So Coveted

Started watching the Academy Awards tonight. Movies can be watched by anybody, so when professionals vote to recognize their peers with an Oscar, it all makes sense.

What does NOT make sense is when teachers are asked to nominate one of their colleagues to receive one of those teacher awards. I have rarely seen another teacher at my school teach. It is a sad truth that we lack the time to sit and to observe other teachers. I bet we could learn a lot by doing so.

Teachers getting awards, then, must be popular with their colleagues, but not because they are good at educating children. They are nice to other people, get involved in committees, write curriculum, things like that. Maybe they ARE good teachers also. I actually believe that most teachers are doing a fantastic job. Singling out a few of them every year for an award at least reminds the public that teachers are there, working hard.

My award does not come in the shape of a statuette, though. My award is not an object. It is a kind word from a student or a thank you from a former student. Those are the prizes I cherish. Oh, and by the way, for you red carpets commentators and fashion police, tonight I'm wearing The Gap.