LOFT FORUM

NO Child Left Behind.  This is a great bill, but it really hurts those school systems that are at a economic disadvantage.

i like our education system currently however, i love every bit of it.

Meeting the individual learning needs of a diverse school population.

Training and keeping teacher in the classroom in critical shortage areas such as science and math.

Lack of federal funding for federally mandated programs! (NCLB) This takes time, attention, and money away from classrooms and students and put them onto paperwork. This is not an effective answer.

Lack of funding!! Particularly for ELL learners

I agree- without sufficient funding, there is no way to make AYP every year on tests that are driven by NCLB.

I hate to echo what everyone else is saying - but lack of funding is the number one biggest issue facing education. Couple that with increased teacher accountability and DECREASED student/parent accountability and you have a system that is broken...

I love being a teacher.  I also agree with mary f.

I must agree with everyone..... Funding is a major problem why cut the budget for education? the students we teach are our future right????

I think we set up our students to fail, in many ways.  Why not keep trade schools/classes up and running for those kids who struggle academically, but can excel in other areas of life?

Lack of funding for staff to effectively integrate special ed. students into the regular classroom

Good educational leaders.  Administration is so concerned with funding that they have lost the focus of education.  We need vision and commitment from administrators.

Mariellen

I love teaching and I totally agree with Beth G.  Inclusion of special ed. students needs more funding to make this work.

by: Bethany B

I have read all your comments and agree. I am a charter school teacher and unlike district schools we start off lacking funds. I praise and admire my school and team for not letting funding or politics get in the way of our commitment to our kids. I teach K-2 multi-age class and it is bilingual. My team and I are blessed with our parents. This fight for education doesn’t end at 3:15 pm our parents really put in their all. But we as their children’s teachers cultivated such relationships from the beginning; it is not a given. The school year has ended and I am looking forward to birthdays and plays I will be going to see "my kids" in. Teachers remember why we became who you are today- I have been in the administrative side as well. Without funding we wont have a school and I have seen to many teacher friends receive 'pink slips'. If you have a job and health lets be grateful.

Best wishes and happy summer!

Eva

Money of course is paramount but also is parental involvement.  If a parent can make time to be there for the child, that child will have the attitude that he/she can make it.

By Norway

Our Union is protecting too many incompetent teachers right now.  That's a big issue our district is facing

Funding and lack of staff create bigger classrooms that in turn make teaching difficult to diversify lessons for all students to get the appropriate education.  Though all the teachers I work with do a wonderful job of doing this due their dedication to the teacher profession and their students.

Kim F.

I think that the education relies on the dedication of teachers to the students, allowing them to not compensate teachers as they should be. Health care and Education are the foundations of a society, yet we do not recognize this.

Lack of funds are forcing teachers to not only have large class sizes, less resources, more students, less help, and working less hours. With this we see an increase in cheating, ditching, and sadly even forgery.

xxx

The huge amount of teachers who leave the field for a variety of reasons: of a lack of support from administrators or local school boards, burn out, a salary so low it cannot support families. Talented and hardworking teachers are the ones who reach kids and help them grow in skills and as people. Let's find ways to keep good teachers in the classroom and recruit the best ones to make a difference in classrooms.

The huge amount of teachers who leave the field for a variety of reasons: of a lack of support from administrators or local school boards, burn out, a salary so low it cannot support families. Talented and hardworking teachers are the ones who reach kids and help them grow in skills and as people. Let's find ways to keep good teachers in the classroom and recruit the best ones to make a difference in classrooms.

The huge amount of teachers who leave the field for a variety of reasons: of a lack of support from administrators or local school boards, burn out, a salary so low it cannot support families. Talented and hardworking teachers are the ones who reach kids and help them grow in skills and as people. Let's find ways to keep good teachers in the classroom and recruit the best ones to make a difference in classrooms.

The huge amount of teachers who leave the field for a variety of reasons: of a lack of support from administrators or local school boards, burn out, a salary so low it cannot support families. Talented and hardworking teachers are the ones who reach kids and help them grow in skills and as people. Let's find ways to keep good teachers in the classroom and recruit the best ones to make a difference in classrooms.

The huge amount of teachers who leave the field for a variety of reasons: of a lack of support from administrators or local school boards, burn out, a salary so low it cannot support families. Talented and hardworking teachers are the ones who reach kids and help them grow in skills and as people. Let's find ways to keep good teachers in the classroom and recruit the best ones to make a difference in classrooms.

Parent involvement is every bit as critical to student success along with a nurturing environment within the school community.  As well, adults in our society need to model ethical/appropriate behavior for children.  There are many roadblocks that teachers face today.  We need to keep in mind that no matter what obstacles face us, we must always do what is best for the young people we teach!

SMW

I am loving this site!

As a Catholic School teacher I have to say it is the salary.  We are paid less than the public school teachers and we all teach!!  Second, would be the parents involvement.  I have learned that the parents are more up tight about what happens in the classroom than their children.  Its like your teaching the students and dealing with their parents...w/ a class of 30 students thats like 60 people your engaging for 9 months.  If parents are going to be involved they should take turns coming into the classroom with the teacher for an entire day to see what teachers deal with on a regular basis.  OOooh I just gave myself an idea.!!!!  Have a great summer teachers...

Jackie is completely on target with the parents involvement....

As a teacher in the public schools for over 20 years, I would have to say the focus on testing and teaching to the test has limited creativity and made both the teaching and learning process dry, uninspired and boring for all involved.  We need to get back to making learning fun with variety and creativity encouraged by school leaders instead of test scores! Susan B.

Budgets are a big reality for many districts nowadays...

This site is awesome!

thanks Loft

Funding Cuts that will increase class sizes for 2009-2010, which will make it more difficult to help every student succeed. The increased size will cut into teacher conferencing with individual students,which is crucial to help those struggling students.

NCLB the dumbest bill ever made by the the dumbest president.

Funding cuts that will increase class sizes for 09-10.  Larger classes will impact how often teachers will be able to conference with struggling students, which will mean more students not reaching their potential.

Bamaliz, Altadena, CA

The pressure of standardized tests for children with special needs is a big issue.  Children in this subgroup should be compared using different benchmarks that coincide with their IEPs, not state and federal mandates.

Lack of funding is the number one issue. Class sizes are increasing, specials like phys ed, art, foreign languages are being cut as well.

Thanks~

Are you checking that the comments are appropriate?  At least one slipped through.  Private schools are in place to provide a better education for those who can afford the choice.  It is interesting how we can do this with much less money than the public schools require. PI

I think also that the lack of discipline among some students and the amount of time teachers spend trying to manage discipline related matters is detrimental to other students.

Over sized classes.

Lack of funding, which is leading to increased class size. I am expecting to have 36-40 kids in my 5th grade class next year and the district is asking me to take a pay cut and furlough days.

Parental involvement!

Focus on test scores rather than learning.  My kids learn real, valuable things about the world they live in and we don't have standards or testing for my grade/subject.  Does that make my efforts invalid or less important?  I think not.

I agrees with Mary. M. we just recently had a Vice principal in our district removed from his position for falsifying test scores.

Lack of discipline from the parents. They are not involved enough in the child's schooling.

There are so many issues facing teachers these days, where should I start!  I agree with all of the previous comments, but the one that is the most troubling is the comment that Jennifer F. made.  Teachers are already so overwhelmed with everything they are expected to do on a daily basis.  It is so disappointing to expect teachers to have an increase in class size, take a pay cut, and have furlough days added to their school year.  Do the "Powers That Be" know exactly what some teachers have to endure every day when they walk in their classroom?

I think that the biggest issue we are facing today is the feeling that teachers are expendable.  Our governor has cut our pay - the last month before summer and authorized a "sabbatical" - like we get paid all year :(.  How do they expect us to work at professional level when they treat us like servants?

Treating education of all students like a business. Teachers who are successful at one school are transferred to schools not of their choosing as "fixers".  Not all teachers will be successful at all levels or with all types of students.  We often choose our schools based on location, type of classes offered and what we feel comfortable teaching.  A highly successful teacher at one school may not be at another.

What about the new proposal to link teacher pay to test scores?  If we choose to work at a school with low scoring kids, immigrant students, or unmotivated kids, their scores and achievement levels will rise much more slowly and sometimes not at all depending on the test.  Does that mean we don't teach?  or that the playing field is uneven?  In my school "favored" teachers are given the better kids, and AVID, Puente and Honors classes cream off the more motivated and higher achieving students.  Several of us veteran teachers were given the lower achieving students as "challenges".  What's fair about that?  Norelynnpg

I agree.  Students aren't a business.  norelynnpg

Keeping well trained teachers in critical areas.

Funding education and teachers-

compensating teachers to ensure the professionalism

I appreciate all the insight and comments offered by fellow teachers.  It is a shame that we can't run the schools.  I found all the comments to be right on the money and applicable everywhere!

Teaching is a career of the heart and not money/ Jennifer F & & Lorie J - hang in there - It will get better.  My district has to make AYP this year or the state takes over!  And the "Powers That Be" are as stressed as us!

by Maria

Loss of funding and expanding class sizes

One of the biggest problems in my district is retaining teachers.  There is sooooooo much asked of the classroom teacher that the job, at times, becomes unbearable.  So many great teachers are leaving the profession because of the tremendous workload and the overwhelming expectations.

My district is laying off teachers  after 26 years...where do they go from here?

Due to lack of funds, qualified teachers are losing their jobs; teachers are being laid off, veteran teachers are being forced to retire and there are no jobs for new teachers who have just graduated.

The uncontrollable occurence of an increase in drop out rate is affecting every part of our community. Our freshmen classes always have a minimum of 800 students, but then we can barely graduate 500 students. What happens to the other 300?

Better pay would draw and maintain quality educators.  

Angie

Meeting the district's test scores' expectations is a constant challenge when a teacher's primary goal is to differentiate instruction for a diverse student body.

Meeting the expectations of district test score goals is a constant challenge while most teachers would rather focus on differentiating

instruction to meet diverse learning needs.

by Heather D.

Lack of parental involement and teacher layoffs.

by Tina W

I definitely think lack of parent involvement is probably the largest issue right now - without it the schools become a large mess that they expect the government to fix - but fewer and fewer parents are willing to take the time and effort to support today's educational system.

I have been in education as a secondary English teacher for 25 years.  I became a teacher because it was what I always wanted to do with my life.  While I do not feel burned out or tired of teaching, I am frustrated by the extra amount of time and paper work that is now required to show our accountability.  Students are less accountable and parents often are absent from their child's education.  That is until it comes to place blame on someone for the child failing.  Most often, the teacher is blamed and the expectancy for the student to be accountable is totally lacking.

Administrators focus too much on test scores and tend to lose their focus on the whole well being of the child. The child must always be in our hearts and minds, not test scores.

I agree with Tina W. without more parental involement I feel like we are just wasting our time.

LindaII

I agree with the above.  The break down of the family and the lack of parental involvement childrens' education is the greatest hindrance this generation faces.

Education will only get better in our school if parents are held accountable for their childs education. ( Parents of all social backgrounds)

.

I agree with all of the comments written above.

Let's face it, our country educates the masses. You will never have all parents on board. Look at our massive ESL population coming in.  They are unable to help their children.  Let's focus on good teaching, and teacher training.

by Aimee S.

I agree that lack of funding, especially in the state where I reside, is a major issue.  

We need a home/school connection..and, yes, that takes extra time.  I try to call one parent every day.  It seems to create a bond between us...they are more accommodating and accountable.

I agree that we need a home/school connection.. Parent involvement can be a HUGE help in the classroom, especially with those struggling learners.

