From Roc Ordman
Monticello
Having just spent a week as a substitute teacher at Monticello High School, I want to share some of my observations about what public school is like these days.
I retired last year, after 37 years of teaching biochemistry at Beloit College. Many students, from around the world, came to the college turned off by math and science. I wondered how Monticello students felt about these subjects.
Recently, I substituted for Mr. Collins, who teaches Algebra 1 and 2, pre-calculus, geometry, statistics, and physics classes. For every class, he needs to prepare a lecture, worksheets for the class and homework. He also must grade students' homework at night. He has to be cheerful, enthusiastic, calm and organized, shifting gears every hour to new students and topics.
He clearly inspires the students. They are respectful, curious, and hardworking. With few exceptions, they do their homework and try to master difficult material. Do they realize how lucky they are, to be studying calculus, statistics, and physics in high school?
I shared with students a story from when I taught at Beloit. I often told my classes that I believe I am the luckiest person on earth. One semester a student called out, "No, I am the luckiest person." We discussed this, and concluded every Beloit College student is the luckiest person, even though many do not realize it. After that, I tried to help all of my college students realize how fortunate they were.
To my Monticello class I said, "You also are the luckiest kids on earth. You have a wonderful school, dedicated teachers, and the ability to learn what you are taught. I hope you realize that each of you is the luckiest person in the world." A student started crying, and said "Thank you so much for opening my eyes. You are so right, but I never realized it before." As I left school that afternoon I mentioned this experience to several other teachers. "It's true," they agreed, "the kids in this school are indeed very lucky."
Having subbed in different subjects and grades since September, I can report Green County students and teacher where I have been are outstanding. I hope this can be a reminder of how fortunate we are, and how much teachers manage to achieve.
Here's hoping that when these kids get to college, math and science will be thrilling subjects for them.
Monticello
Having just spent a week as a substitute teacher at Monticello High School, I want to share some of my observations about what public school is like these days.
I retired last year, after 37 years of teaching biochemistry at Beloit College. Many students, from around the world, came to the college turned off by math and science. I wondered how Monticello students felt about these subjects.
Recently, I substituted for Mr. Collins, who teaches Algebra 1 and 2, pre-calculus, geometry, statistics, and physics classes. For every class, he needs to prepare a lecture, worksheets for the class and homework. He also must grade students' homework at night. He has to be cheerful, enthusiastic, calm and organized, shifting gears every hour to new students and topics.
He clearly inspires the students. They are respectful, curious, and hardworking. With few exceptions, they do their homework and try to master difficult material. Do they realize how lucky they are, to be studying calculus, statistics, and physics in high school?
I shared with students a story from when I taught at Beloit. I often told my classes that I believe I am the luckiest person on earth. One semester a student called out, "No, I am the luckiest person." We discussed this, and concluded every Beloit College student is the luckiest person, even though many do not realize it. After that, I tried to help all of my college students realize how fortunate they were.
To my Monticello class I said, "You also are the luckiest kids on earth. You have a wonderful school, dedicated teachers, and the ability to learn what you are taught. I hope you realize that each of you is the luckiest person in the world." A student started crying, and said "Thank you so much for opening my eyes. You are so right, but I never realized it before." As I left school that afternoon I mentioned this experience to several other teachers. "It's true," they agreed, "the kids in this school are indeed very lucky."
Having subbed in different subjects and grades since September, I can report Green County students and teacher where I have been are outstanding. I hope this can be a reminder of how fortunate we are, and how much teachers manage to achieve.
Here's hoping that when these kids get to college, math and science will be thrilling subjects for them.
