ISEF proof teachers doing excellent job?
Posted by Sandy on May 20th, 2008
There is an old expression, “the proof is in the pudding.” Well, if that is true, and it seems to be, given the awards Prime Minister Harper handed out last week, then why do we hear so much negative feedback about teachers? In fact, if there is one topic where I will get dozens of comments (usually expressing anger at the education system in general), it is about teachers and our schools. Moreover, almost every time I pick up a newspaper I read how the school system is failing our students.
But, is the system and its teachers actually failing? You know what? I don’t think so. And I don’t think so, first and foremost because of Prime Minister Harpers awards, secondly because parents will usually praise their child’s own school and teacher, and lastly, just look south to the U.S. They just held the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Atlanta from May 11th-16. I heard about it when Paul left a comment on my post about the Prime Minister’s awards. He also supplied me with the links I use in this post.
What an amazing fair that must have been with such gifted and motivated young people participating. And, let’s remember, they and others like them are the future. But, remember as well, that behind all those amazing students were dedicated teachers who mentored, guided and encouraged them to be the very best they could be.
Here is the main link to ISEF and a YouTube of the winners. I have also included comments by another blogger.
Everyone involved in education knows these types of things are going on both in Canada and the U.S. and other parts of the world. They just don’t get a chance to share their stories, their successes. As a result, all parents and the general public hear are the school rankings and what the teachers’ unions are trying to include in collective agreements.
We don’t hear what individual children and youth are doing. We don’t know what individual teachers are doing. If the proof is in the pudding, I would like to provide some space here for teachers, students and parents to talk about the good things that are happening in our schools today — because I have no doubt they ARE happening.
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H/T to Paul with my thanks. C/P at Jack’s Newswatch.
May 20th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
You misquoted the old saying. It is actually, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” There is never any proof in any pudding. “The love of money is the root of all evil” is another that commonly misquoted. FYI; otherwise, I like your post, but I question if those are the only measures or indeed the most important. — John M Reynolds
May 20th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Can we learn what criteria Harper used to measure the excellent educators?
May 20th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
p.s. - I find it humorous indeed that ranking is poo-pooed, but, when recognizing excellence in anything a comparison and ranking must take place to make the distinction.
Harper’s ranked educators, as has McGuinty in Listowel Ontario today.
May 20th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
My apologies re: posts no. 3 & 4 - I thought I posted in reply to the topic below re: Harper’s list of excellent teachers, but my posts ended up here don’t make sense as a result.
May 20th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Ann — Actually they do make sense because this post is talking about excellent teachers. It would be interesting if we learned the criteria used to make these decisions, especially when the teachers’ unions are so against merit and excellence.
John — You were the second person to point out the full and correct meaning of the “saying.” I always assumed the “proof is in the pudding” meant the proof is in the results — not in the way it looks but in the way it tastes. Which means you have to eat it first before you can decide whether or not it was good. This is getting ridiculous! LOL
Anyway, I usually screw up jokes as well. Ah well, it fits somewhat. If teachers are doing a good job (make a good pudding), the students will benefit and do well (enjoy the pudding).
At this rate, I’ll end up doing a whole post on the “saying.”
May 20th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Ann — Here is the page on the PM’s website with all the eligibility criteria and guidelines:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/pmate-ppmee.nsf/en/h_wz00010e.html
May 21st, 2008 at 11:17 am
One other is that ignorance is not bliss. It should be the original “Where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.” That is from English poet Thomas Gray circa 1742. Oh, and apparently, the pudding quote is from Shakespeare
May 21st, 2008 at 11:22 am
John — In other words, what you don’t know won’t hurt you. LOL