We need smaller class sizes and more opportunities for teachers to update their knowledge in the subject area they teach. We also need less paper work in order to focus more on teaching and learning.

I strongly believe that education starts at home, in the home with the family.  Teachers are only capable of doing so much, parents and or guardians and family members, need to be an active role in their children's lives.  It starts at home, grows in the classroom with fellow students and teachers and branches out into the community.  We need to look at education as a wholistic view, not just in the classroom. By: Angel M.

Students' sense of entitlement. XG

Teaching in a wonderful profession!

Being a teacher is bringing me a great reward-smile on every child face:)

No Child Left Behind, and the corporatization of education.

I truly found my calling in teaching high school after changing careers.  What bothers me is the unwillingness of some teachers to change the way they approach their methods.  When I was going through my certification courses, all I ever heard was "teachers need to be flexible."  When standards change, when education trends change, when our students change, we need teachers who are willing to try new things, even if the methods seem a little crazy at first.  By trying new things, we show our students how to adapt to the changing world, just as they will be expected to do in the "real world."  We need teachers who treat their positions as careers -- and not "just a job."  

Up to this point, many who have graduated college have done so with overwhelming student loan debts. Our current president is making efforts to get Americans focused on the importance of an education. What about those of us who struggled through college only to be faced with a lifetime repayment of student loans? When this is coupled with low teacher pay, it is equal to living at the poverty level. In my opinion there should be some type of governmental loan forgiveness program offered for teachers, as well as other public service occupations.

Lack of funds and district assistance, excess paperwork and parents who have been over empowered create an environment that takes away from the one reason I started teaching in the first place - the kids!

Schools are now run like businesses by business people.  We need more teachers to shift to administration.  Therefore, an understanding of what it really takes to be successful in the classroom is present in administration.  

Lack of highly qualified ELL and SPED teachers especially for our growing ELL population.  We either need more ELL teachers, or more training for the regular classroom teachers to support these students.

We also need more parental support.  Students will only be successful if education is a priority in the home as well.

I also think that school should be run like businesses... after all, that is where our "products" will go after they graduate.  We need to make sure they have the skills and abilities to work in businesses.  Teachers need to be aware of how administration and businesses work.  

Funding is always a problem - I teach in a Catholic school and we educate our students for about half what the public school budget is per student, and we do a great job at it.  I believe there are two deeper issues at play here though - one is teacher unions, while intended to protect teachers from unfair practices, are destroying our education system because they have lost their focus.  The second issue is the breakdown of the family.  Many schools end up being the only semblance of normalcy that our students have because of their terrible home circumstances.  As a society we need to support and strengthen the family - the very fabric of our nation.

I would have to agree that NCLB is really killing those school districts in low socioeconomic areas.  However, another issue that I find is plaguing education is the lack of support received from parents and the community.  Sometimes children do not value learning because their parents do not promote learning as important in the home.  I am not refferring to all parents, but in my four years of teaching, I have found a lack of support from parents as well as the community when it comes to supporting a child's education. No matter what area a child may come, learning is still possible if the family structure supports the child's learning.  Without that support we are losing half the battle of teaching because half of our goal is to make sure our students learn and acquire the information.

I feel that lack of adequate funding within our district especially within the area of exceptional education is an never ending problem.    

NO Child Left Behind.  I beleive that "yes, this is a great bill", but it really hurts those school systems that are at a economic disadvantage.  I also feel that the schools in the larger districts are just teaching for the standardized test and not for the life long venture of higher education.

Determining a child's success based on a test.  We are told to differentiate in the classroom, yet the test isn't differentiated.  Just having testing modifications isn't enough. (And in the end WE are held accountable).  

While I have great concerns about the type of testing that is used to measure student learning, I am an avid supporter of the idea of accountability.  Every professional should understand their ethical, moral, and legal requirements and strive to meet them.  Sadly, some among the teaching profession do not take this responsibility as seriously as needed.  It seems that all suffer for the poor efforts and low standards adhered to by a few.

The future of our education system has a lot of different things that it is going to face in the next 5 to 10 years.  One of the biggest challenges will be the increasing English Language Learner population.  These children are incredible to work with, but unfortunately many teachers and systems are not prepared to teach them effectively. I want to make sure that these students grow up knowing how to read, write, listen, and speak correctly in both English and their native language as well.

i teach an elective course, so most of my students WANT to be there.  I absolutely LOVE the part of my job that includes teaching students.  what i see as a huge problem in education today is the massive amount of "STUFF" that teachers have to do that doesn't directly benefit students.  paperwork, certain types of meetings, and these "horse and pony" shows that we put on for our state departments of education are an incredibly frustrating waste of time.  i practically need a secretary or personal assistant just to get it all done and still have time for the part of my job that i consider to be the most important: the act of TEACHING!!!!!  i wish the government would get out of it, and let us do our jobs.  it would save a lot of taxpayers money because they wouldn't be paying for all those unnecessary paper pushers who have to make sure we're doing our paperwork.  and it would be way better for the planet.  we'd safe tons of trees ;)

Awesome site

I Love teaching!  

NCLB and funding!

Lack of funding for children with learning disabilities.

Lack of parental accountability.

Education is a calling.   I am fortunate.  I got the call.  Thirty years of joy!  Melanie Z.

The amount of pressure put on both students and educators to excel on the state-mandated tests brought on by the NCLB Act; funding should not be determined solely by one test.

by Shannon C

Not enough challenge

I agree with lack of funding, but more than that I think trying to make one curriculum fit all and teaching to the test kill both the struggling students and the high ability students.

Kim S.

There is nothing more satisfying than sharing knowledge with young curious minds...

Among the many issues facing our educational system I think that classroom size and family involvement are at the forefront.  Our classes are way too large for our students to get the maximum benefit  out of daily learning.  Also we need parents to be involved in their children's education so that they know how important school is and how a great education can have the single most impact on their future.

State budget cuts. We could lose really good teachers who have just started their careers. What is the incentive for young people to join the educational field?

I would have to agree with the many that have said the state budget cuts is the biggest problem!  I work in a low socioeconomic school and to see what little resources these kids have get torn away is just devastating!

Educating parents on the correct disclipline to use at home, which carries through in the classroom.

Being able to hire and keep good teachers- and, being able to get rid of ineffective ones.

Lack of funding is always a huge concern in our ever-growing school disctrict.

its great

this is too complicated

Teacher cut backs in my district are a problem.  The district cut 80 teachers for this coming school year.  Having larger classes is not going to benefit our students!

I love my job being a teacher.  This is my 30th year at the same school!

Too much paper work required outside of the classroom. I've been teaching for 33 years and every year we are required to fill out more forms than ever before.

Personally, with the Michael Jackson media frenzy, discussing role models, value systems, and community service far transcends the funding issue. I have been a middle school teacher since 1974 and see the need for responsible adults to emulate as the number one need today.

lack of funding in special education. special education teachers need staff in order to meet each child's needs in the classroom.

As an educator that is coming back into the field after being at home for five years, I have seen the strong push for teaching to the test. I am not looking forward to dealing with the pressure of achieveing high test scores. I do think testing is important but should not be the only measure of success for students. Creativitiy has been replaced with robotic like instruction in some cases. I personally have kept creativitiy in my classroom and delivered balanced instruction so that my students will be successful on the tests.

inundated with mandated programs, paperwork, and assessments

My initial thought to this topic was lack of funding.  However, after more thought, I can't decide if it's that or lack of parental support.  I believe that a great many children would achieve more if their parents showed more support/interest in their education.

school budget

Weel said, DeeA.

typo, sorry!

Well said, Dee A.

Funding cuts and increased class sizes.

by Bridget

Funding, Funding, Funding

I think by far the most pressing problem is a lack of strong leadership by real educators. We have a lot of politicians whose leadership is neither founded in real educational research nor really innovative. A closer look at the miracle gains in Chicago (which got us our current Secretary of Ed) shows that he just changed the test. A test similar to the one given previous to his tenure as head of Chicago's schools shows flat results, not the miracle gains he claimed. Our kids are being shortchanged with unreal and pedagogically unsound plans from politicians.

Here, here Gail!  Politicians are business people with no idea as to what goes on in a classroom.  They do not know what it means to teach, just how to run a business.  We are dealing with children, not adults or a company.  We need educationally sound people making decisions in paramount places.  Too many people make statements, but have no real knowledge about the classroom to back it up.

I like working with students who really need help.

I love working with students who really need help.

Zohreh.M.

Many comments left here express that schools are being run like businesses. In my recent experience, parents believe schools are a business too. The rare times in which they become involved in their child's education is when they "order up" a grade for their child. They claim their child is not at fault for the low grade, but the teacher is. Entitlement is my main gripe. Parents need to realize that an A is a grade given for exceeding expectations and not just attending class.

Mary M.

Public education has become a full service learning center that has been asked to support and implement nearly every avenue of child development. Schools are asked to teach everything from hygiene to character and personality development. This should take place before, during and after school hours. All of this is asked, while school budgets are constantly underfunded and understaffed. Parents are taking a less and less active role in supporting their child's total development. One teacher, one one-hour class, one school day can not take the place of fully engaged and effective parenting.

Balancing standardized tests with meaningful learning is incredibly difficult.

Never enough time in the day, or money in the school system!

Lots of money is spent on education but in counterproductive ways.  Why do we need to buy a math book every 7 years?  They cost upwards of $70 each and weigh a ton.  Then they come with a slew of materials I rarely look at....  I've taught 38 years in middle school.  What education needs is less "overhead";  in Santa Clara County we have over 30 school districts.  This is ridiculous.  If the state consolidated districts to the minimum size of say 25,000 students, so much duplication of services would be eliminated... how much is being spent at all those district offices?????

When I started teaching, all we needed was a knowledgeable teacher, a textbook/ course outline, and a person who could develop a bond/ rapport with students.  We don't need frills and "extras"... we can develop what we need.....  too much is wasted in time and talent....

Thank you for providing this opportunity for teachers.

I agree with denise d.  Hopefully, you have a voice in your community.  I would like to see these points made nationally.

Tameko L.

I think an issue that hasn't even hit yet, is teacher accountability.Our president is giving all this money to the schools, but then he is going to ask for higher test scores.  I do all I can the 8 hours I have them, but if they do not have support at home its just to hard.

I think that the breakdown of the family unit in most instances is a great challenge to education because parents are a major part of the success of students in school and in society. Without encouragement and structure from home, students can get the best of the best at school and still fail or drop out because the support and role-modeling from the home is not there.  I think that teachers are being held accountable, but how do we hold parents, families, and society accountable?  I find that the attitude more and more is that no one wants to take responsibility for what they do or what they cause to happen in the world around them.  We can only have a limited effect on children, they are products of their home life; however, as educators we give all of ourselves to make the best possible effort to have a positive impact on every child's life that we have the opportunity to touch.

I  think it often times stems from issues at home. How involved and active are our students parents in their learning?

I totally agree with Jackie.  We should be paid equally with our public school collegues.  We are just as professional as they are if not more dedicated at times.

The most pressing issues are 1) the ongoing pressure on teachers (incl.what is termed as "accountablity") icreated by NCLB, and 2) inappropriate behavior (esp. lack of respect) and apathetic attitudes of students (esp. for core subjects like mathematics).

by jk

Accountability

We cannot expect all children to function on the same level. They all have different IQs and abilities and talents.

Kathy P

I am a special needs teacher, and I believe the NCLB sets standards that many special needs students cannot attain.  Instead of celebrating their hard work and their accomplishments, these students are made to appear as failures who are bringing the rest of the school down.  I love teaching, and after witnessing so many achievements throughout the school year, the negative impact of the state tests is very discouraging. It's time to stop disregarding the realities of the special needs students.

