Billie Wiles Routman Chapter 1

Billie Wiles—Blog Chapter 1 Routman

My first impressions when I read chapter one was 1) Wow, so she is so in touch with the thoughts and feelings of teachers, 2)  this is going to be an awesome, very useful book, and 3)  I would love to experience one of her week long workshops.  She is so on target with so many of the things that we are doing wrong and also things that we are doing that we think are right, that are wrong, and which complicates teaching and learning. 

Routman stresses that teachers need to be constantly learning and researching and collaborating.  She also emphasizes that just because it is research does not mean it is going to work, no one way fixes every child, and that ultimately the professionalism of teachers should be the final decision for what is best for the students. 

Her experiences and the conversations she has had with teachers and the feedback she received and shares is right on target with how most teachers feel.  If the teacher cannot love the job and love the children because of the demands and stress related to the job, the battle is lost.  Unfortunately, many teachers feel that way today.  The school day is just about getting everything completed rather than having fun with the students and simplifying things so they can all be completed that you lose the complexity and value of the learning.

 I think everyone from politicians to assistants should read this chapter in this book.  I am glad I did!   There are some people out there that understand what we as educators go through.  I plan to read every chapter of this book, not because it is required but because I really feel like Routman has a great understanding of educators and some great ideas of what we need to do to simplify teaching and get back to the basics.