamed for censorship. NOT saying that is what will happen here but it is the reason for the forum - that issues that divide us - like whether to help a TFA'er or not - have a place to go and don't run on and on with the same arguments made over an over. As each new person discovers the thread - they do not read all the comments - they just jump into the fray - taking one side or the other.
7 minutes ago · Like · 2
Johnnie Murphy Jo, the book's even better. BTW, humans are animals.
7 minutes ago · Like · 1
Tomás Nieves MLK, Mother Theresa and Jesus, and Mohammad would clearly would have seen that the TFAers were the tip of the corporate spear jabbed right into the heart of thousands of public school teachers who they want to remove via bogus teacher evaluations. The good of the many must always rise above the good of the few or the one.
6 minutes ago · Like
Johnnie Murphy That's very collectivist of you, Tomas.
6 minutes ago · Like
Tina Andres We already have people calling others trolls and this is where good discussion deteriorates.
5 minutes ago · Like
Beth Glazer Schettino I wish there was a way to pull the thread as-is and drop it in the forum so it could continue with all the current posts...copy & paste?
a few seconds ago · Like
I need some advice. I am a veteran teacher with 14 years experience. I was approached by a friend the other day to help her nephew. The nephew is a TFA teacher. He is currently having a really hard time managing his class. As we all know, the children and the teachers are basically set up to fail. They simply don’t have the training or experience to excel, especially in a school that is already struggling. As a human being, I want to help. As a BAT I want to say, “See I told you Teach for America was a terrible idea.” What to do? What to do?
Karen Rowan www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/02/28/its-time-for-teach-for-america-to-fold-former-tfaer/
about an hour ago · Like · 3
George Hess What to do? Nothing!
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Shelley Barker Help him. And when he asked, "How did you do that?" or "How did you know that?" you respond with, "Because I have years of experience and a degree in education in my past. Then, if he truly wants to be a teacher, encourage him to get his degree in education.
about an hour ago · Like · 3
Marcie Kukoda Have him ask Wendy Kopp to help him. Then you do your own job well.
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Karen Rowan TFA teachers are inexpensive. They are being hired INSTEAD of professional, experienced teachers. If you are a professional, experienced teacher, you owe it to your professional colleagues not to work for TFA... for free.... and help them take jobs from quality, professional teachers.
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Anne-Marie Pfeifer Gibbons As fro TFA teachers, some do stay on as teachers and are quite effective working in public schools. He may be your next hire in your school.
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Shelley Barker To add, I think I'd keep records of how you helped him and the conversations you had. Then, write a piece on your experience and get it published. Send it to TFA as well. Just one more straw...
about an hour ago · Like · 4
Rebecca Hotaling Nix That is a pickle, indeed. Although I'm PRO-BAT, I don't think, for the students' sake, I would let it go. I'd help.
about an hour ago · Like · 4
Beth Glazer Schettino How much help should he get? Anne Marie is right, classroom mgmt can't be taught - it is a learned experience and everyone has a different style. I didn't walk into my classroom with all the knowledge and techniques I have now. It takes TIME, which is a concept foreign to TFA. Sounds like he wasn't prepared for what he got. Surprise.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 1
Karen Rowan www.teachforamerica.org/why-teach-for-america/training-and-support
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Giulie Garland I'd help him. Invite him to observe your class - and he should be observing and helping in other classes in his school. You know, like a student teacher. Hmmm.
about an hour ago · Edited · Like · 4
Lani M Martin Help him and write and blog about what happened. Send it to TFA and all of us. Classroom management is difficult and he is not going to get it right away...so do some research while you are helping!
about an hour ago · Like · 3
David Hensel You should help because that is what we do. Helping him will help his students too, so it will create a ripple effect. I think you already know the answer to your question. Good luck!
about an hour ago · Edited · Like · 2
Jeff Burleson We all know they are taking jobs. However, in this case "what's done is done!" Don't be part of the problem by punishing the kids. Help him and make it known without mentioning names. Diane Ravitch would love something like this.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 5
Nancy Brackett Wood Do nothing. Classroom management is only one factor. Even with it, are you sure he could teach? The school district gets what they pay for. You spend your time giving him management skills, and they still don't have a real teacher in him- but they will have an overworked teacher in you.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 2
Tomás Nieves Let him navigate his own life. By helping him you undermine all public school teachers.