I agree with Kathy P 100%!  I am a special ed teacher who works with  students on IEP's.  The NCLB act is an unfair and unjust way to "measure" ALL students.  The students on IEP's do make progress year to year, but to expect them to score the same as a "typical" student, is unfair.  Those in government who make these decisions obviously have never taught children!!!!!

by Sandy A.

I agree with Kathy P 100%!  I am a special ed teacher who works with  students on IEP's.  The NCLB act is an unfair and unjust way to "measure" ALL students.  The students on IEP's do make progress year to year, but to expect them to score the same as a "typical" student, is unfair.  Those in government who make these decisions obviously have never taught children!!!!!

by Sandy A.

Too much put on teachers, funding, discipline, parent involvement, the list goes on and on......

Pullouts, pullouts, pullouts!!!

unneccessary paperwork--cut that out and we might find our needed funding! =D

Teacher accountability

Integration between parental responsibility and teacher accountability

A system that should measure progress based on globally competitive standards and well trained educators

I am a special education teacher and I love teaching. However, I totally agree with all the comments made by Beth G.; Bethany B.; Laura C.; Sandra A.; Kathy P.; and Deborah N. We need total inclusion in all the schools, no more pullouts, and until we do have total inclusion, the special needs students should not be expected to perform at the same levels as regular education students. They do not have the same resources or instruction.

Trying to meet every child's needs  when you have a large class size and lack of parent evolvement.

I am also a special education teacher and I agree with Sandra A.  It is all about the state assessments every year and getting the students ready so the test scores are higher.  Are we "teaching to the test" or giving the students what they need and assessing them on their own progress and goals?

by Judy B.

NCLB wow!! Would work if every educator was on the same page throughout the entire United States.

By Toyia G.

NCLB/No Child Left Behind has destroyed Special Education's ability to work on what the student needs - we are too deeply embroiled in what the school needs! No national, state or even county standards make it impossible to have faith in an evaluation or even to begin to know where a child is academically. And, if we loose them in Middle School, most are gone for good.

M.J. Davis  

NCLB/No Child Left Behind has destroyed Special Education's ability to work on what the student needs - we are too deeply embroiled in what the school needs! No national, state or even county standards make it impossible to have faith in an evaluation or even to begin to know where a child is academically. And, if we loose them in Middle School, most are gone for good.

M.J. Davis  

NCLB/No Child Left Behind has destroyed Special Education's ability to work on what the student needs - we are too deeply embroiled in what the school needs! No national, state or even county standards make it impossible to have faith in an evaluation or even to begin to know where a child is academically. And, if we loose them in Middle School, most are gone for good.

M.J. Davis  

I have seen no child left behind for the past few years @ a pretty low grade. I wish they had come up with something more possible. special education  need much more hands on from teachers instead of politions thinking they know what these children need best.

The most pressing issue faceing our education system today is the teachers getting their power taken away from them in the classroom. Teachers should decide what is best for each of her student.

by Annmarie D.

I am very dissapointed with the way teachers has lost control over their pupils education.I work with special Education and i would like to see teachers have more control over the curriculum from september to june. These days the children have more contro over the Board of Education instead of the Adults.I am appauled about that.

Ms.A.M.D.

Lack of enough funding to provide inner city schools with more resource materials.

Kay

The goal needs to be for all children to have the same opportunity to a quality education regardless of where they live.  Funds should be collected and distributed equally throughout the state.

Many students have become disrespectful.  I have to become the big bad wolf to keep order.  Keeping texting and Facebook out of the classroom is a problem for me.

In the last few years, there has been an increased push on assessments in the classroom including the local and state level. I think this puts added stress and pressures on teachers to help students achieve. It seems that is all local and state officals care about.

Stephanie O.

NCLB,though it was started with the best of intentions,is leaving many behind. Those of us that chose this wonderful profession did so because we wanted to make a difference. We also know that children learn at different levels and in different ways.NCLB has taken the creativity out of teaching, the fun out of learning and instead  having us produce students to be test takers. I have seen brilliant children, who are great problem solvers reduced to a pile of nerves due to assessments and EOG testing. Children who think outside of the box suffer because they are required to learn for the test which in turn causes them to become bored and underachieve. We teachers are stuck between a rock and a hard place but because we love what we do we continue on hoping the pendulum will swing back the other way.

IES

Apathy is the greatest hurdle we have in our education system today.  Our culture is making a mockery of the learning process; children are growing up believing that if something is important it will simply be provided for them -- they really don't have to work for it, someone will eventually give them what they want.  There is not enough positive emphasis in society placed on working hard to earn what we want.  This goes for the adults as well as the children.

M. Webster

I'm upset about  the constant state testing. It's too much stress for many students and teachers, particularly at the HS level.

Let us remember....

100 years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the type of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a CHILD.

- author unknown

Commitment and understanding.   Education is a "HEART” job.  Education is the one thing that impacts our today and tomorrow.  We must understand that we are education young people to just be able to get a job... but to we are raising a nation.  We must be committed to putting education in its proper place in society.  Education should be a priority every where in this country.  All adults have to understand this... business, media, schools, church, and home.  There are so many comments about funding, testing and the wonderful NCLB act... did we for get that the people that control these things are parents or at least adults!?!?!  Commitment means... 'yes I am my brothers keeper'   We can't go to work, the polls, and our club meetings or sit around and talk with friends,   and forget that the decisions we make will effect and affect our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins, and neighbor's children... we have to be committed to modeling the behavior we expect!   If there were a referral for adults ... how many adults would be written up for cursing, stealing (company supplies, other peoples spouse's, etc), fighting (gossiping, back biting, etc), and defiance?  We have to understand that every time we act inappropriately as adults we give students the right to do the same...  Now let's talk solution... get committed to making sure your parents and friends understand how education works (if you don't ... then you find out too) and how to best support their children.  Ask your schools to incorporate parent workshops into the school year.  Have a community event at your school (local business expo, community fair, community beautification, etc) to get neighborhood businesses to buy into the vision of supporting the children.  Partner with other schools to form teacher support group (we have to keep teachers encouraged, inspired and motivated too!) and even get the students together once in awhile... not in competition but in sharing... maybe and open mic (no winners),  movie night, a play, science adventure games, physic's day at a theme park, etc.   As for testing... create an environment where students feel safe and cared for and that the sky is the limited (and of course some fantastic teachers... 8 ) ... )  ... watch those scores take off!  So you asked, 'what is the most pressing issue facing our education system today?' my answer... ‘the limits that we put on ourselves.'

Parents should get  a report card too. One that has implications of accountability on them just as much as teachers have.  Far too many school districts are run by parents who think they know best.  If they do, then they should be teaching their own kids.

I really think our largest issue is class size. As long as I have been teaching, smaller class size has helped me more that anything to reach more kids , and to see success on the part of the child. Therefore cutting teachers is ridiculous. This fall I will have 36 8th graders in class. This is not only an unsafe environment but it is not an environment condusive to learning. K. B.

I agree with Karen S. We need to be more supported by the parents in conjunction with the students. We've been specifically trained to teach and help their students grow in academic knowledge and character training. When parents dictate how we interact with their child, we are stifled. I had moms who couldn't help their child with their math homework, but when I tried to explain, the response was always "well, that's not how you should do it!" What?? Or when a parent says, "I'll always believe my child over you." I'm not sure how that will help me help the child. Parents should be more supportive - we are not out to get their children - we just want to teach them so that they become educated, intelligent-citizens of the United States.

individualize students needs....

by Ana P

After reading all of your comments, I believe that many teachers have the same views on many important issues. Therefore, what I believe may be the biggest problem facing education, is that teachers are not heard! We are in the trenches every day giving our all for minimal pay. We see what needs to be changed, yet we don't have the power or voice to do anything about the big issues.

We are expected to accomplish the near impossible task before us of educating too many students with too little support in every aspect. If administration and law makers would just ask teachers how to fix the education system, they would get their answers! :-) After all, we are the educators...

I can't speak for everyone else's district, but one of the major problems I see is our special education department. Inclusion in the classroom, I love it but we are not staffed to have an aid in everyone's classroom. Also, state testing, the state focuses so much on those test, that the students don't get an opportunity to learn anything else, the skills needed to survive in this world. all they are going to know is strategies for taking a standardized test.

High teacher turn-over, due to low teacher pay.  We are losing good teachers because they have high burn-out rates and not enough pay.

FUNDING!

Lack of funding for special areas such as school libraries.

Federal Funding is a big issue. This is key to survival of the classroom as a whole. It is critical for these funds to be available for use in upgrading teaching tools.

Lack of funding.  These three words carry over so many areas of education.  Special areas, teacher salaries, field trips, supplies, etc.  But we have plenty of money to print all of the tests and test booklets that we have to assess our students with to see if we are following No Child Left Behind.  This seems a little strange to me where we have put our priorities.  I understand assessments are important, that's how we see where our students are, and how far they have come.  But to not make any cuts in that department and make the cuts in the areas that help us survive the educational atmosphere as teachers, is hard to understand.

The lack of opportunity for children who live in low wealth districts is appalling.  We have third world living conditions in close proximity to wealth, but children in these areas have no means to access what wealthy children feel entitled to have by birthright.

Public perception and the push for more standardized testing.

Lack of funding, especially things that are federally mandated, but unfunded.

Lack of funding... Kacia F says it well!  by Carla

Lack of funding!  Kacia F, I agree with you.  by Carla

Lack of funding and poor living conditions for students as well as social issues these children face! Generational poverty is astounding in city schools.

Lack of time for planning new lessons.  Too much time demanded for clerical work.

Our county waste a lot of our time making all the teachers pack everything up at the end of each year. We may or may not change rooms or schools.I've taught here 5 years and have been moved 5 times.No one has a home.

Giving us more to do with less.

by Cindy M.

Money --- there is not enough money to properly supply and support schools.

Lack of funding and not supplying the staff with adequate supplies.

Getting parents to buy into their children's education.  So many parents have the attitude that the school is solely responsible for educating their children.  In speaking to children who often do not pass the bench mark exams, many site lack of parent help or inadequate support @ home.

I agree with Karen, perception especially by the media.

Parental involvement and the value placed on education profoundly affects the readiness and willingness of students to perform in school. Teachers can only do so much, outside support is critical. Our district, like many others, is forced to stretch resources, more than ever parental support is needed.

The bureacracy of the system that causes administration and teachers to have to put on a dog and pony show rather than paying attention to the content of teaching. I understand the "importance" of testing as a way to monitor progress, but I think that it is not a good indicator of growth for some students that have difficulties with learning or have behavioral concerns as well.

I teach middle school.  5 periods a day, 30 kids in each session.  Our school just laid off 12 teachers, including 2 in my department.  we're expecting close to 40 kids in each period.  omg

Problem:  testing, not teaching.  The teaching-to-the test method of educating that has been the norm for years has done so many harmful things to education, including "passing the buck" from the boards of ed., to the administration and finally to the teachers where it stops cold.  It's easier to "motivate" the teachers than the kids who have been told by some that it's the teacher's fault for not teaching the content.  I actually have heard teachers say this, parroting the administration, and then passing this on to their students.  What does this do?  Teaching nothing that isn't on the test (details that aren't legally to be known), reprimands to good teachers who don't do this, and actually changing answers on students' answer sheets.  Of course this is not only unethical, but illegal, and a teacher taught doing what is implied by higher-ups to save his/her job would be fired and never teach again.  Teach!  Test but don't make it the end-all.  I actually remember those years of effective teaching.  May they return someday.

