In Germany, if a teacher is sick they just don't go. No need to get a substitute. The students just go to the lunch room and work for an hour. I'm a fan. Just don't go.
The problem is that even though I am allotted sick days, there is a taboo in using them. You got sick?--how lazy! In a culture where work-ethic is prized above all else, a head cold has negative implications for your career. And to some extent, I get it. Any teacher who has had a student who is absent or sick all the time knows what I mean. The system sort of falls apart when the people who are supposed to be there aren't. And with test scores being a serious liability for teachers, it's best if everybody just shows up.
However, that means that we are all going to school with coughs and runny noses and diarrhea and headaches and body aches.
The answer: more student directed learning. Students, go master this--show me how you have mastered it in a writing assignment and a creative project. Use all resources available to you. I'll be around to help you (most of the time).
Go.
Do.
It's all on you.
5 comments:
I think it's ridiculous to pretend you're not sick. Why are we all so crazy? It's that whole walk-to-Salt-Lake-on-your-peg-leg-mentality. Blech.
I will sub for you anytime. Your sick days are what pay for my daughter's ballet classes. You staying home is a service to your community's art programs. I hope you're feeling better by tomorrow.
Very true and very American. Love the post.
Good cover. I had so much fun shopping and going out to lunch with you that day you were "sick".
Have to say we are missing the American system right now. Our German school has over 25% of the teaching staff out 'sick' at any given time. It is really hard on the kids and the unsick teachers when classes have to be combined and recess gets pretty crazy when they are so understaffed. Legally they cannot replace (even temporarily) chronically sick teachers. Some people take advantage of the system and show up the one day in six weeks that is required for them to keep their job and then they are out for another six.
That being said I am a big believer in not infecting other people with your germies. So if you are truly sick-- stay home!
Post a Comment