I am a teacher, not a "glorified babysitter"!!!!(more info and a thank you post # 52)

[Kitty 34]

Interesting topic.

I have a BA in Elementary Education with a year towards my Masters in guidance and counseling. I have subbed now for over 22 years, every grade, every subject. Some of the long term positions I have filled were in pre K, special ed (middle school) and several middle school classes, most recently a 7th grade Math class for a semester.

Every position I have been in has been rewarding and fulfilling and definetly a TEACHING experience, be it sitting on the floor singing about letters and numbers to standing in front of 50 7th graders explaining how to subtract negative integers.

I have a sister who is a Head Start teacher. She has no "official" schooling under her belt, just a couple of early ed classes. She always refers to herself as a teacher. I guess we could ask what makes a teacher a teacher? Is the answer 120 plus hours at college? In most states......yes that is the answer. Would I say that to my sister....no.

Btw.......middle school is MY favorite teaching spot.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I find it interesting that others are agreeing that you are a glorified babysitter....I cannot count the number of moms I know that are SAHM--and they send the kids to pre-school to prepare them for kindergarten. Can't imagine the necessity for a babysitter for a SAHM for an entire school year.

Sure it might have required a lot more effort for a high school teacher to teach Calculus--but I'm sure he/she also teaches remedial math. Doesn't make either of them any less of a teacher.


I wonder if the Custodian is any less of a CM at Disney than the concierge CM who spends their day kissing some guest tushy?

 

[JulyGirl]

How dare anyone imply that you are not a teacher! I'd like to put some of those middle school teachers in your shoes for a day. Let them see how "easy" it is. My cousin is a teacher. She is certified to teach grades 1-8. She told me her toughest year was teaching first grade. She said it required double the preparation time it took to teach sixth grade. Just because the kids are younger, does not mean you have an easier job teaching.. Ignore those rude people!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I have nothing but the highest regard and respect for my children's pre-k teachers. The first one they had was just marvelous. She took DS at 2 1/2, because she knew he had developmental issues (she offered--we accepted since we were told he would have difficulty learning to read). She did so much with him--and believe me, he was NOT an easy child! She had the patience of a saint! Sadly, she died during his 3yo year (cancer). We found him another preschool--he really needed the socialization,follow directions, separation from Mom aspects. That teacher did great things with him, too, and she had it quite tough because, how do you tell a 3yo that he can't go back to his old school because the teacher died?

Bottom line, pre-K can really set a tone in kids about their approach to and love of school. It can't be easy keeping the kids in line while making lessons interesting and fun--it's a tough crowd to please! But the foundation you set will last them a lifetime. Don't let some flakes with a superiority complex get you down!

 

[allie&mattsmom]

Wow. Some people are so rude. It still amazes me what and how much my kids (now 8 & 10) learned in pre-k. It was not all coloring. They learned to read and write just to name a few. They followed a curriculum. They received report cards. They attend a private, catholic school and their pre-k was also there. The teacher/administrator was and still is awesome and her educational background sounds very similar to yours. There always is a huge waitlist to get into our pre-k because of what an awesome program it is. I have tons of respect for you. Please don't let those petty women get to you. Oh and btw, I'm a SAHM so I didn't send them to Pre-k for babysitting, I did it to prepare them for school. I remember when my son was in kindergarten, there were a couple of kids who had never been to pre-k and they really struggled in kindergarten.

 

[laurie31]

I find it interesting that others are agreeing that you are a glorified babysitter....I cannot count the number of moms I know that are SAHM--and they send the kids to pre-school to prepare them for kindergarten. Can't imagine the necessity for a babysitter for a SAHM for an entire school year.

This is what I did - I am home in the day, but I sent both my girls to half-day preschool starting with 3K. Sure I read to them and helped them learn to count at home, but they needed to learn to behave in a group, what "line up" means, how to raise your hand and wait your turn, etc, along with learning letters, numbers, art, etc.

One day I may choose to home school, but even home-schooled children must know how to behave in a group (ie- Sunday school, scouts, etc).

Both my girls had wonderful preschool experiences that not only taught them to read and do simple math, but that school is fun

Where do you guys live that it's taxpayer funded?? Here, it's private or nothing. I had to pay big bucks for pre-K, and it was hard to find. Most programs for kids that age were daycare, which I did not need nor want.

Kindergarten isn't even mandatory, although it is free (if you go to public school, obviously).

Yes, preschool teachers are real teachers. Sheesh. I hate the idea of judging people based on the perception of how important their jobs are anyway. You should see how differently I'm treated when people think I'm "only" a stay at home mom (which lots of people think because I'm home all day) vs. when they find out I work in a Level 1 trauma center. I used to teach college, and that really makes people impressed However, staying home is much more challenging. I substituted in DD's school some last year, mostly as a favor to her teacher, and WOW. Teaching college was a million times easier. I was ready to pull my hair out by the end of the day. I told my friend I couldn't wait to get out of there and go to my "nice peaceful job" - lol!