Teaching won't get the respect it deserves until (as if!) teachers are treating with the pay and respect other professionals receive.  No more of this:  "I'd teach even if I didn't get paid!"  I actually have heard that!  And "I teach b/c I love it, not for the pay."  So many of my former students consider teaching (and would be terrific at it) but change their minds when they compare the salary, perks, and respect of teaching with that of other professions.

Some new teachers need professional development- how to speak in a group, how to address their superiors

When some parents/teachers stop coddling/spoiling/not disciplining/wanting the child to be their friend (and I do say just some), then students can be expected to take responsibility for their own performance.  I've actually heard some parents and teachers going back to "the old ways" of parenting/teaching (which means kindness but firmness.)  Children actually will admit they like being cared for.

Where to get support:  if you aren't in NEA or AFT or something comparable, then there's no need to complain.   I know NEA; it isn't a union; and though there is controversy about some aspects of their policies, this is the only way to affect nationwide change.  Unify.

I think it is great that your company is helping teachers and students, thanks, Sandra

Thanks for all you do to help out the students we need all the help we can get. Sandra

Julie N. commented that teachers aren't heard.  So true.  Did you know that NEA is the largest lobby in Washington, D.C.?  True!  Yet we don't organize, pay the dreaded PAC money (there is so little money invested in lobbying for education because teachers are underpaid, but what else to do!?), and we are so not assertive in supporting what is right.  I call, write, and email my state and national senators and representative regularly (being informed my NEA of the issues) and I do get replies.  I don't go to lobby, which I should.  Margot S.'s comment on learning how to speak is right on.

I love my students!

People who believe in the importance of education invest in education.

I love being a teacher and everyting that comes with the territory. Constant assessment, nervous parents and the millions of dollars we enjoy for our hard work ( LoL to the millions). I do however feel that teachers, administrators and families should work closer together to provide each student with the best possible education one can be afforded.

Best job.

Having our hands tied as for teaching in a manner that instills a love of learning in our students!   Our local district and surrounding districts are really enforcing the "teaching to the test" philosophy and the students are REALLY suffering from it.   It is most definitely the worst part of teaching!

It's very difficult sometimes, need a lot of patience and prayers.

Dealing with the parents is the hardest part of the the job.

by Theresa B.

I teach adults, I find that the most challenging issue is dealing with balancing life responsibilities and the commitment to education.

Standardized Tests.

Nicole

I agree with Nicole, Standardized Tests.

The extreme focus of standardized testing as the main form of assessing our students and teachers. If there is a test, there should be same basic test for each grade level for the entire country.

Students who need more help!

I just love my job, that is the only reason to do it!

Can't wait to get back into the swing of things!

Class size.  I had a really small class last year and was really able to individualize classroom instruction for that class.  They learned a lot more than my other sections of the same course!

I am a Spanish Teacher at an Elementary School. Are there any others out there?

The most pressing issue is probably parental involvement. Parents need to work with their kids at home and on the weekend with academics, sports, manners and behavior. We are not the parents but sometimes it falls on us. We are the teachers. We want to teach not discipline.

State testing can be stressful for kids

Having taught high school for over 30 years, I have been through many changes in education; however, the current testing mania is frightening. Who are the winners?

The budget cuts are going to significantly impact class sizes and the quality of our education.

Students who read below grade level who are placed in large classrooms are at risk for failure.

Standardized testing!!

Lisa W.

Lack of funding, lack of quality teachers, lack of good leaders, and lack of parental involvement!  

We need to work on empowering our students.

There should be less focus on teaching to the norm and more focus on teaching to the individual.

There should be more focus on the individual and less on teaching to the norm.

Teachers having to deal with budget cuts, lack of funding, and uninterested and uninvolved parents.

by Sharon

Lack of funding to cover NCLB mandates--(i.e. updating classrooms to mimic the 21st Century-student computers) in addition reducing classroom sizes even at the high school level.

I agree with Christine W. NCLB does hurt the schools that are at an economic disadvantage, which in turn hurts their overall educational growth.

In order to make a difference with each student in your class, it is necessary to spend time and energy on the individualized level; unfortunately what teacher has that time.  We still try, though.

Care about our students, and our students will care about their studies.

Accountability. I think everyone needs to start taking more responsibility for the education of our future.

Lack of funding and lack of planning time.  All students deserve teacher's undivided attention and a well, thought-out lesson.  With differentiated instruction students would really strive-it is the lack of time and curriculum/materials that truly hurts students.

I agree with some of the other comments identifying large class sizes as one of the biggest issues facing education today. Our young adults are not receiving the education they deserve because teachers are forced to spend class-time managing students rather than teaching the curriculum.

One of the most pressing issues is enabling students to do what they want, and not holding parents or students accountable for their actions.

One of the most pressing issues is enabling students to do what they want, and not holding parents or students accountable for their actions.

The reward of seeing enjoyment in learning makes it all worth while.

It's so rewarding to watch the "light bulb" come on.

After 23 years of teaching I find myself inspired to meet my students' academic needs with fidelity.  I have watched the system dehumanize students and empower teachers less and less.  I realize that the fundamental changes in our system mirrors many changes in big business.  The heartbreaking part is that our "product" should be a well-adjusted independent adult.  In order to help produce that kind of citizen, he or she must be nurtured(which is not listed in our state standards or grade level expectations)

Lack of funding,is not  supplying schools with adequate support and supplies.

lack of time... the school day is too short (6 hours total for elementary)...

I teach in Rwanda, and I find the most challenging thing getting my kids to pay attention when they have so much on their minds.  They are thinking about finding water to drink in the dry season, or about how they have to heard the goats when the get home.  Its a fight to convince them that school is worth it!

I like to dress up, but my income is low. I love Ann Taylor Loft because it offers affordable beautiful and stylish clothing.

I agree teaching is the best job!  I know our concerns for students and issues with NCLB stem from the deep commitment we feel to not only teaching children but the love we feel for them and our desire to watch them soar.  Thank you ladies for dedicating yourselves to such a demanding career that is so deeply rewarding for all involved, the children, parents and of course us!

I think that unrealistic expectations (NCLB) and school administrators responses to them are the biggest challenges today. There are no consequences for the students who don't put forth effort. It is still shown as failure on the teacher's part. These students rarely show up and never turn in work, but its not o.k to fail them because you have to make gains! I have often been advised to give last minute "extra assignments" or "makeup work" to magically pull up an incredibly low grade. This is not teaching and the only thing the child is learning is how to manipulate the system. This is why so many high school graduates are completely unprepared for college or the work force.

Kerri F.

I love Ann Taylor Loft- it is my new favorite store for style and good prices!

I love Ann Taylor Loft for its style and prices! It is my new favorite store!

Janet

Pasadena, California

Anntaylor Loft is amazing and affordable.

28 years at my job, and I still love it!  NCLB needs to go ASAP.  It's killing the arts, and everything else not on the test.

As a school counselor my biggest issue is parents who enable their children-Linda

I love teaching Second Grade and I love Ann Taylor Loft!!

I love teaching!

I love teaching Special Education!

by Margaret M.

What a great idea for teachers!

Lack of funding! Our district is the 5th largest in the nation, yet only spends approx. $5,000 per pupil!

Thank you so much Ann Taylor.  It's nice to be appreciated.  

Linda M.

Thank you Ann Taylor Loft.  I love shopping at the Loft.

by Maureen S.

I agree with Elizabeth H., Karen S., Julie N. and Linda L. You girls are RIGHT ON!!

Liisa M.

I believe all of the government required testing is really hindering out students learning.  Some students do not do well on tests, but they are all smart in there on ways, whether it be academically or at a trade.  We need to encourage our students to work towards something they enjoy rather making them work towards passing these tests.

I have to say their are two major problems. They are lack of funding and lack of support network.

NCLB hurt our district

I love Ann Taylor Loft!

Thanks

Thanks a bunch

J. Lowe

The most pressing is the lack of motivation on our schools from kids in doing work. Even when they are told the assignment will count towards their grade, they still do not try! By Rena

Thanks

Thanks a bunch

Our society - how can an individual who stands in front of a camera (to entertain) be paid millions of dollars - while us teachers stand in front of students who are learning to be part of our society get paid a ridiculous amount of money - hum? - something seems wrong!

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks

Of course funding.  But I believe the governement has not done much to update our education.  We are still living in a traditional set of curriculum standards. This generation of kids are so technology savvy that we are doing nothing to help encourage, fund, train teachers and put appropriate courses/curriculum into place to support and enhance the capabilities of our children in today's society.  I feel we are doing a disservice.

Lack of funding is definitely keeping schools from achieving government expectations.

Sad, but true, the lack of funding not only by the federal government, but also by the states.  There is a disconnect between what happens in the classroom and what policy makers know.  Teachers need to become proactive in the political process in order to educate state legislators about the needs within the classroom.  Teachers also need to become proactive with state legislators regarding the importance of education and the role of a teacher.  There is ignorance among many legislators about what a teacher actually does and how critical a job teaching is for our future adults of society.

By, Trish A.

Almost all the teachers in my school wear outfits from the Loft.  We have a very well dressed staff.   by MaryAnne

Just went to a Debbie Diller workshop in Houston! Great workshop! Went through the Loft while in the Galleria near the hotel!

Lorena Irving, TX

Patients need better education about their care to avoid further complications and more compliance with their health. By Ana T.

Parents vs. teachers views of discipline.

Teacher funding and communication both from the parent perspective and teacher perspective. Working together as a team to support each child.

Parent involvement is an area that we all must learn more about. We have great parents but many of them have no idea either how to help their child or how to get involved in a meaningful we.. They think involvement is stricktly parties and field trips.

Lack of Assessment knowledge by teachers

Inability to properly assess students

by MJ

I love my job and I am definitely not in it for the money! There is always the lack of funding issue facing education.  That is why the teachers need to be creative and work with what we have.  If you love what you do- you'll make it work! I am truly blessed to be at the school where I am.  

Lack of parent involvement

Ann Taylor Loft is my favorite store.

Lack of parent involvement in their children's lives (educational and otherwise)

1. Lack of parental involvement - parents a child's first teacher.  If parents don't think school is important, then children won't either.

2. Th Powers That Be - in response to Lorie J: the Powers know nothing.

3. Funding for education.

4. Lack of administrative support.

Lack of parent involvement is huge, as is funding!! I won't add the amount of my own money I've spent on my classroom in the past eight years. I choose to teach in a poorer district because that is where I can make the biggest difference but, I also decided that my kids would not go without, at least while they were in my room. I'm not complaining, I choose to do it because I love my kids and want them to reach their highest potential - but it would be nice to have a little help from state and federal funding. Six years ago, my kindergartners were sitting on old wooden chairs. The girls were getting splinters in their legs if they wore skirts. I used classroom budget money to buy 25 plastic/chrome chairs (plus $60.00 of my own) and my own money for whatever else I needed for the class! The other teachers thought I was a little "out there" but, what can I say?? I love my class! That's why I'm there, to make a difference! No more sore legs!! (Glad I don't have a stingy husband around watching my checkbook!!) School starts in a few weeks, I'm so excited I can't WAIT!! Hope everyone has a fantastic year!! I love the website!

love Ann Taylor

The most pressing issue at my school is parental involvement. Most parents expects the school system to do and provide everything for their child. We are not in the system to wear all of those hats daily. Although we spread ourselves thin, it eventually drains us mentally, emotionally as well as physically. We have families of our own and school aged children that need us when we get home. But most of the time, we're so tired from catering to the students unrelated needs to education until we barely have anything left to support our own. Hopefully, parents will become more involved in their children's educational activities and we'll have a much more successful school system.

K. Gilliam

Love the LOFT!

