Re: Future of BEST program

On 6/02/08, Greg wrote:
> David,
>
> I am a career changer. I spent 17 years in Sales and decided to
> use my impeccable Math skills and 20 years as a Youth Minister
> and combine them into something that would give me a sense of
> accomplishment. I have been teaching for 5 years (under a DSAP
> for the better part of 3) and I have loved every minute of it.
>
> The BEST program, from what I hear, will shift to a more hands-
> on/mentor/observation type program. Hopefully, I will never have
> to worry about it again - but we'll see.
>
> 11 days left - but who's counting? :)
>
> On 5/31/08, David B. wrote:
>>
>> Greg,
>>
>> Thanks for your input. I have heard numerous similar
>> comments where no matter how good a teacher you are, the
>> reviewers feel it is their mission to "improve you", making it
>> very taxing, and therefore your current classes (for which you
>> are being paid) suffer. Most teachers who I have spoken to
>> agree some sort of program is good, but it does not have to be
>> so rigorous and stressful. After all, look what all of us
>> teachers have gone through just to get to do what we are
> doing!
>>
>> I understand the BEST program is undergoing significant
>> changes. I am wondering if anyone knows what those changes may
>> be. I am hoping it will be better to address the concerns I
>> have heard.
>>
>> David.
>>
>>
>>
>> On 5/30/08, Greg wrote:
>>> The BEST process has positives and negatives. I didn't meet
>>> the requirement last year and had to do it over this year.
>>> On the plus side, you end up planning some great lessons
>>> that you are sure to use over again in the future. It also
>>> makes you think about why you are teaching what you are
>>> teaching. As a Math teacher, I was able to come up with
>>> some great answers for the question "when am I ever going to
>>> use this in life?" However, the entire portfolio process is
>>> very taxing. I found that I dedicated more energy to my
>>> chosen class and was exhausted so my other classes suffered.
>>> Both years, I ended up with serious stomach problems
>>> (gastroenteritis last year and something less serious this
>>> year.) The stress is unbelievable. You need to be super
>>> organized and really on your game throughout the whole
>>> program.
>>>
>>> I know that I am a good teacher. I don't feel that I need
>>> someone who is making $75 per portfolio over the summer to
>>> critique my methods and style.
>>>
>>> I will say that I am a better teacher because of the
>>> program, I just think that it is too subjective.
>>>
>>> On 5/19/08, David B. wrote:
>>>> Does anyone know the future of the BEST program? I am
>>>> going to get my CT teaching cert this year and have heard
>>>> that the BEST program may be re-designed or eliminated. I
>>>> heard that video taping of class room instruction has been
>>>> eliminated from the program. From talking to several
>>>> teachers who have gone through the BEST program, none have
>>>> had anything positive to say about it!