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Michael Husa There are two outcomes in this young man's future, either he remains as a teacher (hopefully improved by assistance of quality educators) or he leaves teaching and goes into a different line of work and will remember that veteran teachers were unwilling to help him. If we are willing to let him be a failure just to prove a point, we are no better than the politicians who are willing to underfund public education just to prove it is a failure. I am a huge supporter of teacher's rights, but am a bigger supported of quality education for students. Those of you who are saying let him flounder etc should be ashamed of yourselves, you are exactly what the politicians are saying about teacher unions, you are only in it for yourself.
about an hour ago · Like · 8
Beth Glazer Schettino Michelle, is he even a "teacher" in your school? If not, everyone who says help him should think about their own workload and exactly what helping him entails. The fact remains, he can ASK a colleague in his own school or his TFA "experts."
"Succeeding as a new teacher in any context is extraordinarily challenging, but you will not face the challenge alone. All corps members attend a rigorous pre-corps training institute and have access to extensive professional development and online resources during their two years to help them develop into strong classroom leaders."
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 3
Michelle Whitfield no
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Kelly Ferguson I'd tell your friend that successful classroom management comes from training, experience, and sometimes natural talent, there is no secret you can give him to fix it quickly. You could recommend he read some books (Love & Logic, Tools for Teaching, Wong, etc.) or better yet, send him to take my Classroom Management online course that starts tomorrow night. Message me for the info, I don't know if it's appropriate to advertise it on the BAT page. (If it is let me know, I'll market the heck out of it!)
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Xian Barrett As someone who was displaced by TFA teachers, I'd urge you to help him, but making it clear the whole time that it's disgusting that TFA would set him up for failure and then force you to depend on the very people they are trying to destroy the careers of.
Tell him you are happy to help him because you need him to succeed for his students, but that you expect him to be a strong voice against TFA from within. Direct him to TFA Resistance.
about an hour ago · Like · 11
Jeff Burleson Either way he is the teacher of record and will be for the remainder of the year. I would hate to think 30 kids will be running amuck learning nothing if I could have helped a little. We all must live with our decisions. I am as anti deform as is possible, but in the end I will have my integrity knowing I did what I thought was right by my standards. The same is true for you. I don't judge you on your decisions.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 9
Michelle Noplis Nascimento Of course, I even try to ask students at University of Florida (Go Gators!) who are studying education if there is ANYTHING else they've considered as a major....
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Deborah Pruden Help him
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Tomás Nieves The world is not warm and fuzzy. Anyone who supports TFA in any shape manner or form is sticking a dagger in the backs of public school teachers.
about an hour ago · Unlike · 3
Nancy Brackett Wood Michael, I think you've got it wrong. You help a TFA teacher, their kids may got some education for that year. But next year, when more TFA teachers replace real teachers, and the year after that- you haven't helped students. You've taught the school district that TFA is a good alternative, and students will suffer long term.
about an hour ago via mobile · Unlike · 2
Eric Muhs I think he's a got a lot of damn gall to start sucking the time and energy of another teacher. Statistically speaking, he'll quit teaching at the end of the year anyway. If not before. Tell him to get resources from TfA. They're well funded and know everything anyway.
about an hour ago · Unlike · 5
Jennifer Drury ^^^
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Michelle Beers Decker We are teachers and teachers help. You should help him and his class succeed. But make it clear, in some subtle way, your thoughts on TFA and why we, as truly trained teachers, feel this way. He will understand clearly because he needed your help. Keep a journal, it might come in handy for that book you write.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 6
Kelly Braun ....