The biggest issue is not just funding but distibution of funding and funding procedures.  In some districts ther are hoops  TO MANY to go through to get something that you see as a need as a PROFESSIONAL .Can you imagine a doctor waiting six months to get approval for a pack of tongue depressors? And it is a shame when students can not even go on a FREE field trip because of political and presonal community ties.

J.T.

Lack of parent involvement.

The biggest issue is accountability-  for everyone students, teachers, and parents.  

Parents should be held more accountable.  Teachers can only do so much.  Some parents aren't parenting like they should be anymore.  All of the responsibility is being placed on teachers to get kids to learn.  There is not much involvement at home these days.

Lack of support and funding is the most pressing issue facing our education system today.  

I agree. Funding is definately an issue!!

Professional development to keep all teachers up to date, which I guess would also support the funding problem- right ladies!

Professional development is a problem, but I guess that would also support our lack of funding...right ladies!

Erin J.

Baton Rouge, LA

Materials for classroom.

Funding.

NCLB has left behind the student that falls between gifted and sped.  it is all about assessments and nothing about the student.  There are good points like accountability but if no one holds the teachers, administrators and school districts accountable what is the point.

Raising the level of respect for education in general.

Love this site.

We need an absolute set of morals and values.  It will be impossible to set this country on the right path with our young people when they no longer have a moral compass with absolute right and wrong.  A great place to start is the Ten Commandments.  Without law there is no liberty.  Without liberty and law there will be anarchy and chaos.  I believe we as school teachers are part of the first line of defense against anarchy and chaos that comes from a godless society.  We will not stem the tide and turn our country back to greatness without the God of the Bible being central in our schools and central in our education.

Thank you Loft for your cute clothes, and for the discount, and for this neat forum!!!

Figuring out  how to embed core values and morals in our children

Allison E

Funding is a huge problem we face today. However, I think we continue to fall behind due to technology. Our students are disengaged because they are stepping back in time when it comes to lesson delivery and technique. Computers, projectors, smart boards, doc cameras would help us come into the 21st century!

Lack of parents encouraging education in the home.  MN state academic standards says that parents are to be the number one educators...yet, I rarely see that.

When the teaching profession is valued as a profession (with appropriate salary commensurate with the required degrees we hold), and parents take responsibility for their children, we may see things change.  I disagree with the NCLB comment.  This was long overdue, maybe not the way we want it implemented, but holding failing school districts accountable was necessary.

by C.S

Nothing can replace parental involvement.  There is a very direct correlation between a student's success and his/her parents' involvement in the educational process.

We must fix funding.  It is unacceptable for poorer children to not get a quality education just because of their parents' income.

I love TEACHING. We have hit it all, funding, lack of parent involvement, apathy of the public's perception regarding teachers. A comment to Karie G. I don't know what vocational programs you are referring to but, Vocational schools are as rigorous as comprehensive schools. Students must do the same academic work in half the time AND study in a career program. Not all students do well. It can be tough. Today, most Voc. Ed. students go on to college and many are in CP courses. All I have to say is I HAVE THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD

Our legislators do not value education as much as big business.  How do they think those businessmen and women learned to read, write, speak, compute, do math....?

Thanks! AMAZING

The focus on standardized testing scores has become ridiculous. It's so easy for teachers to become burned out as they are forced to drill certain facts into their students, when it's easy to see that so many of them aren't truly learning concepts that will actually benefit them in the long run.

Equal education for all. Adequate pay for veachers

w

So many students, so many learning styles, so much curriculum!

High pressured standards - we wonder where these young kids are feeling the pressure? Its right on our faces as we walk in to class each day.

Standardized testing- How can we accurately determine if schools are making progress based on a single score?

standardized testing does not show teacher work but student accomplishments and they will produce as  they are able and wish to.

teachers need to teach essential facts and concepts.

teacher pay should not be based on evaluations by those not qualified to assess.

I just wish we could go back to the basics... teach to the child!

From my perspective, I believe the most pressing issue facing our education system today is teaching content to second language learners.  Emily F. I also teach Spanish! I get the parents involved by showing them that I care about them as my partners in education.  I let them know that we are in this journey together. Blessings to all of you! Hang in there!

Wow!  We are so on take with our thoughts and agreements about what our educational system, no our students, require, demand, need.  Woudn't it be awesome if all of you, US, well served teachers would figure out how to band together and really, really assure our students that the states, government, local administration, and parents not just listen but actually MUST make the funding and the quality be immediatley placed where it is needed -- classrooms and students' lives in all aspects of academics and affective!

I agree that we must fix funding so that it is fair and adequate for all - teachers, families, and retired folks.

Susanne P.

I think our discount should also apply to sale items in these tough economical times.

Lack of funding and class sizes.

Looking professional is important to me. This opportunity is great for teachers in this harsh economic time to look great without hurting another part of our budget! Thanks Loft! Guerlene BK, N.Y.

 Poorly formed Class size ammendment, bad health care changes, low wages for all the hours we put in for America's future, NCLB needs serious tweeking, inclusion should not occur in extreme situations, and no parental or administrative support!  Just to name a few obvious issues we as educators deal with on a daily basis.

 Poorly developed class size amendment, NCLB needs serious tweeking, low wages for educating America's future, no parental or administrative support, inclusion should not be allowed in serious cases, and teacher's need to be shown more respect overall. Just to name a few issues...

by Marisa T.

This offer is extremely helpful to educator's, especially in the economic times. THANK YOU ANN TAYLOR LOFT !!!

by Marisa T.

The lack of support for new teachers is a grave concern. In California the BTSA program is somewhat helpful but it also creates a tremendous amount of work for new teachers. New teachers are often given the most challenging students and have to move to different classrooms. This is a sad mark for our profession. We need to nurture and support our new teachers better.

Thank you for your support Loft!!  

I agree.

Complacency:  everyone expects that if we continue to teach to tests, that we will raise a generation to exceed our standards and control our vices.  We have to face that filling in bubbles, and teaching to them, is not enough.  

I  love teaching, I love AnnTaylor Loft !!Happy To be a member!!!

I love teaching! (27 years) Meeting my students' needs is becoming more challenging each year.We need to support each other in order to be able to accomplish this important task. thanks for your support.

Aniko S.

THank you for creating such a support network

There is not enough being done for the students who are failing High School. More programs need to be implememnted for them early on so that the drop out rate goes down.

I feel that we are really losing students in Middle School...so many don't see purpose in what they're learning and don't enjoy learning.  Teachers need to be provided with adequate time and resources to help these students, and so often we're not!

Heather H.

All the demands on standardized tests are frustrating for teachers.  We basically have to teach for a test when so many students don't have basic skills mastered!  That's insane to me.  Many students are falling farther and farther behind because of this.  They go on to middle school and high school without knowing basic math and reading skills.

Patricia S.

Thanks for the support.

by Pat B

I agree with Susan B.  I've been in the field of education for 28 years (Elementary classroom teacher).  Bring back the sereneness of teaching!  Point blank!!!!

The Loft knows exactly how to dress teachers :)

Love your clothes

Finding a way to eliminated bad teachers (rather than keeping them on simply because they are tenured and fill a space) seems essential to me.  However, in order to eliminate bad teachers, we're going to have the raise salaries to attract good teachers.  The good teachers in our country are doing good work no matter how bad the circumstances; we just need more of them.

I find it frustrating how much data needs to be collected on students.  Testing, reading scores, math scores, etc.... It is unbelievable!

There are so many teachers that say there isn't enough funding -- in some parts of the country this is true, but in others there may not be a lot of funding, but its more a lack of using the resources and tapping out those resources that ARE available.  I do not agree with Mary F in full because its not always a lack of funding.  Also, Bridget R. - it's a horrific process to eliminate "bad" teachers because once they're tenured, they're in until something drastic would happen.  With our economy the way it is at this time the ability to attract good teachers may not be with money but rather with the benefits they will receive by their district and other such appealing extras.  We do need more teachers but there isn't money to hire them!  A horrible conundrum!

I teach Kinder but with the standards now I feel like I am teaching 1st grade.  They need time to play and socialize but with the curriculum there is hardly time to fit it in during the day.

The testing crackdown has forced some teachers to make more of an effort and stay on top of their organization, but it has also encouraged an obsession with minutiae and competition between students....the pay or punish corporate model doesn't play well with the philosophy of public education IMHO

I am an art teacher and I love your clothes!

I really like your clothes!

The problem we have in our school system is getting and keeping great Math and Science teachers in our high school. Also I teach at a K-2 campus and I absolutely love it. Would not trade what I do for anything.

I teach in a K-2 school and the class size makes so much difference.  Last year, I only had 18 second graders and next year, it's going to be 23. YIKES!

Really love the clothes!

The accountability issues believe we are working with robots and too often forget the human factors.  There are times when students are carrying way too much emotional baggage to actually perform well on test no matter how competent the teacher has been.

by Kim W.

I am a "K" teacher - and would love to see smaller classes

Last year I has 22 - and this year it looks like I might have even more!!!

I do love your clothes - and all the great sales!!!!

Vicky

I want to find sweater sets-Lezli

Smaller classes could really help in our at risk schools

Lack of funding

I have taught for 34 years and I am amazed at the poor parenting skills that are exhibited throgh my students.  Noone has taken the initiative to teach these children to sit still, to respect, to wait their turn, to listen to simple and complex directions and the list could go on. Of course, smaller class size would be wonderful, more money would be great but parental support and preparedness could make all the difference in the educational process.

I understand that the most important issue and that must be attended is to make the parents of the students responsible more in they reach to the improvement of the learning of the children in their houses and that if the school needs economic aid and of workforce(manpower) for repairs of the school these cooperate of some form.

Entiendo que la cuestión más importante y que debe ser atendido es el responsabilizar más a los padres de los estudiantes para que aporten al mejoramiento del aprendizaje de sus hijos en sus casas y que si la escuela necesita ayuda económica y de mano de obra para reparaciones de la escuela éstos cooperen de alguna forma.

To reach teaching goals from year to year, it is important to continually grow both professionally and personally.

I think the serious is the Educational cutting budget!!

by Wei-ting L.

I think it is a combination of many of the above issues. The challenge teachers face is to find a way to get more parent involvement, make the best out of the funding available, and find the resources they need to make sure their students can be successful.

thanks!

thanks! Love your cloths. by Marceen

We need a national set of teacher education standards.  Great teachers make the difference in kids' lives.

No Child Left Behind Act...what a great idea, however you are comparing apples and oranges. For example, you can not say that every student has the same opportunity in public schooling when wealthier districts with new buildings and technology (and parents who care) are compared with districts that have 90 plus percent of students on free and reduced lunch (with non-educated parents who are often living on welfare). I know that are job is very important, but we can only do with what we are given. When is the government going to have a No Child Left Behind program to hold all these kids parents accountable?

teacher layoffs equal larger classes and less time with struggling students.

Judy P.

I am glad that Special Ed students are in the main stream. By Jean W.

I believe early intervention is paramount to success in the classroom.  While I do think NCLB has questionable areas, I believe it has all educators rethinking teaching, assessment, and reteaching for student success in the forefront of why we do what we do in our classrooms.  We should be continuously looking for ways to enhance our teaching for all students.  Finding ways to do so, whether through funding or time spent in the classroom, to me, is a pressing issue.

Several people mentioned lack of parental involvement as a key issue. Parental involvement starts at home, when parents teach and model respectful and responsible behaviour. So many students are lacking these skills and make it difficult for teachers to teach and other students to learn.

To teach is to touch lives and inspire!

by Jessica L.

Consistency.  Our kids need to learn at home, at school, everywhere they go.  They need parents who follow through and work with them at home so they are ready at school.  Teachers and parents need to work together.

Our job is to inspire and facilitate learning. This begins with knowing your students. There is too much teaching to the test!  We "cover" materials with no depth. Learning can be engaging and rigorous at the same time!

