ב"ה
Wednesday, 26 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 6, 2024

A Question to the Teacher

From the COLlive Inbox: Before she sends her children back to school after the snow break, a Crown Heights mother has a few questions for the teacher. Full Story

Hungarian President Hosts Chabad

Next Story »

Young Israel to Host Schonbuch

Subscribe
Notify of
83 Comments
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
To #82
January 4, 2011 1:16 pm

Well said about some circles not being aware of the extensive (years of) training public school teachers receive and the debt and personal sacrifice these educators take on to work with children and their families. Believe me, the frum educational institution is taking notes from the methods of secular pedagogy – the science of educating children. Can you blame them? There are some excellent teaching methods being researched and applied with great results. Of course, like with anything, the extent of success achieved is determined greatly by who is using and receiving it. In all, it’s like the concept of… Read more »

To #47
January 4, 2011 9:16 am

I have several issues with your letter. First of all, there is validity in #37’s comparison of teachers with doctors. I would argue with my doctor if I felt he wasn’t doing a good job, had a lousy bedside manner, or made a wrong diagnosis. I’m paying for a service, I should be getting the best. The same goes for my child’s education, both religiously and secularly. If I’m paying tuition, I deserve to get the best for my money. Also, who says doctors or goyische public school teachers operate without emotion? A comment like that shows a real lack… Read more »

I think...
January 3, 2011 8:49 pm

number 75 was a joke. not in very good taste I admit yet still a joke. One that if you look at objectively can seem sorta funny. I chuckled and I AM a teacher, and a good one at that.

To # 72
January 2, 2011 8:30 pm

I would NEVER want to teach you precious Tzaddikim, only Malochim could fulfill your job discription. And I am one of those that LOVE the classroom, and care tenderly for my PRECIOUS charges! Year after year.

To #73 & # 75
January 2, 2011 5:02 pm

I am a Rebbe – maybe your son’s.

After reading #73 I became upset, which is out of character.

But after reading # 75 – I WAS HURT. VERY HURT!!

How dare you???

to 63 from LA MOM
January 2, 2011 4:41 pm

thank you for caring. because of what i went through i NEVER allow bullying of any type in my classroom or on the yard.

LA MOM,to #72
January 2, 2011 3:56 pm

your lack of appreciation is breath taking. really, if you know so much more about chnuch then all the mechanchim who teach your tzadikim,i suggest you home school. PS,it is up to you to teach your tzadikim that life doesn’t always give you100’s and that you have to deal with that and lot’s of other disappointment in life.protecting your children from every diffuculty only makes them emotionally crippled and tottaly reliant on you.

To #75
January 2, 2011 1:38 am

1- A lifetime of experience.
2- not 2 1/2 months paid vacation – just a salary spread over the full year.
3- we start teaching while your commuting…
4- what breaks are you referring to? the ones spent grading tests?
5- and mainly – most of us chose teaching as a way to make a deference and are very offended by your comment.

P.S. if there is a specific teacher it was meant for, send it privately to them, don’t post it publicly and cause some dedicated teachers to feel hurt, and thus diminishing their drive.

Job Wanted
December 31, 2010 4:23 pm

I am seeking a job.

I have no experience or training.

I need a full annual salary, but need 2 1/2 months of paid vacation.

The job must be within walking distance to my house – I don’t want to spend time and money travelling to work.

I also expect tips, gifts and complements for being employed at this job.

I need a few breaks during the day besides a lunch hour.

The only offers I got so far which satisfy this description was to be a teacher/rebbe.

Any other offers????

a shlucha
December 31, 2010 4:18 pm

As a Shlucha in an obscure country, my children are with me all the time, and I love it and know how to do everything I have to do, too. When I last visited my parents in the summer, it was the week between school and camp, and all my freinds were complaining. I couldnt believe it! I am so comfortable with the knowledge that I am with my children all the time, that when I do send them to babysitters or playdate type co-ops programs, I cant bear it and actually miss them the whole time, even though I… Read more »