about an hour ago · Like
Beth Glazer Schettino That's BS Michael. I'm in it for my students, I put in the effort to get the education and have years of trial and error experience in the classroom and now we are fighting against people like him who want to take the easy route. Comparing my refusal to actively help in the dismantling of our public schools to what politicians are doing to make us look bad and help corporations profit is insulting. He clearly doesn't need any help looking bad. Maybe a little "rigor" on his end would do him some good.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Greg Curran Help him out some...hate the game, not the novice player...
about an hour ago · Like · 6
Kelly Braun <-----as someone said above----yepppperini BADASS moderators are right on this thread......and some in here are bu buh bat bye....brb
about an hour ago · Like
Jane Fletcher I would help him, because, ultimately, you will be helping the kids.
about an hour ago · Like · 4
Margaret DePaula You are a teacher and who has the most at stake here!! THE Children!! Of course help him!
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Beth Glazer Schettino He's not a player. He's cheap labor designed to put you all out if a job.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Earnestine Garrett Runkle Help him! He, like everyone else, needs a job!!!!! Share some of the many great ideas that have been posted!
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Beth Glazer Schettino He doesn't even work in her school!
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 2
Aileen Whalen Perkins If there is no class mangement then there is no real learning going on. I would help him out. Whether or not he takes the advise is totally up to him.
about an hour ago · Edited · Like · 2
Cj Breland I don't see anything in your initial posting about the nephew himself asking for help. I would only offer help if the TFA himself asks for it, and I would preface every suggestion or strategy with, "Didn't they include this in your TFA training?"
about an hour ago · Like · 4
John O. Landon Michael,
TFA's rarely stay in Education. They see this as paid "Volunteer" (yes, I said PAID VOLUNTEER) work. Less than 5% of TFA's stay in education.
Now... This really is a tough question. TFA, is supposed to be supporting this young man. There are millions of dollars that have been invested in the TFA teacher, so he should FIRST seek assistance from TFA!
Now, don't get me wrong, if I was asked to assist this young man... I would! That's what I do! I'm a teacher dammit! Badass as I am!
I would also have to educate this young man that teaching is a job... Not volunteer work done to pad a resume! Also, I would encourage him to get assistance from TFA, his school administration, and his PLC (professional learning community which he should have been assigned to, ie... Other 8th grade math teachers in his school or district). This way... I am also teaching him how to find the support he needs in the most professional manner. But if he still needed help, I'd go so far as to observe him teach and yes, informally mentor him.
If he is not encouraged/taught to seek assistance appropriately, so many things happen;
-He ends up wasting a years of his students life.
-TFA thinks they are doing a great job since he never had to ask for help!
-He will falsely pad his résumé with his TFA experience and possibly get a job at PEARSON, negatively affecting education even more!
Help him as appropriate, don't forget... It's ok to let him know this might not be the thing for him.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 3
Tomás Nieves Either you are a BAT or you are not a Bat. A true BAT understands what is at stake. Those that wring their hands and weep about the kids clearly do not understand the big picture. Every time a TFAer succeeds the corporate masters say "see, we can do the job better than those public school teachers." That results in more lost jobs in the public sector. Short term gain equals long term loses.
about an hour ago · Edited · Like
Ican't Giveup Politically speaking? Neither. Not only does he need to earn his own experience, but keeping family separate from work is essential. He needs to get advice from his principal, peers, observations, research plus years of experience. Just my old bat 2c
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Tina Andres I would say, "Do you need some help?" If he says "yes", I would then say, "Who do you think can help you?". If he believes that a veteran teacher is the one who can help, I would then ask him why he thought that taking a job away from a veteran teacher or any teacher with a full credential and training was a good idea. TFA has moved into charter schools in Los Angeles amid an unprecedented job shortage and glut of fully credentialed teachers. I would probably help him but I would use it as a means to helping him understand the destructive nature of TFA.
about an hour ago · Like · 5
Susan Boundy He needs help...we are teacher and therefore help everyone! Help him please
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 3
Kelly Braun <----NATL MOD here--- STOP COMMENTING ON THIS THREAD IMMEDIATELY names are being taken, bannings are happening.....this thread is DONE FINISHED KAPUT
about an hour ago · Edited · Like · 1
Tomás Nieves He needs help? Let him go to his corporate masters for it. Maybe Bill Gates perhaps can help him?
