My Manifesto/ Me Manifiesto

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 I am a teacher who stands up for my students against the machine of oppression, who is in favor of change against the tide of archaism, who is a supporter of the equities of education against suppression of individualism, and who is a defender of public education against a one size fits all educational model.

I am a teacher who favors the permanent struggle against educational negligence and against the educational factory model. I am a teacher who rejects convention, because it is responsible for the imbalance in education today.


I am a teacher who is full of hope, in spite of these times of darkness. I am a teacher who refuses to give up. I am a teacher proud of what I have learned from my students. If I do not struggle for better, attainable education for all, then I will no longer be able to call myself an educator.

 

Comments

  1. CorinnaAugust 31, 2020 at 10:40 AM

    Carissa, I wanted to start off by saying I absolutely love how you named your blog, I loved that TV show growing up! In your manifesto my favorite line you have is " who is a defender of public education against a one size fits all educational model". I couldn't agree more with that as I put something similar in mine. Not every student learns the same way or at the same pace. I can remember back to a few classes I had in elementary school math where I would be completely lost about a lesson and because 3/4 of the class understood, the professor moved on. This professor taught it one way and one way only. I also like your line "I am a teacher who is full of hope, in spite of these times of darkness.", as it is so true during these tough times in our country.

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  2. Neale RossAugust 31, 2020 at 11:34 AM

    Carissa,

    Your manifesto clearly depicts the progress educator that you are. My favorite line from your manifesto is "I am a teacher who is proud of what I have learned from my students." As teachers, we are also life long learners, even in our own classrooms. Its good to be reminded that our students have a lot to teach us. I look forward to working with you and learning form you this semester.

    - Neale

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    Replies
    1. Carissa LeeSeptember 1, 2020 at 8:50 AM

      Hi Neale, I truly do believe that as educators we need more models and professional development that taps into Social Emotional Learning (SEL). I have personally witnessed many of my students with trauma. I feel that this is the root to all issues in education. However, I was talking with a colleague the other day regarding a publication called the "Opportunity Myth" in that as educators we can do all we can in the classroom, but we have to come to realization that we cannot erase poverty. We need more investiture in education programs and consistent models from K-12. I am a huge proponent in my district of hiring and investing in local superintendents and education commissioners. Things are just not working. I wonder what the education landscape will look like in twenty-years with automation?

      Delete
  3. Marissa AlmonteAugust 31, 2020 at 3:08 PM

    Carissa,
    I like how you mentioned the fact that you are a defender of public education against a one size fits all educational model. Undoubtedly, these are trying times for public schools (especially in the inner city). Clearly, some of our leaders are trying to push a pro charter agenda. While charters are great for some students, they are not for ALL students. Thank you for bringing this up, as I truly feel as though Providence is striving to create more charter schools.

    -Marissa

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  4. Marissa AlmonteAugust 31, 2020 at 3:18 PM

    https://www.golocalprov.com/news/is-achievement-first-part-of-the-solution-for-ailing-providence-school

    Please see the article on AF...

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    Replies
    1. Carissa LeeSeptember 1, 2020 at 8:46 AM

      Hi Marissa, I do feel that as a new parent every tax payer should have a choice as to where to educate their children. However, in this post NCLB climate, I feel that public education is being uprooted by educational corporatization. This is evident in our testing climate. I do see the expansion of charters schools, particularly in Providence. The investment in public education is necessary because not every student will meet certain requirements of students that attend the charter. This year alone, I had numerous students who had undiagnosed intellectual disabilities essentially told to leave. The bigger question is when that students leaves the charter where does the money allotted to the student go?

      Delete
  5. Dr. BensonSeptember 4, 2020 at 7:15 AM

    Carissa -- Really appreciate your critique here of the 'factory model' -- and thsi models is always adapting, shifting. I'm thinking a lot lately about how this model is shifting during COVID and the switch to distance learning and all the crises that our young people (and teachers) are dealing with. I think the factory model is pervasive and flexible, so we have to be diligent to watch how it changes its form during different situations, contexts, historical eras, etc. Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Carissa LeeSeptember 4, 2020 at 1:46 PM

      Thank you for your input Dr. Benson. I couldn't agree more that yes this so-called factory-model is always changing to fit educational needs. However, I am petrified that instead of building good distance learning models that this will become the new "standardized testing model." I was concerned for my colleagues and students being online for more than six hours a day. One model that I am exploring with my own son is Montessori at home. I have also been avidly following Finland's educational model.

      I am posting Twitter of Pasi Sahlberg who I follow for anyone interested in Finland's model that is very anti-testing.

      https://twitter.com/pasi_sahlberg?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

      Delete

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