Reflection #10 --Gatekeepers

I believe this quote means that teachers are the ones who hold the metaphoric key to learning. They have the final say as to what is learned in the classroom. With all of the constraints put on them by administration, parents, as well as testing pressures it is up to the teacher to allow certain material into the classroom. To know your limitations and the possible potential of a class is vital to the success of the class as a whole. Teachers are responsible for the academic success, motivation, and accomplishments of each child in the classroom. It is imperative for the teacher to maintain authority when making decisions in order to maintain control of their classroom. As gatekeepers teachers teach with everything that they have. They are not wired to turn off once they leave the school. Teachers do not teach for praise or acclaim. They teach to enrich the educational environment. These gatekeepers protect their classrooms and the students within as a keeper of something that is precious and worth keeping sacred. Teachers also create new curriculum that is essential to support growth in their classrooms. They often innovate not because they are required to or because they are hoping for a praise and fame but because they love to teach with their whole self. Teachers have the difficult task of trying to engage their students in meaningful discussion to obtain sustainable discussion about the lesson. The is a flexibility to make decisions day to day regarding the educational growth of so many puts teachers on a pestle that they must work hard to stay on top of. Teachers can reach a number of students give the proper support from outside sources. A teacher can reach a child throughout the year as some resources that try to help children can only do so sporadically.