FYI #45
December 31, 2010 2:22 pm

ADD is not developed, rather revealed in certain settings. Usually school, possibly more likely in a bad classroom. Part of ensuring your child is not ‘set up for failure’ is equipping them the the proper morals and behaviors that should be present in a classroom, particularly Derech Eretz. Its virtually impossible to teach a successful in a room that lacks complete decorum. That is the education that begins at home. Its very easy to point fingers and shift blame. Before any parent belittles a teacher, especially in front of their child, they should try to find the exact source of… Read more »

All Teachers MUST Read This
December 31, 2010 2:19 pm

I have two children in “the system”. My two precious little tzadikim are entrusted to morahs, rebbees and teachers. I ask of them to treat my diamonds with gentleness and sensitivity, giving them a love for chassidishkeit and yiddishkeit. I don’t care if my child knows an extra posuk or another Tosfos – in the larger scheme of life, it really doesn’t matter! When you mark their quizzes or test, there is no need to be nit-picking. If they get a 99 1/2 %, why not be a “sport” and give them a 100% and make them feel geat?? The… Read more »

To # 62
December 31, 2010 11:38 am

How dare you? How many teachers do you think take a job only for the money (that, in itself is a contradiction) and how many do you think stay in chinuch for lack of something better to do? I have been in the profession for over 30 years and continue to take courses, read and learn in order to do a better job. Shame on you and all the other self righteous people who have no idea what being teacher really involves. #60 only touches on what a commitment it really is. I think that all of the negative commentators… Read more »

#29
December 30, 2010 11:44 pm

TOTALLY FUNNY!

a thank you card doesnt cost!!
December 30, 2010 11:36 pm

dont complain and decide if chanuka gelt is a bribe or not- writing a note to your childs teacher doesnt cost a thing!

Teacher and Parent
December 30, 2010 11:11 pm

I find one of the biggest issues I face as a teacher is when parents leave it up to the school to teach their kids discipline, derech eretz, middos tovos etc. and they only ‘reinforce’ (if we’re lucky)!!! If you break up your child’s awake hours YOU the parent spends more time with them than the teacher (don’t forget weekends and vacations) YET most parents expect the teachers to teach them all their ‘life lessons’ and the parents to only ‘REINFORCE’ them. Your child’s life is not only school. A child needs to know how to behave at home and… Read more »

Teaching SHOULD be the highest paid profession
December 30, 2010 10:49 pm

There is no doubt that we live in a society where things should be different, mainly that teaching should be the highest paid profession. Teachers should be proud to say that they are teachers and not have people roll their eyes and feel like it was their last resort or that they couldn’t succeed at anything else. If all the eye rolling would change simply because of how much a person is paid, then there is no doubt that teachers should be paid the most!! But since we live in this society where things really should be different, the best… Read more »

Bnos Menachem
December 30, 2010 9:35 pm

go BM! we had Hot Cocoa and danishes waiting for us bright and early! it was a really nice greeting when we walked into school and deffinetly put us into a good mood! Thank you mr. feldman!
-A BMHS Student

Shlichus
December 30, 2010 9:32 pm

I personally could tell you which teachers taught because they needed a job and which teachers were given over to th rebbe and thats why they were teaching…the teachers that taught as a shlichus CHANGED my life! and helped me become who i am today and i THANK them very much for that! now i am in this field myslef i view everything i do as shlichus an dim trotaslly given over to the Rebbe’s kinder

as a Parent and Teacher
December 30, 2010 9:29 pm

Newsflash to teachers : I love my children. I do not send them to you to babysit. I thoroughly enjoyed my kids at home -yes, with one bathroom in my house! Was there ever an arguement, someone crying or disagreements, mess and more mess? YES. Big deal. This is life and B”H we have these precious children!!!! Chanukah Gelt: As a teacher I know how much appreciation means to me BUT Chanukah time is not easy on any parent. Some children have 3 teachers, some 2 etc. and some 1. Whatever the case is, you are not the only teacher… Read more »

to 52
December 30, 2010 9:08 pm

52

“when i was a kid,my parents listened to the teachers,period,even when i was being relentlessly bullied.”

I am so sorry to hear that:( you probably needed more support then that!!!

