A Christmas Wish List for Teachers

As the holidays are swiftly approaching, I thought it would be a good time for educators to come up with a list of things to hope for as we enter the New Year.

Please feel free to add additional requests.

1)   Always #1- Peace around the world

2)   That Congress will retain the deduction for teachers out-of-pocket supply expenditures.

3)   All students who are “Dreamers” should be allowed to complete their education without fear of deportation.

4)   Issues of social justice and tolerance need to be a part of every curriculum.

5)   There should be public support for those who have the courage to come forward and discuss issues of sexual harassment

6)    The teaching profession should be recognized as that occupation that prepares students for all other occupations and not degraded by others.

7)   School districts and states should honor collective bargaining agreements.

8)   Better methods need to be established to evaluate student learning

9)   Politics needs to be removed for the textbook selection process

10)                   We hope that 2018 will be a successful year for teachers and students

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year

C.2017 J. Margolis

Teaching About the Holidays

It is that time of year again. The dilemma continues to arise about how to address the holidays with your students. How to decorate your room- how to explain the significance of the holidays- should you have a party in your classroom- and so on.

How do you respond in a politically correct manner?

Here are a few caveats.

1)   Hanukkah is not the “Jewish Christmas.” Although the holiday commemorates a significant historical event, it is not a major holiday. There are no special services in synagogues and temples for the event.

2)   ) Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday rather than a religious one.

3)   Diwali, The Hindu Festival of Lights, was celebrated in October.

4)   Christmas is both an historical and religious holiday and is celebrated by millions around the world, so it gets the most attention.

You may get questions like “Why are schools closed for Christmas and not the other holidays?

What should you say when someone wishes you a “ Merry Christmas?”

The Scholastic website offers teaching suggestions for celebrating.

c.2017 J, MargolisHow