Subscribe to Print Edition | Sun., October 21, 2007 , | | Israel Time: 02:09 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Print Edition Diplomacy Defense Arts & Leisure Real Estate Jewish World National Advertising Magazine Week's End Business Opinion Rosner's Domain Anglo File Books Travel

del.icio.us Digg It!  new The teachers' strike / Why I was singing yesterday By Laurie Ornstein Yesterday, if you passed the Education Ministry offices in Be'er Sheva, and saw a woman with a guitar singing about the teachers' fight to improve the school system - that was me. I know it's a retro-1960s way to express protest, but I've got a lot on my mind these days. I haven't been on full strike, as I work as an English teacher and counselor in both Jewish and Bedouin schools, and the strike in Arab schools only went into effect on Wednesday. But my experience in both sectors has convinced me that our problems are systemic, and they're not just about money. The problem is deeper, but money is a reflection of it, because in our society we show how much we value something by how much we're willing to invest in it. Thus, despite all the lip service paid to the importance of education, it would seem that Israel places minimal value on its schools. Advertisement Budgets must be provided for improving the infrastructure of schools. Most Jewish-sector schools, mine included, lack sufficient classroom or office space. If teachers are to spend preparatory hours in school, they must have proper work space. Nor are there sufficient conference rooms for meeting with pupils or parents, not to mention lunchrooms. If things are bad in the Jewish sector, they're worse in the Arab sector. While some Bedouin pupils and teachers finally have new school buildings, many are still studying and working in crowded trailers with primitive infrastructure. I recently visited a new trailer school in Bir Hadaj, which had no running water in September. There is water now, but the toilets are still not functioning. Classes of 40 are the norm in most Bedouin schools. How can people function in such deplorable conditions? Technology is not a luxury today. Access to information is knowledge and a window to the world. There are still many schools today lacking the infrastructure for Internet. Many Bedouin schools do not even have regular phone lines. Perhaps if more funds went into curriculum, the appalling physical conditions would be less noticeable. But here, too, spending on all but "essentials" has been cut to the bone. Yes, pupils still study English as a core, compulsory subject, along with math, science, Hebrew, literature, Bible, etc. However, for a well-rounded education we need art, drama and music - subjects the government has faded out. Now they are taught only in schools where parents (or nonprofit foundations) will fund them, as part of what is called "gray education." Is it any wonder then that teachers here feel that society holds them in low respect? Pupils and parents alike look down at them. For the former, they are often seen as little more than glorified babysitters. This discourages talented young people from entering the school system. The low image of teachers leads to violence in the classroom; physical and verbal violence are now the norm. There have also been numerous cases of parental violence toward teachers in recent years. I have been the victim of violence more than once. In its response to the widespread feeling that the schools aren't doing their job, the Ministry of Education has become obsessed with assessment. In the end, the high schools are seen as little more than training institutes for Meitzav and bagrut (matriculation) exams, which now too often take precedence over teaching the subjects themselves. Under pressure, many teachers feel they have little choice but to focus on exam skills to achieve high scores. Again, in large classes, the needs of both weak and strong pupils are often not addressed, as teachers teach to mid-level. Special needs pupils are left struggling. Where do we go from here? A reform is sorely needed. However, change requires open-minded thinking and evaluation of the system. Both the union and government must face the issues at hand. The teachers must be involved in revamping the system if a reform is to succeed. Budgets must be made available for improving infrastructure. And, yes, wages are deplorable and must be improved. As single parent and breadwinner, I've always held down 2 or 3 jobs to make ends meet. I always knew I would be a teacher. Both my parents were teachers in the New York City school system, and active members of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). I still retain a vivid picture in my mind of the strike vote at the UFT rally I attended with them, with Albert Shanker at the helm. It changed the face of the NYC school system; teachers gained new respect thanks to proper wages, pensions and improvement in teaching conditions. Little did I know then that I'd find myself frustrated and disillusioned today, after 35 years in the classroom. But I won't give up, and that's why I busked in front of the ministry yesterday. I often take my guitar into the classroom and not onto the sidewalk, and that is where I draw the hope and inspiration to continue. Laurie Ornstein teaches English and lives at the Midreshet Ben-Gurion High School for Environmental Studies. Bookmark to del.icio.us Administrative orphans Six Hebron children, whose parents were arrested, were left with their grandmother. Change the past Father of Jewish psychology suggests avoiding picking away at the scars of the past.

Today Online Israel rejects UN envoy's bid to open talks on Shaba Farms Responses: 390 Aluf Benn: Iran nuclear threat seems far more frightening from Israel Responses: 205 President Peres calls for more inclusive definition of Judaism Responses: 99 FM Livni condemns Belarusian President for anti-Semitic jibe Responses: 103 Firillas: On Armenia, what can Turkey learn from German reaction to Holocaust Responses: 62 Report: Israeli mole took pictures of Syrian nuclear facility Responses: 135 More Headlines 23:50 IAF strike kills two Islamic Jihad men off Gaza coast 01:23 Former Hamas spokesman blasts takeover of Gaza Strip 23:27 Gaza woman, 51, killed in Rafah clashes between Hamas, Jihad 22:02 Report: Israeli mole provided photos of Syrian nuclear facility 00:58 Britain's chief rabbi blasts multiculturalism in new book 16:06 Iran: Nuclear talks to continue despite top negotiator's resignation 23:17 Surfer champion, seen with Bar Rafaeli, detained over scuffle 22:58 University heads met Education Min. in attempt to avert strike 12:14 Court gives war panel 10 days to justify lack of personal findings Previous Editions Select Day 19 oct 18 oct 17 oct 16 oct 15 oct 14 oct 12 oct 11 oct 10 oct 09 oct 08 oct 07 oct

Special Offers Advertisement learn Hebrew online with israel's best teachers. Sign up for a trial lesson today Invest in Macedonia New Business Heaven in Europe Long-term Israel programs MASA is your gateway. More programs. More grants. Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations JOIN FREE AT JDATE.COM The most popular online Jewish dating community in the world! Explore the possibilities! Click Here! Dead Sea Salt Beauty and skin care from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 10% off! Israeli History Documentaries. Own a piece of Israel?s treasured past. Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt. Holiday Inn and Crown Plaza Israel Lowest internet rate Guaranteed at ichotelsgroup.com !

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved