Friday, August 24, 2007

Fort Worth teachers urged to “turn up the ‘nag factor’”

By Pegasus News wire

Welcomed by high school marching bands and gospel choirs, more than 5,000 Fort Worth ISD educators cheered, danced, laughed, and listened intently during the 2007 Teacher Convocation held Monday, August 21, at the Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center.

A morning session was held for elementary school faculty while an afternoon session accommodated secondary school (middle and high school) teachers.

Superintendent Melody Johnson challenged both new and veteran teachers to frankly “turn up the nag factor” in demanding the best of their students in the coming year.

Not provided by FWISD

In response, students are turning up the "Annoying Idiots" factor.

Dr. Johnson said in order for the Fort Worth ISD to evolve from a district of great schools to a great school district, teachers must set expectations at a higher level. The superintendent told the assembly that giving a failing grade was not the answer for work not done. To rousing applause she told teachers they should return incomplete work with the expectation that it must be completed.

“If that means staying after school, coming in early, or working on Saturday, we must set a higher level for our students to achieve”, she said.

Dr. Johnson concluded her remarks by telling teachers at both sessions that they are the ones who make a difference in students’ lives.

That message was the perfect introduction for the keynote speaker, Ron Clark.

A ball of hyperkinetic energy, Mr. Clark delighted the crowd with the story of how he came to be named Disney’s Teacher of the Year. He is the author of The Essential 55; a book that outlines the high expectations he sets for all of his students. He’s a veteran of national television interview shows, including Oprah and the Today Show. He currently runs the Ron Clark Academy, a private learning facility in Atlanta, GA.

The audience followed Mr. Clark’s energetic presentation as he bounced from the stage to the arena floor. He stood on chairs, ran down the aisles and drafted audience members to help tell his story. His image was captured by roving cameras that projected what was happening to a large screen set above the Wilkerson-Greines stage.

Mr. Clark told teachers that they have the power to make a difference. He admitted he doesn’t always like all the students he encounters. But, he quickly added, he doesn’t get paid to like students. His job, he said, is to recognize their potential, infuse them with a desire for life-long learning and point them in the right life-direction. It is that type of approach to teaching, Mr. Clark says, that will make a difference.

At the conclusion of Mr. Clark’s message, Dr. Johnson returned to the podium to lead the entire assembly in “Happy Birthday”, celebrating the Fort Worth ISD’s 125th birthday. Lit candles on a virtual (video) birthday cake were extinguished at the count of three as everyone made the wish for an outstanding school year. As each person left the arena, he or she was given a real birthday cupcake.

Source: FWISD

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