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Teacher Choice Spotlight: Traditional Public School Educator
posted by: Alix | January 25, 2012, 04:56 PM   

This week is National School Choice Week – a national movement of grassroots organizations calling for more educational options. Here at AAE, we support National School Choice Week because we support educators in all settings and encourage teachers to pursue the school and setting best suited to their needs and interest.

As part of National School Choice Week, AAE has profiled teachers throughout the country to showcase their own unique setting and choice. Today we are profiling Mr. Ronnie Flowers, a traditional district public school teacher at a high school in Arkansas.

Name: Ronnie Flowers
School Setting: traditional public school, Arkansas
Years teaching: 12

Q:  How do you benefit from school/ teacher choice?
A: I am not forced to only have to teach in traditional public school.  It's nice to know that there are other options available to me if I choose a different path down the line.

Q: Do you think you are a better teacher because of your setting choice?
A:
Yes.  I have been able to specialize in Algebra and Geometry for about 10 years where if I chose a different option, then I would have been probably teaching many different math courses.  Also, I think the opportunities for professional development aligned with my goals.

Q: What is your educational philosophy?
A:
That a good education is the key to success in any venue a person decides to take.  I believe that all students can learn.  Some students will have to have more support than others, but with the right teacher, the right tools, and the right school, I believe that even the most belligerent student, nicest student, lowest IQ student, or highest IQ student can have success in school but it will not be without hard work by the teacher and the students.

Q: What do you think is the biggest misconception about virtual or charter schools?
A:
That they don't have good teachers and/or that they don't provide as good of an education as a traditional public school. This is simply not the case.

Q: If you are a parent, do your children benefit from choice?
A: Yes.  They definitely do.  One of my children is homeschooled, the other has been in a private Christian school, homeschooled, and in a traditional public school which is a year round school

Q: Would you encourage young people to consider a career in teaching?
A:
I would encourage young people to consider a career in teaching with mixed feelings.  Teaching is not the profession for everyone.  I truly believe that people are called to be a teachers just like people are called to be pastors.  Teachers shape the minds of today's generation; and that charge should not be taken lightly.  There are many things about teaching that are not easy and not glamorous.  So, if someone wants to go into teaching, then they need to do it because they like kids and they want to give them an excellent education.

Mr. Ronnie Flowers is featured in AAE's film Teacher's Choice. Click here to watch the video.

What do you think about Ronnie's experience in the traditional public schools?

Comment below.


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