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like
Jeff Burleson Anyone who thinks the world is warm and fuzzy is misled. Just read this thread. I agree with Beth, public ed as we know it is being threatened. I live in TN. Take a look online at the covert methods in which corporations have infiltrated. SpEd is being outsourced, Pearson owns us, and our state BOE just voted via video conference with approximately 6 people and obviously one dog present, to tie student test scores to teacher licensure. This means you can lose your license not only your job if your scores are low. How many issues can you find with that? That being said, I will still help. It isn't about us or them at the student level. To quote O'Brother Where Art Thou, "I've spoken my peace and counted to three"! Best wishes. DrBOnline
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 1
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Margaret DePaula Sorry but as a PARENT, GRANDPARENT and a TEACHER it scares me that so many people do not care what happens to the children that will possibly lose an entire year of teaching that could possibly be avoided just to prove a point!! Sure it may happen anyway even with the help but to not try is not very Badass to me!
about an hour ago · Edited · Like · 4
Tomás Nieves Perhaps those children can enroll in a public school. Plenty of experienced teachers there!
about an hour ago · Edited · Like
Paige Campbell Do what is right.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Tomás Nieves No Troll Zone!
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Kelly Braun ,
about an hour ago · Like
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Michael Flanagan MOD: we are voting to delete this thread.Tell the TFA hack to get a real job a
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 3
Xian Barrett I have to admit that because I'm not willing to sacrifice the best chance to destroy TFA from the inside and the educations of 30+ kids, I'm being told that I think the "world is warm and fuzzy" and I'm "not a real BAT" doesn't strike me as strong organizing.
Being a BAT means that you courageously stand between kids and danger whatever the cost...and you maximize their chances to WIN.
Is it fair to ask what sacrifices those who are trying to define those of us who have sacrificed much have made themselves?
about an hour ago · Like · 4
Michael Flanagan scab is a scab.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 1
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like
Jeff Burleson kelly Braun: Feel free to ban me. I don't appreciate idle threats and like to know where I stand with people and organizations. It helps me make decisions. DrBOnline
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Teddi Beam-Conroy Help him - kids' lives and education are at stake. What are we here for if not every child's right to learn?
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Kelly Braun all bannings are done by the vote....and there is a leave this group button right at the top of your page....
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Thomas V. Henderson Help, of course, BUT have him video blog about the issues he's having, the gaps in his "training" and the results of your suggestions and direction.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
John O. Landon Kelly,
Are you a Moderator?
about an hour ago via mobile · Like
Patricia Nelson Miller You will help him because you are real teacher. It will be a teachable moment where he will be able to understand why lack of preparation makes TFAs an accident waiting to happen.
about an hour ago · Like · 6
Kelly Braun yep NATL MOD---lead ADMIN Ohio......
about an hour ago · Like
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like · 1
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like
Kelly Braun ^^^^^^^^^in joy the show folks........
about an hour ago · Like
Kelly Braun .
about an hour ago · Like
John O. Landon Kelly,
Seriously? You are a moderator?
To be honest, you are acting like a post troll. What's with all the pictures and comments and such? This is a good discussion and we should be helping each other!
I'm a Badass teacher... I'm against TFA... And I'm all for helping other veteran teachers hash important issues out!
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 7
Michelle Beers Decker I agree Margaret, allowing children to suffer is not our agenda here, educating people on these reforms is. It's a perfect opportunity to educate this young man, who probably was feed the kool aid and thinks he's doing a good service to children. Our point is made when we prove TFAs need support of real teachers than to stick our tongues out at them and watch them drown. That just makes us look bad.
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 2
Michelle Noplis Nascimento Bully much?
about an hour ago · Like · 2
Jose Lopez Kelly,is that the new way mods are handling thing. Instead of deleting a thread by vote you are taking names of people who comment and banning people?