Ludicrous
December 30, 2010 7:03 pm

How utterly dumb can a person be to compare a doctor, who went thru years of medical school, to an Ot teacher who took the job bec he needed something that required no prior training…

Is the teacher meant to be the stepfather & stepmother?
December 30, 2010 6:43 pm

I’m teaching for 12 years+ and I find the major obstacle to be not disagreement of how to reach the goal, but rather what your goal is for the end product to look like. Others send their children for pure babysitting wanting a child to come out “loving yiddishkeit”, i.e. loving jewish food cholent & latkes & a love for jewish music meaning goiyeshe music with yiddishe words attached to them with a “Hasidic” singer performing like a goy from the Franklin ave. subway. To the other extreme you have the parent wanting the child to grow a true chosid… Read more »

OMG
December 30, 2010 6:32 pm

once student, now teacher (not yet mother) and until i started teaching i had no idea everything that had to go in it! i come home so drained at the end of the day i can hardly be called living my life to its fullest. thank you for your vote of confidence

#4 wrote the perfect response!
December 30, 2010 6:24 pm

I think this article is insensitive and for the most part baseless. You seem to have thought up an idea but is this what you find happening in schools? For the most part not. As much as teachers may enjoy snow days (and they should!!) they teach your kids and put many hours into their Chinuch, most teachers i know enjoy what they’re doing and put lots of energy etc into it!! i won’t deny that teachers who teach b/c they can’t do anything else but they are few and far in between!! It’s alot of work to prepare and… Read more »

FACE IT:
December 30, 2010 5:07 pm

Most teachers are great and do a world of good for our children. Yet there are several who are poor and do irreversible harm. The inexperienced, the ones who don’t care for or understand children but push their agenda and power instead. We’ve all seen these through sending our children to schools and it’s unfortunate our mosdos are not more selective with whom we are to trust with our children and their vulnerable emotions and minds.

go #7
December 30, 2010 2:40 pm

i agree with #7

Author of #37 to Author of #47
December 30, 2010 2:39 pm

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insight, honoring the teachings of the tzadikim, and for setting a higher example for our kinderlach than the goyisha public school. Absolutely, our children should be given and received with sweetness. Thank you to Collive as a medium for free expression, sharing, connecting as a klal, and learning about and from each other.

to 50
December 30, 2010 12:15 pm

chanukah gelt to a teacher is not a bribe. it’s just a small token of appreciation for all they do for our children every single day for 7-8 hours!
and to those of you who critiziced mothers and teachers, well, i am both; and while i enjoyed my days off, and the quality time i’ve spent with my children, there were moments i wished i was at work. we all need structure in our days.

a 16 year old girl
December 30, 2010 12:03 pm

i think that this comes from a parent that feels that her children arent gaining enough from school. anyone who has been dissing the writer should not be proud of what they are saying. you dont know what circumstances this mother is writing this in and it might be that her child has been hurt in school by the teacher and she feels strongly that a teacher should be a bit softer to the children. i myself think that my teachers are a little too harsh and im not just talking as a student and complaining, i think that when… Read more »

to #42
December 30, 2010 12:02 pm

How about this: If the kids don’t have snacks and basic social skills, then its possible the parents don’t have the money and other life tools to adequately show their appreciation. You could be making a world of difference in a kid’s life; that will be your reward!

LA mom and morah
December 30, 2010 11:56 am

when i was a kid,my parents listened to the teachers,period,even when i was being relentlessly bullied. i understand there are times when parents must stand up to the school but bichlal what i see now is some parents who have a total lack of respect for the teachers.if a child is having diffuculties,many want to blame the teachers instead of trying to help their children.these parents end up seriously HURTING THEIR CHILDREN.

English teacher
December 30, 2010 11:44 am

The phrase is “modus operandi”…

to # 3
December 30, 2010 11:31 am

While I agree with most of your points, I frown upon having to bribe teachers with chanakah gelt.

Hmmmmmmmmmm
December 30, 2010 11:10 am

People who write articles or letters on our websites must have a lot of courage, because I haven’t yet read one which did not provoke critical, angry and even snarky comments. This makes me sad because the Rebbe repeatedly emphasized the importance of Ahavas Yisroel. With this is mind, I have two suggestions: 1. If you write something that you wish published, either in a publication or on a website, do not submit it until you have let it sit for a couple of days and then asked people to read it and give their opinion as to whether what… Read more »

#38
December 30, 2010 10:29 am

Yeah, the truth hurts: no one person EVER is equipped to meet ALL the needs of your child. Though, we do our best. Do YOU meet ALL of your children’s needs? Does anyone meet all YOUR needs, as an adult? Really, such expectations placed on teachers are quite unrealistic.