A key issue in education is the constant belief that ALL children can learn and that ALL children can achieve. We need every teacher, parent and community member to be willing to put faith in every student, despite their economic status, race, ethnicity or religion. Every child should be our priority.

I think it is really easy to blame the laws or those who work above us. It is harder, however, to really take in what we can control in the 8 hours a day that we have kids. Focus on that time. The hours that we can inspire and influence children to become intelligent and productive members of society are the ones we need to concentrate on.

I'd like to think I teach the love of learning rather than just how to learn, or what's 2 + 2.  I think we can do our students a great service if we can teach them to be life long learners.

In many cases, lack of parental support and expectations.  Parents are often "concerned" about their child's grades, but do nothing at home make lasting changes.  I will see a child change for a week or two and then revert back to their old habits.

In many cases, lack of parental support and expectations.  Parents are often "concerned" about their child's grades, but do nothing at home make lasting changes.  I will see a child change for a week or two and then revert back to their old habits.

We need to stop teaching to the test and engage students in hands on learning. Our students "hear & forget, see & remember but they do and they understand". (Confucius)  The arts are so essential to student learning. If administration would stop treating it as just an activity or prep time we could really see some serious learning going on.

yes

After reading many of the comments on this site, there is nothing that I can add.  There is a lot of frustration out here, obviously, in this teaching profession.  We have the most important job in the world - educating the future - and we are underappreciated.  There is little respect for all we do.  This is apparent in how we are treated and how we are payed.

I agree with many of the comments above, however one of the most pressing needs is lowering the ratio of teacher to student.  Cases are once again growing to impossible high ratios, which means students will be left behind.  Also we need on site therapy services, too many of our students in the inner city are suffering from PTSD among other things. which we, as teachers, are not equiped to handle. Respect for all, meaning lower class sizes and support for all!

Teaching is a hard profession, but it also has its rewards.  I believe that every child, regardless of socio-economic status, race, or gender is entitled to be educated in a safe environment where the key concern is that not one, but all children excel to their greatest potential.   The key is financial support in all school districts, where every student in America has the same opportunity to attend schools that are updated with current technologies, supplies, textbooks, with staff members that are highly qualified with endless energy and motivation to help each students to become life long learners.  Without these, America is losing it's greatest assets.  Our children are our future and every citizen should embrace equal educational opportunities for all.

by Jamie E.

I don't think the general public has any idea how tough our profession is...thanks to The LOFT for giving us a break!

Everyone has such good thoughts, it is hard to know what to add...but for me, the most important thing has been professional growth to keep me passionate.  I have taught for over 25 years, and just last year made the switch from teaching World Languages at the high school level to teaching them to learners K-6.  I love it, and spent all of my summer so far getting the necessary cross-endorsement...which gave me more great ideas to bring to my teaching.  Teachers who are energized and competent are so much better prepared to deal with the challenged.  I want to take responsibility for that part of the equation I can control:  myself!

Deb S.

First, I would like to say Thank You to my favorite store.  I have always shopped Ann Taylor for myself and now I have my teenage daughter enjoying the wonderful clothes.

Education is one of our most complicated systems in America.  It is not like Math and has an exact answer.  I believe we try to do too much and require so much of our children at an early age.  Due to this, our children are spread too thin and don't really understand all that is presented to them.

The testing system is a joke.  I see so many students that are not succeeding in school, but can make a passing score on the state test.  Testing should not be the end result.

We need parents to take more of an active role in their child's education.  This could be question later:  What does an a parent who is active in their child's education look like?

Thanks so much for the affordable work clothes.

After reading everything already written it seems like we all feel the same thing, funding is HUGE.  But what I would love to see more of, is the students taking the responsibility for their own education.  Giving the students high expectations and expected them to perform there, and trying to get the parents to understand that that is what their child(ren) should be doing.  I have had way too many battles with parents about the fact that I am expecting their child to do too much.

Find inspiration and joy every day in your classroom!

Lack of funding.

Thanks for the savings.

Lack of parental involvement, No Child Left Behind, and parents not being held accountable for their child's education and actions.

by J. Solomon

It's an excellent mandate that lacks the funding in most economically challenged schools.  I greatly needs modification.

by Kimberly B.

For me-- It's balancing the paper work required of a sped teacher to the amount of time I actually get to spend with my students!

we need funding for technology

thanks so much

This is a great idea, Ann Taylor Loft!!!

We need continued support from parents and our districts to fund quality programs that meet the needs of our special needs population.

Smaller class size is important for productive classroom learning.

Smaller class size is important for productive classroom learning.

Lisa R

Thanks Ann Taylor

Julie

We are a high poverty, Title I school.  Our most pressing problem is making APY - we are showing significant gains each year, but when you start out so low, it's hard to get to the higher benchmarks in one year.

Thanks Ann Taylor for such affordable prices

The federal government should not set standards for which they do not provide funding.  Sandy W.

Smaller class sizes have the greatest impact on learning.

The most pressing issue in education today is that there is so much pressure to get the kids to perform, we are leaving behind the best methods to teach them. For example, in my strategic reading class, I am supposed to give them worksheets, etc to help them, rather then giving them a book they love and showing them why they want to read better in the first place!

This is a cool site.

Thanks Ann Tayler, best style for young women.

I feel that proper placement is essential to get the best education.

I believe that proper assessment is key.

I feel that proper assessment is key.

Small class sizes allow other things to happen...but are expensive.

All students can achieve.

We need to inspire all students so they can succeed in life!

We need to inspire all students every day

Parental support and invovlement is key.  Students need to be inspired at school and at home.

Funding!  Class size is increasing!  Cuts are being made to the arts which are just as vital to education.

Closing the achievement gap for English Language Learners.

by Donna O.

I think there are so many expectations, including moral and political ones that there is no way our educational system could pull it off. We need to refocus our goals, limit them to specific educational goals that are research backed, and leave out the political agendas.

No budget cuts, and more teaching positions!!!

District offices are overstaffed!

by Susan D.

Lack of adequate support for teachers.

The green movement that is flowing into the schools is the key to helping the children learn how to love and respect our earth. It is one of the most important lessons we can teach today's youth.

Anne V. C.

I agree we need more teachers positions

I agree we need more teachers positions

I agree teachers are understaffed

In our community it would be the lack of desire and participation from the Hispanic community as a whole.  We have so many illegal immigrants that don't even know how to read and write in their native language and then we are expected as high school teachers to teach them to read and write in English.  Growing problem that doesn't seem to be looked at or addressed.

Everyone should support education and respect teachers.  They are committed to teach and spend endless hours on and off the job because they love their students and believe that what they do will make a difference!  Thanks to The Loft for supporting our future in this positive way!

Beside the budget cuts, I think that teachers and parents should work together for the benefit of the child's education instead of blaming each other when there is a failure.

I really believe a large issue in education in California is the high student to teacher ratio...we also need a lot of parent support and at the high school level it is so often just not there--it takes a WHOLE community to raise a child!

Thanks to you, Loft for your support!

by Mary Ann

I feel that the nation faces a multitude of equally pressing issues concerning education.  Unfortunately, I do not see any great improvement on the horizon until school boards assist the districts in educatiing the parents with respect to the importance of children staying in school.  Additionally, the public needs to place a greater value on the education of our future leaders, nurses, physicians, bankers, accountants, etc., in an effort to recruit and keep a teaching force.  We must education the parents or the students will follow the beaten path in front of them.

I would like to add an addendum to my comment above, I feel that when a larger percentage of students begin graduating and entering college or employment, the public will begin to believe in our education system again.  Currently, so much of our student population in at risk schools see a cycle that can't be broken and they drop out thus repeating the cycle.  This will be a difficult cycle to break along with the many other problems that all teachers deal with on a CONSTANT basis.  If we could just convince everyone that education works and is an investment in our future then we would all benefit.

I truly believe that the breakdown of the family unit is the most pressing issue facing education today. Parents are being children and children are being parents.

THANKS FOR THE SAVINGS

Thanks from all the teachers in the state of Ma.

thanks

Thanks!

Thanks!

Thanks for appreciating our work through the savings

Thanks for appreciating our work through the savings!

by Jamie P of Upland, CA

Thank you so much for your support!

I teach in New York City, where class sizes are too large and students do not have enough resourses, to compete with their peers, from the suburbs. Thank you to Ann Taylor for treating our profession with such respect; and much needed savings on style!

Lisa W.

Thank you.

Teaching to the standards and not so much for the love of teaching.  Thank you for your support.  I know the teachers really appreciate it!  dm

The demand that more and more be taught, while still having to teach it all to "mastery" level because of NCLB.

Meeting the individual needs of our students.

Meeting the needs of our diverse populations and getting parents to work with us and not against us at times.

DLB

The focus is more on the student's measured success on standardized testing. The students are expected to perform; however, as teachers we are not always given adequate support, training, or resources that would enable us to better educate our students.

Lack of parental involvement

Teach children to believe themselves.  

Lack of support. Rosie G.

Promote positive self-esteem.

NCLB.  It sets up schools to fail.

Need support systems put into place for teachers and students which takes money.  Something most counties around the U.S are having a hard time finding during these difficult economic times.

Lack of funding for schools and students.

Teachers are a core part of our future leaders!

Attempting to close the academic gap between those high achievers and the students that face difficult challenges

by Melody G.

All of the hoops that you have to jump through and over to get struggling students the extra help/resources that they really need.

I agree with Rosemary. As a Special Education teacher, I feel that this is an issue that many don't recognize aside from those working closely with struggling students. I also feel that the accomplishments of many struggling students go unnoticed far too often, usually because a large accomplishment for them may be "average" performance for their peers.

Thank you!

I do not see money as an issue although I feel like it is in many places. I feel "No Child Left Behind" is a huge mistake, because  I see our teachers teaching to the test!  I feel like we should stick to the basics and what our country was founded on!  Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic in the elementary level is vital!

We should stay focused and set goals high for our students.

Dawna N.

NCLB is a huge issue in education.  As always, even though it is a good law as far as preparing students for the next year, as with any law there are loop holes that do not allow NCLB to be effective.

Wendy

In the type of district that I am in, the biggest issue is the sense of entitlement by the students and parents. Instead of being excited to discover and learn about new topics, students can sit back and do as little as they wish. This is because their parents will go ballistic if their child receives a low grade and the adminstrators do whatever the parents tell them to do.

I am a teacher of over 30 years. During my career I have seen the education system change.  Some for the better and a lot in a declining manner.  Programs are put into place that are suppose to benefit students and no consideration is given to the specific need of students. I commend programs like this that have the students needs at heart.

I think the lack of funding for special education and the reactive approach vs. being proactive.

Lack of funding; we spend a large portion of our time budgeting and "penny pinching", instead of just getting what is needed for the best education.

DITTO on the lack of funding.  Last year we were told in January that we could not make any more copies at our school. I teach 8th grade, and sometimes students really need a hard copy!  Our district ran out of money, and even though I had not reached my quota of copies, I was cut off. I had about 20 students who did not have computers or Internet at home, so I started making copies for them at home. I used at least $100 worth of ink on my home printer.  We have teachers who cannot afford to make copies at home for their students.  Telling middle school children to copy everything from the Promethean board is very time consuming and takes away from the teaching time.  Nonetheless, I LOVE my job and will continue to teach future leaders inspite of the lack of support.

All of the comments are certainly worthy--one which I am concerned about is the number of teachers who will be leaving the profession in the next five years due to retirement and the lack of highly qualified individuals who are ready to tackle all of the limiting issues (salaries, funding, class sizes, incompetent adminitration, to name a few).