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 2
John O. Landon Maybe we need to vote on moderators!
about an hour ago via mobile · Like · 2
Tomás Nieves The children would not suffer if they were in a PUBLIC SCHOOL.
about an hour ago · Like
Greg Curran kelly...there's a Whit Stilman movie playing over at the Varsity. I was thinking if you're not doing anything later...say around 5....
about an hour ago · Like
Margaret DePaula I don't think so John, we have GREAT Moderators!!!
about an hour ago · Like
John O. Landon Yes, I'm a Badass teacher and if you are going to moderate a discussion, then do it!
Without threats!
Maybe you are just a PEARSON troll after all!
59 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Tina Andres It would be a good idea for everyone to join the forum in order to have a clear place for TFA discussion. Please join the forum everyone, it is a much more organized place to discuss these types of things: www.forum.badassteacher.org
59 minutes ago · Like · 3
Kelly Braun I'm just biding my time........
59 minutes ago · Like
Kelly Braun I said to stop comments on this thread a longggg time ago....I also said TFA conversations were being directed to the forum.... the ABOUT section is very clear and concise...
58 minutes ago · Like · 2
John O. Landon Kelly,
So, you are biding your time, not moderating? Now I understand.
Thank you for clarifying!
58 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Kelly Braun no I am holding the fort---while the vote and the names and exact details are being added to the list.....5 votes on each deletion and person...it is a badass process....
57 minutes ago · Like
Kelly Braun you all are the ones wasting time with the TFA sh*tsky......and it was good to gather....cuz the net caught a bunch this time....
56 minutes ago · Like
Karen Rowan Kelly... the people who are posting on this thread can't see that you said to stop. They can only see the post and the last few comments. There's also nothing ON this page that indicates that discussion is not allowed or that there is a forum. I'm embarrassed about how many of my colleagues I invited to this group and this is what they are seeing.
56 minutes ago · Like · 5
Patte Carter-Hevia Color me confused, but I fail to see the problem with the thread. It's a discussion. People have differing ideas. I'm okay with that. I learn.
What or who determines what can be discussed here and what gets moved to a "forum?" What are the criteria?
Why the threats of banning if one continues to post?
I'm not trying to start something. My questions are serious ones.
55 minutes ago · Like · 6
Polly Mundy wasted our time, the net caught a bunch... what is going on here? aren't we allowed to have grown up conversations or do the admin want to tell us what to value and debate?
53 minutes ago · Like · 3
Karen Rowan Group guidelines: Page administrators reserve the right to DELETE comments, threads, and (if necessary) individuals from the group that do not engage in respectful civil discourse. All potential removals are subject to review by group founders.
Examples of offensive remarks/comments are, but not limited to: insults to religious or political party affiliations, homophobic or racist comments, bullying, demeaning remarks toward students/children/parents, excessive or inappropriate use of vulgarity, or comments that conflict with the established mission or goals of BAT.
Posts / comments will be DELETED that are about our "name" or fist logo, weapons, the Pledge, religious texts, sex ed, personal agendas (i.e.- seeking to profit from published books or merchandise), and other topics the founders/admins might deem inflammatory or divisive. As of 7/26/13 we will ban anyone who posts in support of corporate deform entities that we oppose (TFA, StudentsFirst, Pearson, Bill Gates, etc.). As of 8/7/13 any post that asks members to evaluate another teacher's practice or teacher work will be immediately deleted. Our anti Common Core stance is found in the Files tab under Mission Statement and other posts labelled CCSS. We are fighting AGAINST Common Core Standards. Pro charter school threads will be immediately deleted.
53 minutes ago · Like · 1
Kelly Braun Karen Rowan you put the most blatant disregard comment in the whole thread....SERIOUSLY>...
and that is a shame because in here are true badasses who are more than solidifying their stance AGAINST TFA as in the mission statement53 minutes ago · Like · 1
Jose Lopez Priscilla Sanstead Might want to review Kelly's comments. Is this acceptable mod behavior?
52 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 2
Kelly Braun you are the one that took a thread that could have gone well...and turned it.........
