We're back!!

After a couple of months of downtime, Shannon and I are hard at work again on our book project.  We are together this week down in New Orleans, trying to get our little project some funding.  Brainstorming together is helping us get this thing in focus and we hope to have great news to report soon!!!

Share us with your Friends!!

We have a Facebook page going now. I have sent a link to most everyone who has expressed interest in our project, but we need your help.  You can find us on Facebook through our gmail address, teachersrespond@gmail.com.  Help share the word!!!

Hit a Wall!!

Since Shan and I are new at this, we have hit a brick wall.  Apparently we are spamming and are subject to have our survey and all our research deleted.  Shan has worked too hard for this to happen.  What we need right now is a small miracle. I am currently working on building a website and hope to have that up and going soon. We are looking into grants and such to help fund some of this research, but at the moment we are completely reliant on word-of-mouth.  If you believe in our project, or want more information about our project, please email us at teachersrespond@gmail.com.  We will send you the link to our survey so that you may participate. And PLEASE... if you believe in our project share this with your colleagues!!!

Credentials?

Wow!! This thing seems to be taking off! We have received many requests asking our credentials and our affiliation in regards to our survey and what we plan to do with our information.  Shannan and I are not affiliated with anyone.  Several months ago Shannan called me in a rage regarding a documentary she watched and a book that she had read.  I won't mention it by name, but I will say the title has a super hero's name in it.  After watching it myself and reading the book, we realized that the writer's/director's portrayal of teachers was not up to par.  I mean how could he take five children, tell their stories, and have those five children represent the entire nation of students and their families? And to top it off, he mentioned teachers' pensions and paychecks and nonchalant attitude of what is actually happening in the classroom.  We saw NOTHING of a real classroom and what we actual have to deal with on a daily basis.... He did not sit after school and listen to phone calls to parents, sit in a discipline meeting, or any of the fun things that make up what we deal with everyday.  Shannan mentioned that teachers need a chance to defend themselves, and thus our project was born.

We understand any misgivings that some of you may have and it is completely legit, given the positions we teachers have been put in in recent years.  We come from humble backgrounds and share a passion for making a difference in the lives of children.... whether they want it or not.  I presently teach in New Orleans and Shannan is in Knoxville.  We understand the joys and frustrations of teaching and are eager to hear others' stories. We feel it is at a vital point for teachers to have the opportunity to air out their ideas and be heard.  If you feel compelled to take our survey, please do so. We will do our utmost to include your response in our book.  Any feedback is appreciated, whether you take the survey or respond to our blog. We believe in our nation's teachers and want to show our support and love to our brothers- and sisters-at-arms.  If you would like any other information, contact us at teachersrespond@gmail.com

Things are looking good!

We are so excited about the responses we've received from our survey. It pleases me to know that I've allowed these respondants an opportunity to air out their thoughts regarding our careers as teachers. Most everyone has given specifics regarding their joys and frustrations. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers that our project succeeds and we can get the message out to Joe Public about what really goes on in our classrooms.

Again, if you are interested in the taking survey questionnaire, shoot Shannan or me an email at teachersrespond@gmail.com and we will be glad to give you a link.

Introduction

Dear Teachers,

The time has come for teachers to have a voice in the discourse surrounding education.  While we are in the front lines and trenches of this war on education, rarely are we asked our opinions.  We shuffle and balance demands made of us from the powers-that-be who have never stepped a foot inside a classroom as a teacher, never had to make that phone call to a parent, and never seen the eyes of a child when they received that A+ on a project on which they worked extraordinarily hard. Teachers have a voice!  And it is time for us to be heard.

As researchers (and educators), we are dedicated to assuring that the voices of teachers not be left out of the debate.  To that end we are preparing a study to accurately educate the public about teachers like you and your experiences, both inside and outside the classroom.    This study intends to elicit teachers’ thoughts, ideas, and opinions in the debate about education.  You will find below the link to our questionnaire regarding your experience as a teacher.

Confidentiality is of utmost importance in this study.  We ask that you give your first name and the state in which you teach only, but that is optional.  Any personally identifiable information inadvertently obtained without your permission will be kept completely confidential.  Please understand that participation in our study is voluntary and you may opt out at any point without concern over penalty, prejudice, or any other negative consequence.  If you have any questions regarding your participation, or any other part of the study, please contact us at teachersrespond@gmail.com.  Understand that by completing the attached questionnaire, you give permission for any confidential data to be used in our study.  If you choose to participate in the Teachers Respond study, you will be eligible to receive information about our findings.

If you are interested in adding YOUR voice, please contact us at teachersrespond@gmail.com.  Also, feel free to post a blog and let us know your thoughts.

We express our deepest appreciation for your time and consideration regarding this important topic which affects all of us deeply.  We look forward to hearing your stories and opinions!

Shannon L. James  B. A., M. A. T.

Shannan L. Williams  B. A., M. A., MPH