Come Heller high water …
- Michigan schools can’t find nearly enough substitute teachers, which is why you’re seeing billboards all over the state advertising for them. One superintendent told the Free Press, “The state really needs to do something. We have to look at why are students not going into education.” She must be joking. What’s to look at? Just ask current teachers. They tell me all the time they’re tired of union-busting, tired of teaching to tests, tired of data-driven education to the exclusion of all else, tired of being treated like dirt by politicians and parents, tired of being blamed for not turning sow’s ears into silk purses, tired of large classroom sizes, tired of paying for their own classroom supplies, tired of idiots saying “they only work nine months,” tired of the low pay, tired of the declining benefits, tired of attacks on their pensions, tired of working nights and weekends, tired of being overly-scrutinized, and tired of being under-appreciated. Students look at all that stuff and think, “Yeah, maybe I’ll go into engineering … or anything else.” If we want the best and brightest to pick teaching, maybe we might want to try treating the teachers we’ve got a whole lot better.
- Being an ‘80s pop star seems like it was dangerous to your long-term health – Prince, George Michael, Michael Jackson and others, all gone. Hang in there, Madonna. You’re all we have left.
- You know how the ads on your computer screen change according to what “The Great Internet” (an omniscient character I just created) notices you’ve bought online or they think you’ll buy online someday? Well, the ads onscreen now are for Tecfidera and Mon Paris, so apparently either someone else has been using my computer or the Great Internet thinks I’m going to get multiple sclerosis and start buying lady perfume. Either way, I better ‘ask my doctor’ what’s going on like the ad says.
- Bold prediction: The Packers will whip the stuffing out of the Detroit Lions in their big showdown Sunday at Ford Field, and no Lions fan on the planet will be surprised.
- A new report says more and more air passengers are lying to the airlines so their pets can fly with them as service or emotional support animals. I can’t believe people would do that. I also can’t believe I never thought of that.
- No, seriously, I wouldn’t do that. I travel to get away from our dog, Tonka. Besides, if he flew with me, he’d try to hog half of the 12 mini-pretzels they give you.
- Seriously, though, don’t you think a dog would be a better seat companion than a third of the people you fly with? (It’s OK to admit it – you’re among friends here.) Although I hate to think what kind of condition they’d leave the bathroom in.
- Donald Trump is angry about President Obama’s comment that he’d have won if he could have run for a third term. In response, Trump tweeted, “Doing my best to disregard the many inflammatory President O statements and roadblocks. Thought it was going to be a smooth transition – NOT!” So if you had any lingering doubts about whether Trump does or does not have the thinnest skin ever in the history of mankind, you can now officially put them to rest.
- “Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” – Helen Keller.
Jim III says
No, Donald Trump does not thin skin. Liberals do. Especially those who are still having hissy fits over Trump winning. If obama had been able to run for a third term he would have lost. Sure he wouild have won NY, PA, CA and all of the other states that hilliary won, but he still would have lost.
Is it Donald Trump That is angry or are you projecting? That is one of the usual ways liberals view other people that do not agree with them. They project their anger towards someone else and blame them for whatever has got them upset.
Four months ago a lot of gun grabbers were screaming that we need to ban guns and that no one should have them. Now that Trumps is going to be our next -president, these same liberals are going out and buying guns.
I can tell you one thing they do not need to worry about conservatives chasing them down. It is only the liberals on the left who rampage, loot, burn and destroy houses, businesses and the like.
By the way have a happy new year.
As for teachers, they are overworked and slightly underpaid. But, then again,
there are too many bureaurats that work in the system. Too many support people. They draw a salary, but are not directly involved with students.
Answer? I cannot say.
In the military one soldier is on the front line is usually supported by 10 people behind the line. In education I think that number might be a bit bigger.
In stead of a 10 to 1 ratio, it might be more like 15 to 1.
Michael says
With all due respect, “Jim III”, its obvious that you know as little about public education as you do about political reality and truth. I’ll pray for you.
Michael says
Having spent over 40 years in education, I know from personal experience that the support staff is very meager, inadequate to the need, and substantially smaller than in most other organizations and institutions, especially private sector. As for the president-elect, his continual barrage of impulsive and shallow fifth grade level tweets make it hugely obvious what an idiot we’ve elected and what a horrendous predicament the good old USA is in!
Andrew Heller says
Yes, Jim, and up is down, down is up, black is white and the Russians didn’t try to influence our elections (something that would have made Republicans demand war if it was against their guy.) We’re all familiar with the new Bizarro World we live in.
Scott-San says
No we don’t need less government, we need more effective programs and efficient use of funds. We all want “our” problems addressed but don’t care about anyone else, eh? I’d like to see the aftermath of “no government” on the so-called conservatives and deniers who decry the system, but use it knowingly and often indirectly every day. We need a balanced government working in the best interest of public safety, welfare and happiness. And welfare is general well-being, not handouts. Everybody works, everybody benefits.
Mike says
Your observations about the political and societal abuse of teachers is spot on. It’s the cornerstone strategy of the subtle conservative movement to phase out public schools so their capitalist cronies can skim billions of profits from private and charter schools – most of which do poorly at educating.