52 minutes ago · Like
Michelle Noplis Nascimento So opinions can only be held here in solidarity? This is the type of thing the media loves to say about us, that we hold students hostage to get our way. I think we need to stress that WE are here for students, and WE are doing right when others are doing us wrong. I think this is the type of discussion we should be having, real issues... help or not help? It's an ethical and union issue. ^ ^ I have also told many union members about this group BECAUSE of the discussions I have seen, but none like this one. : (
52 minutes ago · Like · 2
Kelly Braun Mark Naison <---bat bammmm
51 minutes ago · Like
Ican't Giveup Hugs Kelly, this is the result of bit carefully organizing the structure in the getgo. Unless the threads are MOVED to the forum, methinks the odds are not good. It's like in the middle of a passionate kiss, your darling says, lets take a short walk!
51 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 1
Kelly Braun for those who are in the thread earnest and badass true.....this will be able to be far more productive when the swamp smell is gone........
49 minutes ago · Like
Ican't Giveup See? There is much danger in unorganized passion. Off to pick up my laminating. Sigh. Still a long way to go here.
49 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 1
Karen Rowan This is the strangest conversation. What comment are you talking about?
48 minutes ago · Like
Lynne Van Bebber Rerucha meanwhile ... I say help him but only after causing him to endure a bit of a lecture on what exactly was wrong with tfa crap that he signed up for.. kinda like we always do when the little stinkers in our charge screw up-make them understand in no uncertain terms where and how they screwed up and help them to do it well-suggest books, courses at real colleges for teachers and simple methods-Alfie Kohn is the theory to base true self-management on-no tallies, no stickers, no nonsense just helping kids to get self regulation.
48 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Tomás Nieves The TFAer like many students will interpret your concern as weakness, No Troll ZONE.
45 minutes ago · Like
Patte Carter-Hevia I guess I didn't see what someone else saw.
I think I have a pretty well-developed ability to do my own gate-keeping.
The other day I was discussing network vs cable television shows with my fifteen-year-old. I said I didn't see much difference other than the subcontent (vulgar language, sexual situation, more graphic violence) that cable show producers were able to include in their content. It didn't make the acting any better or the story lines more compelling or real-life. It just made things different.
45 minutes ago · Like
Xian Barrett I don't find that actually calmly teaching students is interpreted as "weakness", but hey, I taught on the South and Southwest sides of Chicago, so maybe I just had pushover kids?
44 minutes ago · Like
Tomás Nieves In every conflict there will be casualties. Such is life, now get over it.
44 minutes ago · Like
Karen Rowan I can't figure out where anyone violated the mission here.... and there is not link to the forum on the About page or any direction not to post here. I'm completely confused as to why speaking out AGAINST TFA results in my having a "swamp smell." I don't support TFA. If you're upset with my comments, then apparently BadAss DOES?
43 minutes ago · Like · 2
Tomás Nieves Da Bronx takes no prisoners!
42 minutes ago · Like
Jo Lieb Why is this thread still up?
Happy BAT TO SCHOOL everyone!
42 minutes ago · Like · 3
Kelly Braun Jo Lieb I have a meme for that too.......but am waiting to hear.....
41 minutes ago · Like · 1
Kelly Braun it is a chalkboard that says BAT TO SCHOOL.....
41 minutes ago · Like · 1
Jo Lieb I know I just downloaded it and I'm trying to get it up on the CT BAT page. I love it Kelly Braun. You are BATtastic!
40 minutes ago · Like
Kim Franett Fergus No way to fix all the problems with one or two help conversations. Then, suggest if he wants training to be a teacher he should consider getting his Masters in teaching and fight for the good cause.
39 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Kathleen Passalacqua For anyone interested, here is a link to the BAT discussion forum. Boards like this make it easier to respond to individuals. forum.badassteacher.org/
38 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 3
Tomás Nieves During WW2 there were folks in France that collaborated with the Germans. If you are wondering what became of them Wiki it.
38 minutes ago · Like
Suzanne McClure Easy question. Help him if you can. Help anyone if you can.
36 minutes ago · Like · 2
Jason Lang You help them because you are a professional and then mentor them in the error of their ways.