Dear # 37
December 30, 2010 10:01 am

I have never posted anything on any of these sites but boy have you gotten in wrong. Im sorry, but I sure hope you are not in chinuch and i hope no one that you have an influence is in chinuch. Your ideas are “bchukas hagoyim” and your theories of comparing a mechanich to a doctor is a sad influence of liberal thinking created by today’s society. One of the most famous mechanchim of our time was a rav named Kloinamus kalman who was during the World War 2 period. He wrote a sefer called “chovas hatalmidim” . This sefer… Read more »

35... ON THE MONEY!
December 30, 2010 9:55 am

Thank you.

A fellow teacher.

to #40
December 30, 2010 9:47 am

“running a tight ship may be what works for the majority. Every parent has to appreciate that. If” thats the thing IT DOES NOT WORK FOR MOST KIDS thats why so many kids have “add” and other “roblems” i am horrified every time I hear things that goes on! teachers telling a five year old student his work is garbag! punishemnt of going to “baby classes” gijg to the corner for not sitting perfectly in circle time (that is half hour for THREE YEAR OLDS) we are not in russia 100 years ago!!! there are plenty of wonderful devoted teachers,… Read more »

my husband is a teacher
December 30, 2010 9:35 am

my husbad works hard to come up with new creative ideas for his students. the main problem is that the majority of the parents are totally uninvolved snd act like they could care less. many dont show up to pta. less then one thid gave him, chanukah gelt. not that he complained but as his wife its so sad to me to see how unappreciative so many parents are and how uninvolved they are with thier own children!!! if ALL parents or at least most would be interested in thier kids lives and interested in communicating with teh teachers of… Read more »

I was a substitute, I have a story to tell
December 30, 2010 9:22 am

I taught for two years in a smaller community school out of town. I moved to New York and needed some parnosso, so requested to be added to a local school’s list of substitutes. I substituted 3 seperate classes, and though one of them were plesant, two of them were nightmares! Though I needed the parnoso big time, I removed myself from their list in order to preserve my sanity. I don’t know what motivates these teachers, but they should be applauded for coming in day in day out. They aren’t quitters!

Hakoros Hatov????
December 30, 2010 8:39 am

You know what I got for Chanukah from a whole class? $18. If I knew which generous parents gave it to me I’d give it back. Not because I’m greedy, because I’m insulted. I take care of YOUR children (& so I can’t be with my own) for hours every day. I counsel them, break up fights, advocate, nurse, feed (yes, I GIVE SNACK FROM MY HOME TO KIDS WHOSE PARENTS NEVER SEND ANYTHING & WHO NEVER GET BREAKFAST AT HOME!), I buy prizes, develop exciting, challenging activities for them & occasionally, educate. Do we teach for the money? No,… Read more »

#38 Thank you for understanding what this article meant
December 30, 2010 6:48 am
Mrs C
December 30, 2010 2:28 am

I agree that teachers should be passionate about their job. Any teacher working solely for the paycheck should not be allowed anywhere near our precious and impressionable children. Our children are so fragile and should be treated with the best of care, and with love. At the same time, running a tight ship may be what works for the majority. Every parent has to appreciate that. If their child does not respond well to a particular style, it is the parents job to interfere, and work out a method that is suitable and unique to their own child (possibly out… Read more »

to #27
December 30, 2010 1:08 am

I am both a teacher and a mother- you CAN NOT compare being home with children of different ages, in an often small apartment, for many (during the last few days) not being able to leave the house because there is a very young child amongst the children and no way for strollers to go around, TO teaching a classroom of children for a few hours a day, with a packed schedule/routine, of children of similar ages… Also, because of the ‘kviyus’ of this storm, please keep in mind that many children were home since Friday lunchtime of LAST WEEK….… Read more »

sad but true
December 30, 2010 12:20 am

Wow, it seems many people are carrying very large chips on their shoulders. This article wasn’t about bashing. It’s about our hoping that our children receive what they need. Granted, the rebbes definitely have a difficult job, but this author was pointing out that unfortunately, some rebbes aren’t really giving our kids what they NEED individually. If you’ve never had a rebbe that you felt this about, then be grateful and daven that it should continue. But please, don’t LIE and claim that all rebbes are loving and bring out the best in our kids. There’s a lot power issues.… Read more »