Bill Cornish says
My youngest son went to college with the dream of becoming a high school math teacher. When during the practicum he began to encounter the problems you described, he changed his major. A male role model as a high school teacher? We should be encouraging that. Instead, we make it nearly impossible for the most qualified people to succeed. Kind of like our political process.
Andrew Heller says
Exactly. Well said, Bill.
JimS says
My daughter did the same thing.
Karen says
Andy…another spot on column. Your educators issues grabbed me right away.
Everything you wrote about our educational system was true. Yes, I was a teacher, have many for friends,, and relatives. It is appalling how many Charter Schools are being pushed as to the answer to the woes of education. Teachers in Charter schools do not have to be certified. Charter schools don’t have to follow the dictates of the state. It is sad, but I shudder when I learn a young person wants to go into education. It is no fun anymore. Teaching to the test is boring, and creative teaching and thinking suffers.
Matt Wyneken says
Teachers in charter schools must by law be certified.
Tom Backus says
I’ll stick to two of your subjects. The first is teachers. You hit the nail on the head. A very fine teacher friend of mine retired after last school year at age 57. He is still in good health and used to love teaching, but for the reasons you stated he got tired of the crap and let it go. As Trump would say, sad. Or should I say tweet. That brings me to the second point. Trump is the thinnest skinned person I have ever seen. He is a walking, talking, tweeting disaster. The sad truth is I’m already sick of him and his antics and he hasn’t even started the job yet. I would say it’s going to be a longfour years, but I don’t think he will serve a full term.
Andrew Heller says
Why? I ask because I’ve thought the same thing. I could see him getting frustrated by all the limits on a president’s power and saying so long.
Bill says
Yes….charter schools must employ certified teachers….they are under the same requirements for certification as the local school district….
Pam says
Thank you for your column today, Andy. It is nice to know that someone notices. No one goes into teaching for the pay…..and since teachers seem to be fair game for everyone to attack these days, it is refreshing to hear positives. Having spent 27 years in the public schools, I have put way too much time defending my choice of career. There are too many kids out there that need good teachers–we need to do all we can to attract the best.
Teddy Luba says
I have voted for both republicans and democrats for president. How people could not see that Trump is an idiot is beyond me. This country will be lucky if we are not in a nuke war in the next four years.
Susie Smith says
i just wish mr trump would shut up until jan 20. he isn’t president yet and i am tired of his hissy fits.
Ernie Davis says
I just love listening to liberals whine and cry! As I have said before, let’s see what the next 4 years bring. I believe we will ALL be very pleasantly surprised, or should I say, pleased.
Andrew Heller says
I hope so, Ernie, but wasn’t it conservatives who were whining and crying when Obama took office? Memory is a funny thing.
Ernie Davis says
Ha, Ha, Andy! I wasn’t whining or crying 4 or 8 years ago, well maybe crying. I was considering jumping off a balcony, sure am glad I didn’t! Wishing you and your family a Very Happy New Year!
Jake says
Hey Ernie, wasn’t it you conservatives that said when President Obama was elected “We would rather see the country fail than Obama succeed”. I guess that isn’t whining or crying, maybe treason.
Ernie Davis says
Sorry, Jake. I know of not one conservative that wants or wanted this country to fail. We did believe, however, that Obama’s policies and wants could lead to our countries failing. It looks like we were right!
Howard Ylinen says
Andy…….from a fellow (Finnish) Y00per from Marquette who went to a teacher college (NMU) and moved downstate to teach the Trolls a few things for 30 years. Thanx for a wonderful column about teaching. But guess what? I retired but am now old enough to receive my pension and social security and still able to enjoy teaching without any effect on my benefits. You are one person that has kept me going and inspired to do that. I read your column all the time and think that we Y00pers don’t get enough credit for our cold-inspired Lake Superior and Lake Michigan smarts. Most of your readers probably do not know what an Escanaba is! I do! I will continue to teach whoever and wherever I can until I die. Something tells me I should have stayed above the bridge. At 70 years old, it is too late to change that now. But, I am thinking about that. Keep up the good work!!
Andrew Heller says
Keep on keepin’ on, Howard! The trolls need us down here – they are silly, silly people who can use people like me and you!
Howard Ylinen says
Thanks Andy! I needed that. You are right, they do need us Y00pers down here to help them!
Paula says
As a 1968 graduate of Suomi College (1970 CMU B.S. & 1981 MSU M.S.) I know that the U.P. Is God’s last acre and that Escanaba has a wonderful winery!!
I taught 35 years overseas for the DOD and stateside schools could learn a lot from the team approach between the military and educators that exists. “We’re in it together ” works better than “you raise my child and I’ll tell you how to do it.”
JimS says
Geez you act like ya moved to a different country. A relative of mine lived in the UP for three years. You also have some weird and very odd people that live there. Hopefully they stay put. We got enough down here already!
Howard Ylinen says
We have tried to make the UP a separate state but the lower mitten said NO! I am advising all my UP friends to stay put!
