I have to say that this article spoke the most clearly to what I believe education is, or should be, about. Reading about theories and concepts is all well and good, but this kind of narrative is what truly inspires me to continue on in this field and strive to make real changes, as these teachers have done. It sounds corny when said, but in the context of small changes like these, I can picture myself accomplishing similar things in my own classroom. It is this ability of Mike Rose, to paint a picture of small successes making much bigger impacts, that gives his writing credibility. Surrounded by intellectual/theoretical writers like Dewey, it is refreshing to hear the voices of actual teachers who face difficult students and situations everyday.
I can't really choose a favorite passage or quote because so many of them affected me. I really liked hearing from students, students whose live had been changed so immensely by teachers. Ed and Larry, two of the teachers that Rose profiles, were interesting to read about. Ed was a teacher who, twenty some years ago, starting building up this technology for his school through donations and personal expenses. Now, with a widely popular course as the proof of his success, he has otherwise uninterested students lining up at his door to use the technology and find new interests and hobbies. It;s amazing to me that one person can completely shift the climate of an entire school. His presence amongst these kids will make lasting impressions and change the futures of many of them, in varying ways.
I say this a lot, but this is exactly what I want for my own future. I have no interest in teaching honors students in a nice suburban school system like the one I was raised in. My dream is to immerse myself in urban culture and become comfortable enough with those issues and that lifestyle to make some real positive waves. At the end of the day, I want to know that I have spent my time helping kids who really need it, guiding students who may not get that help elsewhere.
In light of this class, being the history and philosophy of education, this reading was a great start for me. It's been a while since I've been able to think about my own personal dreams, as they vary from my peer education majors, and I found myself really connecting to Rose. This reading is one that I will carry with me through this course and beyond as I try to figure out what my personal philosophy is about education.
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I had a feeling you would like Mike Rose, Carrie. So, I sit here feeling pleased - because of course it's always nice to be "right", isn't it? [insert self-satisfied Cheshire Cat grin emoticon here, right?]
ReplyDeleteBut, really, it's also that I so love how he writes, how he presents what he sees, and how he sees the picture of education. And, so, when someone else turns out to appreciate that, and like that too, that is always a nice thing!
I'm glad it was a reading that worked for you.
The thing I liked about Rose's work was that he vingetted multiple teachers, we could see that there are several people that have accomplished the art of teaching similar to Erin Gruwell, making her more of a real idol. As an unexperienced developing professional I look up to her, and now other teachers as well. We can be those people!
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