36 minutes ago · Like · 2
Jo Lieb Kelly Braun I did it! Thank you so much for the meme.
34 minutes ago · Like · 2
Jo Lieb HAPPY BAT TO SCHOOL EVERYONE!
MAY THE BATFORCE BE WITH YOU AS YOU MEET YOUR YOUNG CHARGES FOR THE 2013/2014 SCHOOL YEAR.
34 minutes ago · Like · 2
Tomás Nieves The corporate masters who own TFA do not respect public education, do not consider you a professional and would like to see you and you union disappear. Didn't you get the memo? Why would you support that, unless of course you are a TFAer troll yourself. Hmmmmm..
31 minutes ago · Edited · Like
Jeff Burleson kelly I resign my BAT affiliation. This was an excellent conversation. Best wishes to the BATs!
31 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 1
Priscilla Sanstead Links to ALL of our many Badass presences are in the Files tab at the top of the page Look for the file called Badass Virtual Presences - we have 2 blogs, a Youtube, a TV channel, a website, a FB page, a Pinterest page - a Tumblr - you name it!
30 minutes ago · Like · 2
Patte Carter-Hevia I'm not trying to get banned here, Priscilla, but my first thought was, "Yeah...we have a presence and all that...but we can't have a discussion."
28 minutes ago · Like · 1
Johnnie Murphy You don't win battles by attacking individuals. You win battles by changing the system.
27 minutes ago · Like · 2
Tina Andres I think there is some exhaustion among the admins with this topic because the same thing has been posted and discussed so many times in the past and this is one of the reasons that the forum was created.
26 minutes ago · Like · 3
Xian Barrett Or maybe you are aiding TFA by bullying anyone who doesn't agree with you so that you weaken the movement. Maybe you are a double agent? Do you know what happens to double snitches?
Whatever.
26 minutes ago · Like
Tammie Jenkins Well Michelle, my humanity says help him, but my BAT says he needs someone from TFA to help him. They hired him and "trained" him, so they need to step in and support him. He needs a mentor as a public school teacher I was given three excellent mentors my first three years and i learned to manage my classroom. He will have to do the same.
26 minutes ago · Like
Karen Rowan Mark Naison
26 minutes ago · Like
Priscilla Sanstead Folks - we have had several days straight of unrelenting posts with a difficult or challenging person or topic. Several posts are under moderation at any point in time. We keep several tabs open trying to monitor many things going on at one. Thanks for understanding what an incredible challenge this enormous group is to keep track of when you agree getting constant message about a thread and are jumping back and forth sorting out who is talking about what.
24 minutes ago · Like · 5
Danielle North That is a tough one. Guess you'll have to follow your heart. Not sure what I'd do. Encourage him to take some education courses on the side?
24 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 2
Kary Harger Help. You're a teacher. Teach.
24 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Karen Rowan @priscilla Sanstead thank you. Please read this entire thread, though.
23 minutes ago · Like · 3
Patte Carter-Hevia My husband came from Cuba on a raft. He was a political dissident (who, shortly after arriving in the US, applied for and was granted political asylum). He can tell literally hundreds of stories of people deciding what he could say and where and when he could say it.
22 minutes ago · Like · 1
Tomás Nieves Yes, teach him to stand on his own two feet by not helping him.
22 minutes ago · Like · 1
Julie Lauciello-Rupp Be a BAT!
21 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Cindy Lou Woo Helping another human being and his students isn't being a sell out or a troll or anything else- it's embodying the compassion that our schools need more of. He knows he's failing- he's asked for help. I don't think you make any point about testing / TFA / common core or anything else by turning your back on another person. You are making a point about what it truly means to be a teacher when you reach out and help a fellow human being.
21 minutes ago · Like · 1
Eleanor Cena I can't wait to read your article.
21 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 1
Michelle Murphy Ramey Join -----> forum.badassteacher.org
21 minutes ago · Like · 1
Tomás Nieves TFA is warring on Public Ed. Where do you stand Cindy?
19 minutes ago · Like
Patte Carter-Hevia So is the forum the cable version?