NativeOfMichigan says
The epidemic of misinformation is due to a serious absence of critical thinking in our country. Belief in false statements is a reflection of a lack of critical thinking. Being skeptical is a fundamental skill that comes with critical thinking. Skepticism is obviously lacking for many Americans because of their intransigent viewpoints and rigid ideologies. They are rejecting critical thinking in favor of blind obedience to a fixed belief. This is anathema to maintaining democracy and a free society. That is why our democracy is under attack, aided and abetted by the GOP. Their blind obedience to their beliefs is also why they have blind obedience to their dear leader, Donald Trump.
Linda Ann says
Now see? Your speech/debate/English and spelling teacher was absolutely outstanding; and you were a very good student.
Linda Ann says
I just figured out why we are referred to as the Trolls! Hilarious!
RE Teachers : The magnitude of the influence that teachers have
crosses generations and circles the world! It’s a shame that they don’t receive the respect they deserve from the department that governs them. Too often they are not respected by parents, and children see and hear this. Paula’s last sentence says it all; and if respect in general is not modeled in the home, teachers have a lot more work to do than teaching math and history.
RE Donald Trump: My head is still spinning since the election. Maybe I can comment sometime in the future.
Louise Dawson says
I’m like you Linda. I was a political junkie and couldn’t get enough of it … now I can’t bring myself to read or listen to anything but PBS Newshour.
Loren m says
Linda Ann says, “I just figured out why we are referred to as the Trolls! Hilarious!”
Seriously? Trolls live below the bridge but it’s also due to our lack of respect for our beautiful forests and waters up north and a lack of common sense. Not all of us are guilty of such behavior but enough are we all get stereotyped as city folks. Which bridge? Many people in the northern part of the lower peninsula consider everyone below the Zilwaukee Bridge trolls which is amusing as so many them grew up down here. I’ve found the troll thing funny since I learned about it at age ten about 1970 while up north.
Jim III says
Michael and Andy,.
Where to begin. Let’s see you are both reality denying liberals. You both resort to name calling and other types of insults.
Liberal teachers were the bane of my school years. They put me down on a regular basis. They made references to the students who did not worship every thought that they commented on.
They inferred that we were of lower intelligence. They worshiped Russia, Cuba and China as ideal countries to live in. If you did not think so, then they considered you an lower life form. One teacher said that my IQ was below 80.
That was her opinion without any tests to prove it.
I graduated in 1971.
I joined the army. When I got to my permanent duty station one of the clerks in the unit took me aside and spoke with me. This guy was a number cruncher, He had gone through my personnel file. I one thing that I do remember is that he said that I had to change a few things. One thing that he asked me is if I knew what my IQ was. I told him no. He explained to me that the lowest IQ person in my section was 125. My IQ he said was a bit above that.
As for supposed Russian interference in the election. It is possible that they did hack into the democratic party HQ.
But they are rank amatuers when it comes to interfering in American politics.
The democrats have a Hungarian born person by the name of George Soros who has his hands and arms in a lot of other nasty things. He is a big supporter
of democratic party. He enjoys destroying the currencies of countries. He has stated that he enjoys doing it because it makes feel “like a god”.
In September or October of 1972 through his manipilations of foreign currencies he almost destroyed England. I can tell you for sure that one day the DM was roughly 4 DM to 1 dollar. When Soros got through, it ended up being 3.33DM to a 1 dollar.
In terms you might understand what cost 10 DM or $2.50 before Sorsos
played around cost $3.33 after he got through.
I could go on about a few other things, but this comment is long enough.
Tom says
For years, I have worked with lots of retired teachers. I get the impression from most of them that they retired because the kids are poopy, more than any other reason. I opine that kids today are poopier than previous kids. I guess that the kids are not interested in learning much of anything.
I also opine that our Troll Jim never has had an original thought in his life, does not think personally about anything, and wastes our valuable time with silly off-target info.
Louise Dawson says
Andy, not all teachers think they’re underpaid, disrespected, and overworked. Every day I have conversations with teachers currently employed as teachers who love what they do. I know several school principles who are very upbeat about the state of education and the challenges they face.
In 2015 I was involved with the Grand Blanc school’s assessment on a internal level and during those meetings I was surrounded by dedicated educators who are very proud of their achievements.
What I’m trying say is, if all anyone reads or hears is negativity … it will just foster more of it.
Loren M says
My younger sister had those same issues with teaching as a substitute in CA over ten years ago. Also since then she was treated for being bipolar, it’s under control as long as she takes her medication. I recall several instructors who were probably bipolar or alcoholics, I rather liked them and found them to be good teachers. Bad examples can be as instructive as good ones.
My lab/mutts would make great seat companions but would require their own seat. They can hold it long enough although I might require layovers long enough to allow the out on longer flights. Sure they’d want to sample my snacks, I’d wisely bring snacks for them along.
Andrew, not just Pop stars but celebrities near our age this year have passed away. Many from heart related conditions, also many seem to have been in good health although I don’t know their dietary habits. High blood pressure, cholesterol or clogged arteries are possibilities. It’s not always drugs or hard drinking. At almost 67 I suppose I should expect it, I lost both parents when they were near 70.