Laurie

 

[crazyme5kids]

You won't be able to change peoples views about what you do. Their opinions are formed already, very much the way your opinion of daycare is formed. It's important but in most peoples mind all you are doing is keeping their child safe and occupied until the kids get picked up. You might be surprised to learn there are many caregivers with degrees that work at childcare centers and are the caregivers for infants and toddlers. Until we all stop viewing early childcare as "babysitting " nothing will change.

 

[mskay]

As a fellow teacher, I can't tell you how upsetting it is to hear those comments. All teachers are playing a vital role in the education of a child. It begins with the age that you teach and continues through high school. I truly respect what you do. You know you are making a difference in your children's lives.

 

[Microcell]

I find it interesting that others are agreeing that you are a glorified babysitter....I cannot count the number of moms I know that are SAHM--and they send the kids to pre-school to prepare them for kindergarten. Can't imagine the necessity for a babysitter for a SAHM for an entire school year.

I could not agree more! I am allergic to daycares, and my DS's only friend is his older sister. I would not send him to pre k if there were not people like you. On top of helping with numbers, letters, and reading, I want my son to develop social skills, gross and fine motor skills (they can do shaving cream there, I don't want to clean that!), and very importantly independence. He is always with me or DH. He needs to branch out and have a structured time with other kids, and not to be forced to nap in some daycare where the latest pimple faced kid gets paid five bucks an hour to raise my kid! I am sticking with this soapbox!

OP, Thank you for all you do, and there are many parents like me that would not have options if it were not for you. If I wanted a babysitter I would put him in daycare.

Where I live you have to get a 1 year certification beyond a BA to teach early childhood. Same as Elementary or middle ed.

 

[jellymanoffspring]

The folks in the store were rude and some of these posters are clueless....

You are very valued.....why is it in our society that if you take care of or teach very young children you are looked down on??
These are the formative years!!! My DD is now 16 and I can tell you that the behavior I saw in some of the Little ones when she was in Pre-school was very indicative of how the children are behaving in the teen years!!

Any teacher from Pre-K all the way up is laying a foundation .......
Just because what they teach changes ..does not make the learning any less valuable!!
and the poster who pointed out that SAHM also put their children in Pre-K is absolutely right!! I am at home and all of my children went to a Co-op Nursery School....my 3 year old will start this coming school year!

Teaching the basics as well as teaching them how to interact with each other in a school setting is invaluable.......

 

[diznygirl]

I'd like to think that there are more of "us" - people who support and appreciate teachers - ALL teachers - for what they do for our children, than "them" - the ignorant folk who think teachers are over-rated and that kids learn by osmosis!

My son's preschool learned how to count to 100, count by tens and fives, learned colors like chartreuse, learned basic spanish vocabulary, learned addition and subtraction. The teacher was able to use teaching philosophies age-appropriate for these children that she learned in her education training that we as parents know nothing about. (This was a private daycare, so don't worry about your precious tax dollars!)

I suspect that CharlesTD and other like him would have a hard time doing this and would probably end up just having them color pictures!!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

You should have a standard reply ready for times it's needed - something really powerful about your education and experience that you can belt out in one breath!

A good friend of mine was a first grade teacher for several years and then became a reading specialist. Way back when, before either of us had kids, I remember her saying something about how K teachers (not even pre K) basically weren't worthy. Well her son just finished up K and put it this way, she has a whole new respect for them and thought the world of his K teacher to boot.

I'm sure it's nationwide, but around here K ain't what it used to be. A whole lot of learning goes on there in preparation for higher learning and state competency exams later on. I was blown away at what my twins learned in K as well as grade 1 this past year.

Thanks for the hard work you do. As a nurse I can relate to the way you are sometimes treated. I take my cues from the people who understand and appreciate what I do and ignore the rest.

 

[CEDmom]

I could not agree more! I am allergic to daycares, and my DS's only friend is his older sister. I would not send him to pre k if there were not people like you. On top of helping with numbers, letters, and reading, I want my son to develop social skills, gross and fine motor skills (they can do shaving cream there, I don't want to clean that!), and very importantly independence. He is always with me or DH. He needs to branch out and have a structured time with other kids, and not to be forced to nap in some daycare where the latest pimple faced kid gets paid five bucks an hour to raise my kid! I am sticking with this soapbox!

Thank you for all you do, and there are many parents like me that would not have options if it were not for you. If I wanted a babysitter I would put him in daycare.

Where I live you have to get a 1 year certification beyond a BA to teach early childhood. Same as Elementary or middle ed.

Yeah, whatever you say .

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

This is what I did - I am home in the day, but I sent both my girls to half-day preschool starting with 3K. Sure I read to them and helped them learn to count at home, but they needed to learn to behave in a group, what "line up" means, how to raise your hand and wait your turn, etc, along with learning letters, numbers, art, etc.

One day I may choose to home school, but even home-schooled children must know how to behave in a group (ie- Sunday school, scouts, etc).