Please do not romanticize teaching and parenting...
December 30, 2010 12:17 am

We teachers are no different than the doctors you take your children to. Doctors do a job, you pay them. Some are more pleasant than others, incidentally – this is subjective, of course. HOWEVER, you don’t question the doctor’s expertise or tell him or her how to do their job. AND you don’t expect full access to the doctor’s every moment of time. You don’t fight the doctor. On the other hand, if you don’t care for a particular doctor’s “bedside manner,” then you take your child to another doctor. Conversely, once you, as a parent, have chosen a school,… Read more »

Great Question
December 30, 2010 12:11 am

I am a teacher and I value your input. I love what I do, but work within a system that seems to forget why we are there. For my own children, I try very hard to ensure they have room for not only their legs to move, but for their creativity to blossom. As a teacher, I have to offer this too. Yes, I am the primary care giver during the morning hours – this is a responsibility I do not take lightly, but with honour. Thank you again for your question. It is important for all of us in… Read more »

I can't believe this letter!! Message to all PARENTS
December 29, 2010 11:42 pm

A Question to the PARENT with all this snow these past few days it got me thinking: There were so many parents who were so glad when school resumed, breathing a sigh of relief that they no longer had to entertain their hyper children at home anymore. Parents who kvetched that with school closed they simply cannot manage. So I was thinking. When school was closed did you spend quality time with your child when you were able to, the kind of precious time that should be enjoyed? Aren’t parents supposed to ENJOY their kids? Be glad to have them… Read more »

Teacher
December 29, 2010 11:33 pm

1. My classroom has no heat.
2. I brought in portable heaters & extension cords.
3. I have not been paid since October 15th, but I still give 100% every day.
4. I made hot chocolate in the school kitchen because my kids were so cold last week (I forgot the marshmallows, but I provided the HC.)

What kind of a teacher am I? My husband & children AND students think I;m devoted. My students love me. It’s mutual.

A Pre School Morah
December 29, 2010 11:30 pm

All I can say is, Parents you have no idea (especially parents who were never involved in areas of chinuch) how much effort, devotion, love and care so many teachers put into their day. I could list so many people in chinuch who i know that are constantly thinking about the children in their class and asking advice to find the best thing that works for your child, thinking about them through out the day even after school hours, preparing for hours and hours on end… If only parents would really know… I wont even begin to mention so many… Read more »

GoOT
December 29, 2010 11:22 pm

My sons rebbe is amazing. He showed up Tuesday and Wednesday and he does an amazing job. I have nothing but praise for the teachers at OT

you seem to have a different view than the alter rebbe
December 29, 2010 10:50 pm

When the alter rebbe hired a melamed for his children he didn’t tell them how they should love the job and be so devoted and accept the being paid late, (not that someone who can’t be a teacher should do it just for parnasa) but the BASIS for him hiring the melamed was that I have a chiyuv to teach my children torah, you have a chiyuv to bring home parnasa, let’s switch, I’ll take care of your parnasa and you’ll teach my children torah. Only after that was made clear and only then did he go in to discuss… Read more »

this is how the article should have gone
December 29, 2010 10:50 pm

Dear Teachers, after spending the last three days cooped up with my kids i now realize just how much time you spend with my precious kinderlach. how much endless patience you must have for them and how much love and attention you give them when they spend most of their waking hours in your care. I am now more motivated to make sure that I pay my tuition in a timely fashion and I will not argue with the tuition committee when they want to increase our tuition because after all that is just a small price to pay for… Read more »