18 minutes ago · Like
Michelle Murphy Ramey Patte Carter-Hevia, the forum is a place for open discussion on a variety of topics.
18 minutes ago · Like
Jacqui Montgomery I say help him. I personally don't know any TFA staff but I know lots of teachers who were hired simply because they were family or friends of admin. I've helped them in the past so....,yes, help him but make sure he is also asking the TFA people and his admin for help so they are aware that he is struggling.
17 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Cindy Lou Woo On the side of compassion for individuals. Against treating all kids or teachers in a uniform way. For community, against nameless faceless products.
17 minutes ago · Like
Priscilla Sanstead Yes - forum - any topic.
16 minutes ago · Like
Tomás Nieves So you stand with TFA then I take it.
16 minutes ago · Edited · Like
Tomás Nieves If so then you are a troll.
15 minutes ago · Like
Katherine Harris Help him. Are't we in it for the kids anyway? It is just plain wrong to help someone fail.
13 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Ramon Espinal Michelle: It's fantastic that you have a great heart!! You know, we human learn through our own experience. The key here is to help that teacher and his students and to have ongoing conversation about the myth of TFA types being the saviors, in particu...See More
13 minutes ago · Like · 3
Cindy Lou Woo Yes, Tomas, helping someone in need means being pro TFA. Clearly MLK, Mother Teresa, and Jesus were pro TFA. The young man's already he's admitted he's in over his head. He's asked for help. I doubt he will take veteran teachers for granted or buy the ones TFA sells him if he's shown how much more the OP has to offer him than his TFA "mentors." It's a teachable moment. I don't think teaching happens through rejecting others. I just don't. I can agree to disagree with you on this, particularly since you're not the OP.
13 minutes ago · Like · 3
Patte Carter-Hevia Meh...
There's a reason why I don't watch many cable television shows other than sporting events that I can't get on network tv.
11 minutes ago · Like
Jo Lieb Watching Life of Pi on cable TV. What a great BAT TO SCHOOL movie.
10 minutes ago · Like · 2
Patte Carter-Hevia Tomás, while I understand your argument and agree with much of what you say, I tend to be on the side of those who have no voice or choice through no fault of their own.
9 minutes ago · Like · 1
Nicholas Basham We teachers like to help. I've seen teachers "help" to cover for poor administrators. Helping that TFA means your covering for a poor concept that doesn't work. If you help it will look like TFA works.
9 minutes ago via mobile ·
Jo Lieb "Animals have souls. I have seen it in their eyes."
8 minutes ago · Like
Nicholas Basham We teachers like to help. I've seen teachers "help" to cover for poor administrators. Helping that TFA means you're covering for a poor concept that doesn't work. If you help it will look like TFA works.
8 minutes ago via mobile · Like
Priscilla Sanstead OK - where is all this going? We have 2 sides - one saying help, one saying don;t. The history of threads just like this - for the last 9 weeks is that people eventually run out of patience and serious name-calling ensues. Then the OP pulls the thread and the mods get blamed for censorship. NOT saying that is what will happen here but it is the reason for the forum - that issues that divide us - like whether to help a TFA'er or not - have a place to go and don't run on and on with the same arguments made over an over. As each new person discovers the thread - they do not read all the comments - they just jump into the fray - taking one side or the other.
7 minutes ago · Like · 2
Johnnie Murphy Jo, the book's even better. BTW, humans are animals.
7 minutes ago · Like · 1
Tomás Nieves MLK, Mother Theresa and Jesus, and Mohammad would clearly would have seen that the TFAers were the tip of the corporate spear jabbed right into the heart of thousands of public school teachers who they want to remove via bogus teacher evaluations. The good of the many must always rise above the good of the few or the one.
6 minutes ago · Like
Johnnie Murphy That's very collectivist of you, Tomas.
6 minutes ago · Like
Tina Andres We already have people calling others trolls and this is where good discussion deteriorates.
5 minutes ago · Like
Beth Glazer Schettino I wish there was a way to pull the thread as-is and drop it in the forum so it could continue with all the current posts...copy & paste?
a few seconds ago · Like
