Column: Katie Jacobsen, My Point of View

As a former teacher, nanny, mother, grandmother and Republican, I write this article. I have often written a letter to the editor when I have disagreed with something written by a Democrat. I do have to admit that I agreed with many of the issues that Jennifer Vogt-Erickson brought out in her Feb. 28 article, “Teachers can’t solve all of society’s woes.” Therefore, I am writing in hopes that we, as Democrats and Republicans, will remember that we are dealing with the most valuable God-given gifts — our children. I hope that we never let unions or votes obstruct our decisions.

As a teacher, 40 some years ago, I remember the parents of one of my first-graders thanking me for teaching their child how to read. I enjoyed the praise but had to be honest and give them credit for preparing their child for the reading experience. I also admitted that I didn’t take all the blame when a child had difficulty learning. Children who have books and who are read to have greater success with the learning experience. Everyone has access to books through libraries and used book sales.

I also agree with Vogt-Erickson that stable, two parent families are also essential. I have always said that even when every part of the family situation is wonderful, parenting is still difficult. In generations past when a young girl became pregnant the options were marriage, if she were old enough, adoption or her family helped raise the child. Today, some believe that it’s up to society to raise these children. These children often become young parents themselves in the future.

However, I need to admit that I have known many young, single mothers who have received short-term help, education and child care, who are wonderful parents and active citizens in our community.

Now, let’s go to the subject of “highly effective teachers.” My husband was also a teacher and when we discussed this issue it was hard to come to a simple answer. We both remember how difficult our first years of teaching were. We both began when if you could say your name and had a pulse, you were hired. In the Minneapolis school system we had “helping teachers” who would come and help us with problems and techniques. I had 36 first-graders, and needless to say, needed a lot of help. The experienced teachers in my building were also helpful.

“FILO” — first in, last out — is not the answer. As parents, my husband and I had to deal with our child placed in a class with a teacher who students, parents and other teachers knew was not competent. In this incident, when I requested that our child be placed in another class, I was told that someone had to have that teacher and that our child would be placed in a study hall with a teacher who could help her in that subject. I should have been more assertive, and I regret not being so for the sake of other students.

I also agree with Vogt-Erickson on the subject of critical thinking. Rote memory is helpful, “in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” But critical thinking helps not only in learning but in behavior. I often visit my grandchildren’s classrooms in another town. I was impressed with a kindergarten teacher who asked the class to evaluate an activity. Their conclusion was it didn’t go well because some students were not good listeners. They did not need the teacher to tell them.

In conclusion, my hope is that as Democrats, Republicans and independents we will always keep our focus on what is most important, our children.

 

Katie Jacobsen is a member of the Freeborn County Republican Party.