“Blame It on the Teachers,” a Snappy Tune
July 27th, 2010 at 2:07 pm By Conrad deFiebre
Nationwide comparisons show that Minnesota school teachers are underpaid, overworked and overburdened by debts they incurred getting educated for the job. Against the odds, they also produce some of the highest-achieving students in the country. What thanks do they get? Hardly any. In fact, they are perennial punching bags for anti-government loudmouths.
David West decided to fight back in song. An English and theater teacher in the Minneapolis Public Schools since 1996, he composed and recorded a funny send-up of educator-bashing with his eclectic acoustic band, the Fireroast Mountain Boys. “Blame It on the Teachers” points the finger at school faculty for everything from stammering students to rising taxes.
West, also a busy actor, stage director and storyteller, still finds time to serve on the Southwest High School Leadership Council and as an Education Minnesota union steward. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Miriam, and son, Skyler.
Click here to listen to “Blame It On the Teachers” by David West.
Tags: Blame It on the Teachers, David West, Fireroast Mountain Boys, Minneapolis Public School, Southwest High School
Mr. West’s song is right on target. I would have added a few lines about teachers wearing multiple hats. After they counsel, preach, discipline, tutor, and parent the students, then they get to teach. IF the parent/guardian shows up for a scheduled conference, they tell teachers to “fix” their child. I have more ESOL and Special Ed. students that I teach than “regular” education students, but I have bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and psychology and a master’s degree in gifted education….not ELL or Special Ed. I teach in the Southeast and have also taught in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kansas,and Minnesota. I can tell you that after 24 years of teaching I have never worked harder in my entire life. We bend over backwards to meet all the students’ needs. (I spend about $2,000 per year of my own money to buy supplies for my classroom, which includes a lot of paper and pencils that the parents don’t provided of their children). We are told that if our students fail, WE are a failure. However, many students miss 28 or more days out of 45 each quarter or they come to school 45 minutes late. They are abused, sometimes both sexually and physically. They take care of themselves and rarely see a loving parent/guardian/caregiver at home. They have no responsibilities at home and they don’t do their homework to reinforce what they need to learn. However, if they don’t pass, I, the teacher, am a failure! This country needs to take a serious look at public education and listen to the hardworking teachers in America. We don’t deserve this treatment. I challenge any educated public official, parent, administrator, business person, or legislator to do what we do day in and day out for a minimum of three weeks. They must get EVERY child to pass, no matter what disability, life style, or needs they might have. Until then, I refuse to be a scapegoat for poor parenting, lack of funds, lack of putting children’s needs first (who are our future), and lack of support for getting the materials/supplies and resources I need to be an effective teacher. As it is for thousands of teachers across America, teaching is my LIFE! If 47% of Americans don’t pay taxes, then that means that they don’t pay much for public education either, right? They have no right to complain, then. Nothing in life is free. Someone, somewhere had to pay for that “free” item or freedom, maybe with their life. Well, I say everyone needs to pay their fair-share (that includes taxes) so they have ownership and take responsibility for their future as well as for their child’s future. Many are taking advantage of the freedoms and privileges we have being an American. That is why we have so many illegal immigrants coming here. At what point do our leaders say enough is enough? Why are teachers being blamed for all of these problems? This is absurd! Something needs to change and change fast! America’s future is in limbo, and if we want to keep enjoying our freedoms and be safe, then EVERYONE needs to be a part of the solution and NOT be part of the problem!
I forgot to add in my recent comment that I am also a professional, female vocalist who would love the opportunity to fly back to Minnesota and record a sequel to “Blame it on the Teachers” with Mr. West. I am about Mr. West’s age and have sung at many engagements throughout the years, including headlining in a popular rock band in the Chicago area. If he wants a copy of my CD, I can arrange that. I have been married for 27 years to the same man, and we have 3 wonderful children together. I look forward to hearing from Mr. West soon.
Great comments, AM Jones. I’m sure there are hundreds of dedicated teachers who are unappreciated for all their valiant efforts at meeting many children’s needs.