Where is the Good News?

I seldom look at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel because they simply DON'T seek out the hundreds of positive stories that can be found in MPS. The other day, however, I saw a paper nearby, and I picked it up to see the latest on President Obama's stimulus plan. Of course, my eyes were immediately drawn to the MPS related headline, which read something like "MPS High on Spending, Low on Results." I confess that I didn't read it. I instantly felt sick to my stomach and angry-very, very angry.

I can't speak to the spending that happens at Central Services. I know it's not perfect, and if I were in charge, there would be some changes. And again, I didn't read the article, so I don't know who or what they (he is) are picking on this time. But I do know that what you get from the JS is usually less than half the story. I'd love to talk about the "high spending," but I think I will do a better job of looking at the "low results."

Again, I can only speak to my personal experience and the stories I get from other people. But here are some "low results."

I have the pleasure of working at Milwaukee School of Languages. Many of the students who come to our middle school come from one of the three immersion schools in the district. I work with children who fluently speak French, Spanish, or German by grade 6. Other students are learning Spanish, Japanese, or Chinese. Do you know how incredible it is to speak two languages in this country? What an amazing skill. Until I got used to it, my eyes would tear up when I heard students speak French (the language I attempted in high school and college).

Furthermore, one of the teachers at MSL made it possible for students to join her (and some other staff members) on a candle-light walk last weekend at Harrington State Park along Lake Michigan (if you haven't done that sort of thing, let me recommend it). I think the students were as amazed at the whole thing as I was: the almost-full moon, the stars, the waves, the ice-all brought to them by an MPS teacher.

Prior to MSL, I worked at another middle school where students were producing amazing iMovies and multimedia projects on a regular basis. Students at that school (Audubon) take classes that have on-line components. Considering the possible future of post-secondary education, this is a valuable skill that is best learned young.

I have friends who teach in all kinds of settings, and I want to point out the incredible amount of choice and challenge in a public school system.
We have several Montessori schools, and all of them have teachers who are trained beyond a state licence; they also have several hours of Montessori training.
I have a kindergarten teacher friend in a school where the children are truely coming to her without knowledge of the ABCs. She is responsible for helping them to read their first words.
I know of a first grade teacher who has been hit by her students. She goes back to work everyday.
I know of class sizes of 40. Enough said about that.
I have friends who spend hundreds of dollars of their own money for classroom supplies because the schools can't afford the basics.
I know that Golda Mier sends students abroad every year. They are 4th grade students, I believe.
I've been involved in camping trips for students, and I know they still happen at several MPS schools.

Are there ways teachers could improve what we do? Sure, and I believe many of us are working all the time to be better teachers. Should we as a community demand more of the students and parents? Yes, I think that would help. But it's also important that we share with you a little good news. Since you can't or won't find it in the local paper, please check here for more to come!