Both my girls had wonderful preschool experiences that not only taught them to read and do simple math, but that school is fun

Where do you guys live that it's taxpayer funded?? Here, it's private or nothing. I had to pay big bucks for pre-K, and it was hard to find. Most programs for kids that age were daycare, which I did not need nor want.

Kindergarten isn't even mandatory, although it is free (if you go to public school, obviously).

Yes, preschool teachers are real teachers. Sheesh. I hate the idea of judging people based on the perception of how important their jobs are anyway. You should see how differently I'm treated when people think I'm "only" a stay at home mom (which lots of people think because I'm home all day) vs. when they find out I work in a Level 1 trauma center. I used to teach college, and that really makes people impressed However, staying home is much more challenging. I substituted in DD's school some last year, mostly as a favor to her teacher, and WOW. Teaching college was a million times easier. I was ready to pull my hair out by the end of the day. I told my friend I couldn't wait to get out of there and go to my "nice peaceful job" - lol!

Laurie

I was agreeing with those that were on the OP's side FYI---in other words..SAHM's don't need a babysitter--they send them to pre-school to learn b/c they want to.

I"m a SAHM--we are homeschooling....and I did send my child to a "babysitter"---it was a moms morning out and while they did things with the kids--they were simply a child care program. I work for that program and they make parents know this. Some come in with their expectations too high for a few hours of group babysitting.

 

[jonestavern]

regardless of opinion--what the ladies did in the store was downright RUDE!!!

Would you ever in your life go up to someone who you feel has a less worthy job than you and then actually tell it to their face?

Yes, this is not a question of opinion--the statements those women made to you were, plain & simply, rude. It was not a debate or the discussion of a topic. They simply felt free to act like silly, cruel, tittering magpies(bold when there's 2 of 'em). It is never good manners to tell a person their job is worthless! In future you might reply:
"Perhaps yr school system's standards aren't as demanding. In our system we fully implement an exacting standard, both in hires, practices, & curricula, to give students the very best social & educational foundation. One day, hopefully in the near future, all school districts will be able to be more up to date."

Best of Luck!
Jean

 

[bobcat]

I would love to see those women walk a day in your shoes! PreK and K are IMHO one of the most demanding areas of education. I teach middle school but had to do quite a few hours of practicums in early ed and it was some of the hardest, yet most rewarding, class time.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm not the OP--so don't know why everyone is addressing me in the first person (quoting me and then addressing me).

Thanks!

 

[lisajl]

I appreciate you!!!

Thank you pre-k teachers everywhere!

My son, now 11, had serious problems when he was 3. He had his own language and had other issues.
He is doing great now! Has a high IQ, reads 2 levels above his grade and is really into all the stuff for boy scouts.

I can't thank you teachers enough for what you have done for my son.

Now...the 4th grade teacher he had...well....I can't post what I would like to say about her......


Lisajl

 

[princess pooh]

I admit I used to think of pre-k as babysitting until I actually walked into a pre-k class. I'm ashamed of myself for thinking the way I did. I was amazed at the beautiful and challenging work these children were doing. Pre-k is definately not about babysitting anymore!

 

[LadyBears]

I give you sooo much credit for doing what you are doing. I only have one child, but to be able to teach 10 - 3 & 4 year olds at once!! You must have the patience of a saint! From a mom to a teacher - Thank you for what you do.

When I was looking into preschools for my DD, I was sooo surprised at the differences between them. The majoriy of them ARE babysitters with a title. The only thing structured was the timing of their activites (this at 10, lunch at 11:30, that at 12:30) but not much else. Some of the "teachers" I spoke with seemed like they got their jobs right out of highschool with only babysitting for their resume! I think because of the abundance of places like these, most people would assume you are working for one of them, so therefore you are not a real teacher.

I was lucky enough to be able to get my DD into a real preschool. My DD didn't have to go - she was going to a great babysitter. I felt that as an only child, she needed to be exposed to lots of other children for socialization skills (such as sharing, listening, independence, etc). With the foundation that was laid down for her at preschool, my DD was able to handle going to elementary school (grades k-5) with a lot more ease & confidence. My DD will be 6 at the end of August & has just finished Kindergarten. (I can't believe my baby is in 1st grade!! When did that happen? ). She learned soo much at pre-k without even realizing she learned it. Her teachers have a way of making learning fun. I remember trying to teach her her ABC's - she could care less about learning them. A couple of weeks at preK, not only did she learn them, she learned to read, too!! By the end of Kindergarten, she has already read a few of the books in the Junie B. Jones series & now is writing her own stories!!

My DD's kindergarten teacher used to teach 1st & 2nd grade. She told me because of the MCAS here in MA, the grades have shifted even though the # stayed the same. Pre-K's are learning what K & 1st grade used to, K's are learning what 1st & 2nd grades used to, 1st graders are learning what 2nd & 3rd graders used to, etc... So, unless you are working for a gloried daycare, early elementary education is a REAL teaching position!!