Taylor Mali, What Teachers Make (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxsOVK4syxU)
Social media viral video
October 24, 2006
Summary: A controversial bit of slam poetry denigrating those who judge teachers as a professional class. His basic argument is that teachers are much more than they are given credit for.
Intended Audience: Those who enjoy slam poetry, teachers, those who judge teachers
Key Points: 1) Teachers are awesome, 2) Those who disagree are, well, not awesome
Relevance: Regardless of the merits of the theoretical framework Mali is working within, it is clear that knows how to engage people. Something is to be said about an educator who knows how to engage, challenge, and care about his students. Judging from his bit, he would be a tough teacher (he taught in New York City for an extended period of time), but I would rather have a teacher who cares and is passionate than one who is not. This is not a particularly "deep" topic in any regard, but it is a useful example of a number of admirable qualities (and perhaps undesirable techniques)--certainly useful to think about and enjoy.
Smile. That is what I did when I got done watching that video. I was thinking I was going to be having the same discussions he did when I told colleagues I used to work with I was going to be a teacher. But almost everyone said that is was awesome, so I have not had to have those discussions - yet. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat Mr. Mali is saying is very true - it is about caring about kids, nurturing them, teaching them and making a difference in their lives. I have seen how changing people's lives brings rewards to my wife everyday as she works as a Social Worker with homeless. Is it hard? Yes. Can it be frustrating? Yes. Is the pay very good? We have a saying that it is an oxymoron to use the phrase, "high-paid Social Worker". Is it worth it? That would be a resounding Yes!
Jessica, I loved your post about teacher wages. I have shared it with at least three people today. Perhaps I would rather be a glorified babysitter than an educator.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you all have enjoyed the video.
Taylor Mali is an interesting guy. I'm not sure how I feel about the specifics of the video. Is that the "right" way to approach students? Is there a "right" way? Is simply caring enough to try the "right" way? I'm not sure. Those are all questions that I am continuing to mull over as I attempt to assemble some sort of philosophy of education.