A teacher of Little Ones
December 29, 2010 10:33 pm

As a teacher and a Mommy this week at home was a blessing ,but not one that did not come with major challenges. I for one teach with three goals in mind ,it isnot only for parnasah, not only for my love for the kids but also for my sanity! Being at home,stuck indoors for days on end entertaining two little ones is incredibly difficult! my children G-d bless them are two amazing adorable precocious little ones ,close in age who need to be kept busy with non-stop activity to prevent fighting,screaming etc. After a week stuck indoors i must… Read more »

Elki
December 29, 2010 10:26 pm

Dear Mother in Crown Heights, Do you have a name? I assume you do, so why not put it to your diatribe? You question the training, sincerity, and compassion of teachers. Where you tested on your parenting skills. I am in chinuch – for a long time. I probably agree with a lot of your frustrations. I wish things could improve within the system. But why, oh why, are you so angry? Perhapsall the kids at home for 3 snow days was overwhelming. I did crossword puzzles for entertainment, and didn’t write a letter with a very clear undertone of… Read more »

a loving mom
December 29, 2010 10:22 pm

Are you one of those mothers who almost lost your mind because your kids were home for 3 days? If yes, then how do you expect the rebbi/teacher to tolerate your kids all day every day? and NO I’m not a teacher! and i’m not a CH snob! I am a hard working parent who struggles to work with a rebbi who doesn’t know how to handle a bunch of sweet 6th greaders. Some years are good some are not. As long as we can’t change the system, we will have to live with it. In the meantime, I will… Read more »

Love Morahs Zelda, Moussie and Mushkie
December 29, 2010 10:20 pm

A little appreciation goes a long way!!

Appreciate
December 29, 2010 10:19 pm

Homeschool ur kids and see how hard teachers work.

Hot Cocoa
December 29, 2010 10:10 pm

I don’t know which school your children go to, but mine go to Oholei Torah where the children are given a hot cocoa after shacharis almost a whole winter and twice on snow/freezing days.

to #18
December 29, 2010 10:01 pm

LOL

to the parent
December 29, 2010 10:00 pm

Firstly, are you even half as tuned in to your child as you expect the teacher to be, and second, you’ve probably never walked into a classroom so your in fantasy land regarding the reality of todays children! Omg

Teacher and Mother in Waiting
December 29, 2010 9:59 pm

Im really not sure where you’re heading with this – but i think they should prob be giving out degrees before they allow many of you to parent – How come after a half a snow day the parents already can’t deal – Whats so wrong with a teacher having a day off and recharging – This letter has way too many needs that can’t be addressed or tackled on a forum like this – none that have to do with the snow so dont mix them. Do you stop think about your children just because you send them off… Read more »

Former Teacher, Now Waitress
December 29, 2010 9:49 pm

What a sobering thought: I get 10, 15, 20 or more percent of your bill in the restaurant for taking your order, bringing it to you, and being courteous, a grand total of 15 minutes of my time. When I was a teacher, I would get, once or twice a year, from a moderate percent of parents, a note and perhaps a modest tip for spending many hours, on a daily basis, with their children, trying to and often succeeding in making a real difference in their lives, and having a positive effect on them. No, I wasn’t fired. The… Read more »

Teachers need "hugs" too!
December 29, 2010 9:49 pm

Comment #4 is right on target! Yes, pick up a pen and paper and sit down and write a thank you letter to your teacher and make a copy for the principal as well! Teachers have feelings too and knowing that parents appreciate will motivate them to do even more. You can make the letter specific and point out how your child repeated something she learned or how impressed you were with the way a lesson was presented, etc. There is definitely a negatve undertone to your letter. The more your child sees that you appreciate her teacher, the more… Read more »

Yossi
December 29, 2010 9:38 pm

Firstly, I like comment number 4, I’m just saying.

To the author: why do you say running a tight ship means that a teacher does not care about chinuch??!!

From a Teacher.
December 29, 2010 9:36 pm

Just one thing, please.

You send the hot chocolate, I’ll bring the mini marshmallows.

Thanks.

A Teacher for over 30 yrs.........
December 29, 2010 9:35 pm

Yes! I wake up each morning -Jump out of bed cuz i love what i do & i love my students!! & You know what? the parents need to learn that the Rebbe/Morah is always right no matter what……we never talk against Hanholo or the Moissed!

