Whose Education is it, Anyway?

After twenty years of teaching, I am questioning my meaning. Welcome. The integration of art, creativity, individuality, and diverse perceptions intertwine to design my philosophy of education, which at any moment in time, influenced by student/teacher interactions, can change. But now I, my students, and fellow educators are facing an antagonist that steals an individual's voice and replaces it with a standardized definition of critical thought. Hidden behind a veil of accountability, this disguised pedagogical manipulator of education penetrates lesson plans, once rich in creativity, that defines me, as a teacher.

Whose education is it anyway?

What does “social justice” really mean

When students and teachers are ordered

And oppressed by a ruler that is straight edged

So that the compass of thoughts, ideas, insights

Possesses the ability to embrace individual potential

Of both students and teachers

Slam

 CCSS, PARCC, SBA, EOC

Slam back

The power of the teacher

Who can face all obstacles

With knowledge and understanding and reason and

The power of TEACHERABILITY

Super Slam

Because a teacher knows and shows and believes

And doesn’t use obstacles as a reason for failure

To give students convenient “F’s” or “A’s”

Or some grade that is decided by what and whom in between or “your own bias”

Or, whatever forbid, GOOD TEST SCORES

Pointing fingers

What was I saying about social justice and oppression?

Who owns the slam?