Classroom Needs Pt. II
The lovely HeyMissAt is in need of a little help regarding her classroom needs. That got me thinking about my own classroom and why teachers are compelled to spend their money in order to create a suitable learning/working environment.
Marissa Mayer, the new CEO of Yahoo, is already making headlines for implementing new workplace policies such as: free cafe food in the silicon valley offices and changing the layout of the offices to develop a more collaborative culture. I could go off on a “let’s change the way we think about schools, classrooms, and physical learning spaces” but I digress. Ultimately, Mayer is sending a message to the employees of Yahoo - work should be a place where you have access to materials you need and want in order to be effective and productive.
I am aware that my principal/superintendent/taxpayers are not as well-funded as Yahoo, but it doesn’t excuse the lack of resources in our schools. As a result, I, like many of my colleagues, have purchased most of my own classroom materials. I’m not going to get self-righteous about teacher’s salaries but I want non-education employees to think about the last time they had to spend a significant and never-ending amount of money on workplace materials in order to be effective. Could you do your job without a computer, desk, chair, writing utensils, access to important and fundamental supplies?
Would you ever dream of supplying a cop with a uniform, flashlight, can-do attitude, and nothing else? What about a doctor with no access to sterile equipment or medical instruments? How effective would a firefighter be without protective gear?
There is a difference between being good at your job and being effective. Teachers need classroom supplies to be effective. Students need resources to learn.
I believe PPT is going to put together a list of requested classroom supplies and I urge you to consider donating. We need your help, I need your help. I am moving into a new classroom and already know I won’t have a writing surface (think chalkboard or whiteboard.) As a second year teacher I am still finding my way and am determined to continue improving in an effort to be a better teacher, a more effective teacher.
To check out my classroom wishlist please click here.