Agree with #4
December 29, 2010 9:27 pm

Comment 4 worded it perfectly. As a teacher, I couldn’t have expressed it better myself. All parents should read comment 4. And then read it again. And then do something.

oh come on! live and let live!
December 29, 2010 9:26 pm

How about you teach in a classroom for a day. It’s enough that teachers deal with students, why do they have to deal with bored parents like you. Give them a break. I guess you didn’t go to work and are bored at home. Do you have too much time on your hands? Are you testing your writing skills? Baruch Hashem the Mosdos in Crown Heights have great devoted teachers ( some might be more fantastic than others) but live and let live.
Oh and by the way, a general rule in life. Usually you get what you pay for.

I agree
December 29, 2010 9:25 pm

With the hot cocoa part – but the school should provide it, not the teacher. Give the kids something to smile about after the cold walk to school!

Yes Teaching is A Profession!
December 29, 2010 9:21 pm

And that’s why they should be getting paid on time and the way a professional gets paid! You can’t separate the passion for Chinuch and getting paid on time, in order for the teacher to be able to come up with creative things for the class, in order for him to be able to greet each Talmid with a smile, in order to offer encouragement to the talmidim etc. and all the other things you mentioned, he has to be in a healthy state of mind and have the serenity and peace of mind in order to practice his profession!… Read more »

rabbisla
December 29, 2010 9:20 pm

I’m just curious to know, what prompted you to write this very well written and articulated article?

Principal
December 29, 2010 9:20 pm

Great Question.
never though of it.

???
December 29, 2010 9:19 pm

I’m a little lost in your question/comment? Wtvr. I’m passionate about my job (not a teacher) I look forward to what the day might bring my way. Yet, I missed a day of work (due to the snow) and I enjoyed it very much. Who does not like a day off? Weather a doctor,lawer, accountant etc….and a teacher. they are human too, and I doubt any teacher was crying saying “I wish we had school today” This is in regards to your point A I guess. Point B. There are SOME teachers who teach B/c they can’t do much else,… Read more »

Chaim
December 29, 2010 9:09 pm

As an OT graduate who couldn’t find himself a Shlichus, it was really my only option. I wanted a job that was in Kodesh, what other options did I have??

Are snow days really that bad?
December 29, 2010 9:08 pm

Dear Parents, Appreciate the time you have to spend with your children, because before you know it they will be all grown up. Why are parents so drained when its a snow day, and they freak out, oh my how am I going to occupy my child, what will I/they do. Parents do you think of your child’s school as a glorified babysitting service. When it comes to a snow day, think of it as a gift of bondage to get to know your child a little better, what gets them ticking in life, what makes them happy. Open a… Read more »

Morah
December 29, 2010 9:06 pm

strangely written…is the author praising the teachers for the work they do? or criticising? It doesnt sound like she really wants her questions answered

amazing
December 29, 2010 8:59 pm

amazingly written and so true….i think everyone out here thinks of this. esspecially as being a student sumtimes wen ur teachers r rude and snappy u think to urself…then why r they here in the 1st place if they dont want to be!
thanx

???????????
December 29, 2010 8:53 pm

Is your way of parenting the only RIGHT way? or are there different ways?
there are lots of styles in teachers and teaching methods, what you might think is right , might not be good for others.
just a thought.

To the parents...
December 29, 2010 8:53 pm

I am teacher here in Crown Heights who has been wondering about a few things myself: Do you know your all of your childrens teachers names? Have you ever called them up to show your support and offered to help if needed? Have yo spoken to them about your childrens unique abilities and how you can partner with them to help them grow and express their talents? Have you thanked them for taking care of your children for most of the day? Have you given them chanuka gelt with a card saying how much you appreciate their hard work? Have… Read more »

I love my child's teacher
December 29, 2010 8:46 pm

Sorry, poor article.

It seems as if this parent has some issue with some teacher and is trying to let it out publicly, from snow to the purpose of teaching, to how a teacher operates the classroom; there is no clear thought or objective in this article.

Oh, one more thing if you can; when was the last time you prepared hot chocolate or any type of gift for your child’s teacher?

why the negative undertone?
December 29, 2010 8:34 pm

Dear author – you may not have even meant it, but i detect a negative undertone in your choice of words. What subtle messages are your children getting from you?

X