Another issue is the lack of attention to highly gifted/talented students who are not being served because of the focus on low achieving students.

Ellen

Thanks for appreciating teachers...we need the support.

I'd have to say that it is most important for our country to find a way to level the playing field in math, science, and technology education.

Too much pressure/demanding curriculum, pushing, and teaching to the test and not enough time for play, creativity, and focusing on the true meaning of teaching to our students! That's what they deserve!

Students coming to school with baggage they shouldn't be. Kids becoming grown-ups when they should be kids. I have several students who are in upper elementary grades and they are responsible for taking care of multiple younger brothers/sisters/cousins, they are becoming the parents. Many families are struggling to put food on the table and have a roof over their heads to have enough time to parent.

Higher education needs funding to help support the influx of young adults entering college looking for careers that will help shape their future.

Lack of state funding seems to be the biggest problem facing us here in Arizona, and even as a whole our nation isn't spending the money it should on education. That should be the last area they make budget cuts in, yet it always seems to be the first.

Constantly changing the math curriculum and the way the county wants it to be taught plus too many added on textbooks for support material to get used to the new way and covering all of the designated material with too many in a class

I teach special education 2nd and 3rd grade. I think state testing at this level is devastating to our students, especially our special ed students and the lower achieving students who have not been identified. They are already two or three grade levels behind so it is a waste of time for them and myself.

Patricia P.

support higher education and academic freedom

dc

Most problems seem to develop out of the needs the children have.  Not all needs can be fixed by government bills.  I think teachers need to get to know their students to be able to help them learn the way they learn instead of the way we teach.  by H.C.  

Lack of funding is a top problem in education today.  Especially for those schools in low income neighborhoods whose parents can't afford to buy the things schools are not providing nor can they pay for outside programs (like art and music) that often get cut.  Aida S.

I believe getting children to exceed their own (and teacher) expectations is a difficult issue in many schools.

Thank you

Thanks for your support!

Finally, some appreciation!

Health education affects not only the quality of life for students but the ability to attend and learn today as well as in their future. In the bigger picture it affects our health care system and how we all will be able to access health care in our future. We can fuss all we want to about testing and standards but if students are not receiving basic health care (safety,nutrition, sleep, and basic preventative care),; they will not be able to go forward. Why is this such a difficult concept for education to comprehend? Imagine if tomorrow all the educators were not covered for  any health care and did not get regular meals, sleep and lived in an unsafe environment. How could a teacher with vision problems teach if she/he did not have eye glasses to see the tests,computor,board and books?

It's so nice to feel appreciated. Thus, let me thank you for carrying comfortable, stylish, easy-to-wear, PROFESSIONAL SIZE 0 clothing. The styles you carry enable me to go from the collegiate classroom to a children's autism summer camp without batting an eye. Thank you.

This is awesome...thanks for supporting teachers...and helping us look great!

The achievement gap is by far the most pressing issue in education today. It's about providing ALL students with a great education, not just the ones who can afford it.

Thanks for the support!!!

Thanks for helping out.

Great!!!!

The biggest challenge is meeting the needs of all our students while facing limited budgets, cuts, and the like.

Thank you!

Thank you...

Thank you for helping us to look professionl and carry O sizes I'm petite and sometimes is hard for me to get clothes that really fit me well. THANKS!!!!

by Marce. M.

Thank you for helping us to look professionl and carry O sizes I'm petite and sometimes is hard for me to get clothes that really fit me well. THANKS!!!!

by Marce. M.

I agree with all of the issues that were mentioned, but I particularly think the No Child Left Behind is a bill that sets both students and teachers up for failure.

Thanks for having such great clothes.

Kathreen M.

Due to testing restraints and the NCLB the arts are also suffering.

More money needs to come from the federal government.  NCLB should be amended; Assess students to determine who needs more help; not which schools should be punished.  My students all come from trailer homes, and low-income housing.  Most parents are struggling to keep jobs, or are in jail, or absent from their children's lives.  My students need to enter a well-maintained building with plenty of resources.  This is not the case. Priorities are not focused on the young learner as they should be.  It all comes down to money.

Thank you!

Our students are at great disadvantage during this time. They are the ones being affected by mistakes that apparently well educated people made due to greedy.

by Maria K.

Thanks...

There should be more classical adopted books with exercises for our ESL students.

There should be more adopted classical books with exercises for our ESL students. Class size is essential for their success.

Thank you.

By Sophia N.

Classroom sizes need to be kept reasonable.  In order to be most effective, a teacher needs a manageable number of students.

Meeting the social and emotional needs of my students, while trying to meet all of the standards the state requires of me. There certainly needs to be accountability and some form of standardization throughout the state, but sometimes those standards are so demanding, the real needs of our students get neglected.

NCLB- kids are taught to take tests, not to think.

Kahootz is a great animation program for kids with a free demo for teachers online at www.kahootz.com.

Job cuts!  Seniority is not always good but for good teachers it should make a big difference and it doesn't!

Anne R.

Than you.

Ilia Lopez

Motivating students to learn intrinsically rather than for extrinsic rewards.

Too much testing!! We train our kids for the state tests all year because we are worried about the accountability. Third graders taking 60 question tests in each subject area is the way to measure how well I taught all year? Silly.

Thanks!

Curriculum that is not taught to mastery learning, leaving  youth to move on with inadequate skills.

With 28 kids in the classroom, it is difficult to teach to each child's learning style and level.  While trying to catch other kids up, the accelerated learners are at a disadvantage; they often end up working independently.

No comment

I am alarmed by the number of people saying more money needs to be spent.  Throwing money at a problem does not solve problems.  Take a look at how much money is being spent OUT of the classroom.  That is where the problem lies.  Also, the cap. for teachers is crazy.  Teachers should NOT be making upwards of $90,000 per month, especially when you consider that we work about half of the year.  And who is complaining about 29 students??  Try 34!  NCLB should be changed to NTLS... no teacher left sane!!!  The students who ultimately suffer are those most likely to snag the higher jobs (lawyers, doctors, engineers etc. Since NCLB, our GATE programs have sucked!).

by Smartie McSmartieton

When Teachers can speak their minds, collaborate together (sharing ideas and teaching philosophies), and truly be heard by those making the crazy laws...then that will be the change education needs!

Parental involvement.

Thank you!

No comment.

Parent and community involvement.  

Erin

Waco, TX

I think 21st century learning is a pressing issue.  We need to find ways to incorporate authentic learning experiences into our classrooms to help prepare our students for future jobs that don't exist yet.  Let's be honest, the days of students working largely in factories are gone.  Social and intellectual capital are quickly becoming economic drivers.  We have to produce students who are creative and critical thinkers to maintain our prominence internationally, or we will be left behind.

by Amanda

Canton, OH

Unfortunately I echo my colleagues, lack of funding!

The apathy of parents, students and community for the value of education make it difficult to get and keep kids excited about their own learning. It is just something that have to do until they are able to really do what they want. Paula M

I love teaching.I learn more from my students than they learn from me.

7th Special Education

speel

Teaching is a blessing!!

sp

No comment!

by Sherrie P.

State Testing should be better looked into as far as the reading levels!

Thanks,

Sp

Thanks,

Sp

Thank you for supporting teachers.  I appreciate any contributions to my classroom that enhances the learning of my students. They are why I am here.

Businesses like Loft need to be supported so that they can continue to support us.

Mary J.

Karen S. had it right!  Lack of funding is the number one biggest issue facing education.  Increased teacher accountability and DECREASED student/parent accountability makes us both frustrated AND poor!

wonderful

I have been teaching for many years, but  new to the system I am currently employed and I have noticed a lot of wasted materials.  Adoption of new materials or changing the old when there is not a need, is a wast of money.  We could make better use of our  funds.

Marie G.

I'm excited to be returning to education after taking a sabbatical to be home with my small children! Lots of changes in 10 years!

I firmly believe we are loosing our children before we even have given them a chance to succeed!  In the Elementary schools, we are teaching a little on a lot of subjects instead of teaching a LOT on a few subjects.  We need to go back to the basics, teach the fundamentals and forget all of the extras until they have mastered the basics of reading and writing and basic math.  

I say pressure from No Child Left Behind. In the next few years, almost every school in the country will be labeled as a SCHOOL IN NEED.  There is NO WAY that 100% of any subgroup will meet expectations.  I think the govt. needs to realize that special ed. students qualify as special ed. students for a reason.  Govt. can't "require"  these students to develop at the same rate as other students because they AREN'T like other students. If they were, they wouldn't need special ed.services. These students need the gift of time.  Childhood should be a journey NOT a RACE.  Pressure and money from the govt. is NOT what these children need.  I'm so tired of the tears and frustration from students when taking these "High Stakes" test. My heart goes out to them.  by MLL

The economy is presenting a huge problem to teachers in Alabama.  Due to proration, we are getting no curriculum supply money this year, and there is little money for anything else either.

Katherine (AL)

With all the 21st century advances, we have lost the focus; from learning to achievement (test). We are struggling to compete with outside influences, but I think we can use those technological advancements to our advantage in the classrooms. Cell phones, mp3, internet, digital products, etc can assist with engaged learning in the classrooms. Our students are bored to death!!! Therefore not learning for life but just for  the moment….

In an effort to meet the increasing needs of children, due to less parent contact and involvement and increasing special needs within the classroom setting, teachers are often bogged down by paperwork, meetings, and testing.  There seems to be less time to actually TEACH and focus on the students.  By testing constantly, students are feeling test anxiety and teachers do not have time to address the weaknesses and skill gaps that are apparent on the tests!

I would say the most pressing issue I have had experience with in my school is poverty...Many parents do not have jobs or have recently lost jobs...Our economy has finally caught up with edcuation too...Many programs are not going to be funded anymore and that affects our students who needed the assistance from many local agencies...I hope this recession is on the downhill side.

I love teaching!!!

Funding is the biggest problem in the district I work in.    We are a working class community and many families are out of work and or struggling to meet basic needs.   The tax levies are failing as the people can not afford the increases.   This in turn is causing  budget cuts in the form of staff and program cuts.   Families with means are pulling their children out of the public schools and choosing private schools or are just moving to communities with more stability.   We need to have a better way of funding our schools.

I love teaching and the rewards it can bring. I do believe government is out of touch what really happens inside a classroom on a daily basis. I feel those who make decisions for teachers do not consider that we work with children, who have feelings, needs wants, and to judge them (and us)  based on numbers is the opposite of quality education.

by Mary L.

Frustrating issue?  I feel it is teacher's that accept status quo.  Keep going to school and keep learning!

Weak parental support

Lack of funding and too many students in a classroom.  We need more money to be put into education so that we can fund government mandates and provide teachers with the support that will allow them to differentiate for the readiness of each student.

It's nice to see a store care about teachers

Brittani

The most pressing issue today is the PSSA testing. It's ruining classrooms!

Brittani

The most pressing issue today is the PSSA testing. It's ruining schools.

Brittani

I believe it is a combination or many issues.  Perhaps the most pressing issue is the lack of respect and apathy towards education from ALL pf society.  Funding, breakdown of traditional family (and total parental support), lack of teacher training in technology and unreasonable mandates are also contributing factors to the dire situation we face in educating today's child.  But, I just love the challenge!

MBurke

More funding and smaller class sizes. Districts should stick to curriculum and materials that work for their student population and not jump on the band wagon simply because something works for another district. We shouldn't feel like we're teaching to the state tests if the curriculum provided is already standards-based.

There is a need to have accountability fore teachers...I think this was the intended purpose of the PSSA's and the NCLB; however, we are losing sight of what's most important- teaching our children to truly learn and gain understanding versus learning how to take a test!

equitable funding

More help and plans for special education and inclusion.

