Roseanne Silverstein, is a reading specialist for grades 1 and 2
in Middletown, New Jersey. She has been teaching for 18 years and says she
became a teacher because she wanted her life and work to matter and make
a difference. What does she enjoy most? "Seeing a child get something for
the first time..."
Why did you become a
teacher?
I wanted to have my life and my work matter and make a difference.
I wanted to give "something back" and share myself with others.
What do you enjoy most about being a
teacher?
Seeing a child get something for the first time - sharing their pride
as they progress.
What is the most difficult and challenging
aspect of teaching?
Reaching a child who is burdened by family and socioeconomic
difficulties. When a child is plagued by a negative atmosphere - at home
or community - it is difficult to make an impact.
Have the recent shootings at Columbine high
school changed or altered the way you view your job?
I used to work in an inner city - I always looked over my shoulder
- when I left to work in the suburbs I thought the fear element would be
gone or less. But well, now . . . I don't know what as teachers we can do
- observe closely and take all talk of violence seriously. Also, we should
set standards of behavior and consistently reinforce them.
What types of behavior problems do you often
deal with?
I work with one child at a time or small groups. Most of my discipline
stems from wandering attention. I work to re- focus the child and remind
him of our goal.
What do you do to keep the students' interest
and get them excited and motivated to learn?
I celebrate every success - no matter how small. I encourage the
students to support on another without competing. I also keep work from earlier
in the year to share with them in order to remind them of their progress
and how proud I am.
Have you ever experienced teacher
burn-out?
I burned out after teaching in the inner city - I just could not
cope with all the social issues being thrown at my kids. I left - and will
always feel somewhat guilty that I put myself and my family ahead of those
who have less than I. so now, in a better setting, I am more upbeat with
students who are excited to be learning and it is their excitement that keeps
me refreshed.
What suggestions do you have for parents who
want to help their children do well in school and who want to encourage their
children to like school?
Be a part of the school family - in whatever small way you can. Support
your child - but realize that he may not always be right! Don't speak in
a negative way about school or school issues. If there is a problem- speak
to the teacher and/or principal privately and objectively. Also - read and
write with your child - talk to him!!!!!
How would you like to see schools change within
the next decade?
I think schools will change by becoming less achievement test driven
and based more on individual portfolios and abilities of individuals. Schools
should come to realize that we must take the child from where he is - not
from a mold given by the district or state.
Tell us about a moment when you really loved
teaching and felt you were doing something worthwhile and
important.
I had a student this year - her name was Teresa. The teacher was
sure that Teresa had a low ability and needed special ed. I put her in one
of my literacy groups and after 4 months - she was above 2nd. grade reading
level!! She will not be placed in special ed. - which she clearly did not
need!
If you had to do it over, would you become
a teacher again?
Without a doubt or a minutes hesitation.
In your opinion, what are the major problems
our schools face--and what are the solutions to these
problems?
The disintegration of home life and the lessening of the support
from the home. We need to bridge this - by being more open with parents and
by incorporating them into school more often. We need to give them tools
to support their children at home, without talking down to them. I am not
sure how this would be done. |
