[etni] irgun and lit

First of all, let me say that as an irgun teacher, course taker and
lecturer, i will follow the directives of my union even if i don't agree
with every decision.  Unions are meant to unify in order for us to have some
power as a collective and many of the issues that are rightfully concerning
our teachers can only be resolved in this way. and as Laurie said, if we are
not satisfied with the leadership we should use our votes to make a change.
Unfortunately, the lit module issues have been inextricably mixed into the
pot. of course there ARE problems with implementing the new lit bagrut,
probably the LEAST of which is the gmul issue - and as a teacher in the
pilot and a lecturer, i have been coping with a number of frustrations. In
spite of that, I am dismayed to continually read about the exaggerated
response to the literature module, especially regarding the "workload".  The
amount of material being taught hasn't changed (since when do we "teach"
clozes and rewrites??).  Working on logs, projects and oral exam practice,
can all be done on class time for the most part. Not consulted? The lit
bagrut evolved as a response to teachers who wanted to legitimize the time
spent teaching the lit requirements. Explicitly teaching and incorporating
critical thinking into the lit program is more than valid educationally and
i speak from experience when i say that it is not so much extra work to do
it.  The ones who are really working harder are the students - and that's
the way it should be. There is the inevitable learning curve but that is
what education is all about! and i will be able to re-use much of what i've
done this year.
I (we all) deserve to be compensated well for what we do and I will always
support attempts to improve our working conditions. But, I knew when I chose
to work in eduction that I would never just be clocking in and out.
my two cents


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