It is a challenge to inspire students to learn. I teach both adults and K - 8 and there is so much pressure to achieve high grades that students are more concerned with "what is my grade" than what they are learning.

It is very frustrating for me to see excellent teachers being let go because they do not yet have tenure and other teachers, who lack a strong work ethic kept on because they do have tenure.  There has to be a better way to evaluate the teachers in a school.

More help for students who are anxious or depressed, special education students, gifted students, and ELL students. Better teacher/student ratio.  better way to evaluate teachers than tenure.

I think public schools need more parent involvement.

Teachers need to be more patient!  If your students are not understanding, we need to remember that WE could be the problem.

Jackie (way at the beginning of the comments)   As a fellow Catholic school teacher, I am appalled that you don't know the difference between "your" and "you're," nor know where apostrophes should be placed.  No wonder Catholic schools bear the brunt of criticism from the public sector!!  Review your grammar, punctuation, and spelling.  How awful to send your students into the real world with horrendous grammar/spelling skills.  WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE -- or even before that -- TO HIGH SCHOOL?!!  Awful...  And woefully embarrassing:(  Your post is horrific!!!!!  THAT'S what's wrong with education today -- basic skills have become a thing of the past.  I am 62 years old, a high school math teacher, but infintely more qualified in grammar than  you are, Jackie.  Nasty...

We should always remember that children come first!

Mary W.

This forum should not be a platform for bashing people.  I find your comments NASTY.

Wow Mary W., I am appalled by your tongue!  Read James 3:6 again.  May the Lord Bless you and pour his wisdom, and peace into your heart!

by a child of Christ  

I think this is great that Ann Taylor Loft is showing their appreciation!

Our schools need more community support.

-

Thank you for supporting the school system...every little bit helps!

I have to agree with Maria and Margarita.  This is a great way to show support for each other.  

i've been in schools a long time.  Although i have always found those fellow teachers who give 110 % there was a great lack of accountability which has now began to turn.  This can continue wihtout loosing student accountability!  I find that where I work one of our biggest issues is the lack of student accountability by their parents!  This trend of parents avoiding taking a stand and confronting their children is causing a great deal of dysfunction and affects the work that we can do.   By theway, i just joined and feel this is a great site!

I think lack of funding and the lack of parental support! I feel teachers must have public support! Thank you Ann Taylor Loft for your recognition!

Debra T.

NBCT

Florida

I agree the public schools should support the communities they represent and working  together we will have a brighter future for our children.

Thank you for the support we all need to help where we can and when we can to give back!!!

by Janet Skydel

All I can say is AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! There are so many valid points made on this website. It should be called to the attention of our Governor....among others.

NCLB is ineffective.

Hiring teachers without certifications is counterproductive.

J in NY

thanks to all the great teachers making a difference this year!

I am so glad we have the wonderful people in the world who are willing to make a difference in someone's life!

Our schools are full of good people......we call them TEACHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

but we need help....we can't do it alone....we need more involvement from:

Parents; Chancelor; Mayor and all officials that have a say in the school system. Most of all we need the involvement of the STUDENT make them accountable!!!! Stop stiffiling the teachers!! Let us teach the children in peace....give us the tools and allow us to do our part!!!! Trust that you did a good job in hiring us!!!

Filter the bad 'apples' and help us to stop drop outs, thus help us to prevent teen crime!!!!!! Give us more resources for our children! Give us more programs for our children instead of more jails!!!

Help us to break the cycle of 'product of enviromental disfunctional children!!!!!' Give them an output.

I love what I do but it angers me that my hands are tied from what I would like to do!!!!!

Michelle L.

Teaching is a third career for me and, in all aspects, the most fulfilling.  The hardest obstacle to overcome is the lack of interest in some parents.  Teachers can only do so much in the time they have with students; parents need to prepare their children for school by teaching self-discipline and social skills.

From my perspective as a teacher today, the most pressing issue facing our education system is the lack of standardized education and testing. While there may be various teaching methods the standard of a particular grade level should be measured across the board.

Teaching is a VERY rewarding career!  I think one issue that bothers me is seeing teachers who have been teaching for a long time that don't get it their all, because their tenured.  I understand over the years, things can become routine.  However, I think that our students need us to give 100% of ourselves, even when we've been teaching for more years than our students been on this earth!  :-)

sd

I love being a teacher and witness their growth everyday.

by Carmen A.

Although I love teaching, I think that  :

NCLB= no teacher left standing. unrealistic expectations for teachers and students.

I love teaching, but I really miss it being about the children. Now the focus is paperwork, test scores, EVERY student being on the same level, etc. If I can't teach my students without "teaching the test", then I need to find a new career!

I love teaching and I was named "Teacher of the Year" for the 2009-10 school year.

by Shun B.

Kindergarten teachers in the 8th largest school district in the nation  are treated as glorified babysitters !

I think that it is kids not wanting to be there and learn. They just want to have a place to go to feel safe, and yes this is important but their families should help them care about their studies as well.

A pressing issue is competing for the students attention- they would rather be texting or listening to their i-pods. I enjoy being in the classroom but I feel as though we are currently teaching a rather disrespectful generation. Everything comes down to the teacher- students (not all of them) do not want to take responsibility.

I usually look forward to starting a new year.  So far, not yet.

Society must place a greater value on education and regard it as a  priviledge.  In this way, all will place more value on the educational system.  Teachers need the support of parents and the greater community.

One pressing issue facing our educational sytem today is the lack of proper and adequate discipline enforcement by parents, school administration and their superiors.  Children need to be know that they will be held accountable for their actions in oder to become good contributing citizens.  

Teaching high school math is my second career and I just love it!

Our primary goal in education needs to shift the emphasis from high stakes testing used to determine how our students are learning to smaller class sizes and more hands on active participation.

I'd have to agree the most pressing issue as of right now would be No Child Left Behind.

Deb

Students should always come first.  We need to do our best daily to teach them, support them, and fund them.  Our society must place a greater value on the students and the teachers that teach them.

The biggest issue in the public school system I think teachers face is having students learn just the standards and teaching students "to the test"  as oppose to using other forms of teaching methods and styles to stimulate critical thinking and learning. Also funding and supprot for teachers is a major issue.

I'm looking forward to the new school year, but I wish we could simply teach our children without the pressure of meeting state test requirements.,..

Lack of funding and parent support.

L.Leyva

Teaching to the TEST!!! We're no longer teaching human beings, we are proctors filling testing scenarios with mechanical respondents. It's infuriating. Hand-in-hand with this problem is the attitude by administrators and parents alike that an educator is not a trained professional like any other...attorney, physician, educator, CPA, MBA. We are professionals in psychology, adolescent development, discipline, parenting, in ADDITION to our specialty and expertise in a chosen field. If we were paid commiserate with the 60-80 hr workweeks we actually teach, we would received the type of respect due the profession.

Teaching to the TEST!!! We're no longer teaching human beings, we are proctors filling testing scenarios with mechanical respondents. It's infuriating. Hand-in-hand with this problem is the attitude by administrators and parents alike that an educator is not a trained professional like any other...attorney, physician, educator, CPA, MBA. We are professionals in psychology, adolescent development, discipline, parenting, in ADDITION to our specialty and expertise in a chosen field. If we were paid commiserate with the 60-80 hr workweeks we actually teach, we would receive the appropriate respect due the profession.

The economy impacts education: larger class size, supplies, support staff, etc.  This will be a challenging school year.

CHL

Many students have very little interest to learn. School is merely an inconvenience for them.

Most pressing issue facing our children today is the lack of respect and  regards to authority, including parents and teachers and other adults. Not only am I a teacher to teach, but I am a model to my students as well.

All children can learn. Regardless of race ,sex and or economic status. I'm teaching at one of the most poverty stricken areas in Arkansas and my students scored above the State's AYP. So a word of encouragement, even though we are underpaid, overworked and feel less appreciated with the stress of us making the grades. We are WINNERS! The No Child Left Behind laws is our problem in education, we are teaching the test! Students to me are missing out on so MUCH! due to use teaching the test so our schools and our names aren't labeled failures. I'm all for accountability but the laws are taking away the enjoyment in it.

The depersonalization of the educational process. Students are people not merely test scores.  When we treat them as statistics or potential scores, we disrespect their existence as human beings.  

Making schools more accountable is welcome -- relying on isolated tests and data alone is not fair and scares off the most committed teachers.  Schools on the verge of failing are the very schools who need our very best teachers and need cheerleading, not berating, for their kids.

Lack of funding.

Parents who don't do their job- be a parent, not a friend to your children!!!

Hi, everyone.

Training teachers to meet all students needs.

No Child Left Behind.

I believe the most pressing issue facing education today is there are not enough of parents involved in education. I work at a low socioeconomic school and these students are faced so many issues. They do not have good living conditions at home, they have low self-esteem , and they feel education is not important. I believe if parents get more involved, the academic success of students will improve.

by Shun B.

Great for work

I agree with G.G. above.  Children's personal interests need to be understood and cultivated.

NCLB

NCLB

NCLB and paperwork related to SPED. students regarding NCLB

Lack of support!  A lack of financial support for the mandates set forth by the government (NCLB), lack of support from administration, and lack of support from parents and the community.

NCLB

Trying to make an impact on a child's life while following the days schedule.

Kindergarteners are even being tested now!  How do they expect us to spend 45mins to an hour with each student three times a year on this assessment?  We are supposed to have 4-5 year olds in their independent centers by day 6 of the school year!?  Obviously who ever came up with this has never stepped foot into the classroom!

I think that two of the most pressing issues are extremely large class sizes and lack of funding.

NCLB and funding.

The NCLB act and funding

Teaching to the test. New York State Standards and Regents.

All focus is on the test, not on things the students will actually need to know in life. Who needs to know what a gerund is??

NCLB

NCLB, Funding, State Standards, Paperwork for Special Education Teachers

Funding, state standards and testing (like Karen C. says, "Teaching to the test").

Lack of funding - NCLB. Classroom sizes!!!!

I am a first year special education teacher, super excited for the new school year!

funding, setting up a classroom on a budget

This is the start of my 13th year of teaching and never did I think that education would be hurting this badly for money. And that our Governer would take money out of her own teacher's pockets to straighten out the budget!!!!!

i love being a teacher, but it is truly difficult to feed my family on just my income.  we are facing pay cuts [retro-active pay cuts, no less], increased class size, increased accountability with decreased financial support -- instead of worrying about how well my students are learning to love learning, i am fearful that a desk will fall apart and how will i replace it so no-one will have to sit on the floor again?!?!  our 21st century learner goals are funded with cake and cookies and a 'you better do well on this, or else...'.  like i said, i love being a teacher.  it frustrates me that i must be a politician, detective, accountant, nutritionist, and pessimist on top of it all.  good think my love for my students is stronger than all the rest of it!

Great clothes for your work as a teacher!

Great!

Remedial services have been cut in our district due to lack of funding. These services offered remedial students small group instruction that was vital to their success.

I love the clothes and the prices are similar to other stores I like.

Teaching is exciting even after 20 years.  The challenge for me is classes that are not balanced in behavior, language and academics.  The "so called -POPULAR teachers" get the easier students based on parent complaints...um, requests.

Thank you for thinking about the teachers!

I Love Ann Taylor, Thanks for supporting teachers.

Thank you for supporting teachers!!!! Our biggest challenge is making students take responsibility for their learning. It is a teachers job to teach, but it is a students responsibility to learn. Learning is an action verb!

Thanks so much for thinking of us!

This is great!  Thanks, Loft!

Loft, Thank you for recognizing Our Leaders! Our Teachers =)

Thank you for supporting teachers.

by Jill