FALL 2023 Missouri Reader November 2023 | Page 24

Chttps://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Book-Poems-Animals-Beneath/dp/0823438619/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38R0M6E9JIQK0&keywords=the+dirt+book+by+david+harrison&qid=1642641537&sprefix=the+dirt+book+by%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1https://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Book-Poems-Animals-Beneath/dp/0823438619/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38R0M6E9JIQK0&keywords=the+dirt+book+by+david+harrison&qid=1642641537&sprefix=the+dirt+book+by%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1https://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Book-Poems-Animals-Beneath/dp/0823438619/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38R0M6E9JIQK0&keywords=the+dirt+book+by+david+harrison&qid=1642641537&sprefix=the+dirt+book+by%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1LICK HERE FOR FOUNTAS AND PINNELL PDF ON INTERACTIVE READING

CLICK HERE FOR SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Why Join the Missouri State Reading Council?*

MSC-IRA is committed to promoting literacy statewide. MSC-IRA members share an interest in following the current trends in literacy and reading instruction. Membership in MSC-IRA provides opportunities to learn about the latest developments in literacy education and to meet and interact with local leaders as well as leaders across the state. Information about the newest teaching materials and professional publications is shared at meetings. MSC-IRA co-sponsor’s both the Write to Learn and Missouri Early Learning Conferences to provide opportunities to gain insights into special issues and concerns in reading such as the new Missouri State Standards, Title I, balanced literacy, parent programs, research-based teaching strategies, and much more.

Benefits of Membership in MSC-IRA*

● Learn about the latest developments in literacy education

● Meet and interact with the best in local literacy leaders as well as those across the state

● Receive information about the newest teaching materials and professional publications

● Gain insights into special issues and concerns in reading such as Title I, balanced literacy, parent programs and research based teaching strategies by attending our annual conference

● Receive the support and camaraderie of others who share a common interest in literacy

Diana Houlle,

Director of Membership for MSC

*Editors note. We are in the process of becoming affiliated with the International Literacy Association, formally the International Raading Association. Labels, logos and names will change as that change takes effect.

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24

It’s not easy being a teacher.

Now, perhaps more than ever, educators are questioning why they are in the profession. Negativity flies in from all angles, and I empathize for all of our heroes in the teaching trenches doing what they can to spread the light rather than succumb to the darkness.

I recall what it was like my first year of teaching.

I would take great pains to avoid grown-ups. My days were a lot brighter without them. When I review my journal from that first year in my elementary classroom, all of the memories come rushing back. And I can appreciate what teachers go through today even more. Here is one entry:

It is Monday morning. Wired on coffee, I have a smile plastered from ear to ear. I arrive before dawn to construct some games and decorations for my students. One teaching colleague does not approve.

“You’re crazy,” Ms. Grouchyhag tells me as she hangs outside my classroom door. “I can’t wait for this week to end already.”

The first bell rings, and I make my way to the playground to get the kids. As I wander to the cafeteria, the janitor stops me to complain about the mess Ephraim made in the restroom. I shake my head and agree to speak with the boy.

As I walk through the cafeteria, the cook complains that a couple of my girls were throwing corn dogs at each other during breakfast. I apologize and continue on my way.

Before I can reach the main office building, a parent blocks me and starts screaming in Spanish that her son has been getting bullied by a fifth grader, and I should tell her boy to hit back. Using my elementary Spanish, I try to assure the woman that I will talk to both boys.

In the office the secretary holds up my attendance sheet and scolds me to return it to her earlier, or I can expect a late paycheck. I apologize and head for the playground. Before taking two steps, though, the principal taps me on the shoulder and remarks that I might as well quit asking her for supplies because the school lacks any more funds. I shrug and walk away.

By the time I reach the kids, I have managed to let a bunch of adults’ negative comments dampen my spirits. My smile has completely disappeared, and I feel like I’ve become that teacher who can’t wait for the week to end. I look into the eyes of my 32 second graders as they form the world’s most crooked and disorganized line, and I begin to question why I am teaching.

Then Jeanette breaks my trance by shouting “Good Morning” to me.

Nestor grins and points to his teeth, or, more accurately, to where he had two incisors before donating them to the tooth fairy over the weekend.

We form a circle to sing our morning chants, and I soon forget all about the grown-ups and remember the 32 reasons why I teach.

Today’s teachers need to put on their blinders and avoid the negative criticism that forces too many to leave the profession.

Remember: you make a difference every day.

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