Letters to the Editor

Reading teachers important to middle schools

Oct 5, 2007 1:01 PM

To the Editor:

Reading is the most important subject in middle school. Yet, while a Middle School Task Force has been created, many middle school reading teachers have been excessed in District 21. In order to improve student achievement, it is imperative that reading teachers be included in the plan.

Reading teachers are trained in various teaching methods. They are able to assess a child to see where their strengths and weakness are. They are trained to create long- and short-term goals for children. They implement several teaching methods depending on how the child learns best. They are able to evaluate the child to see if reading goals are being met.

This being said, how can principals eliminate reading teachers? Reading teachers are highly trained and should be treasured. Reading is a difficult license to obtain and has been put on the critical shortage list in prior years.

Reading teachers support learning in all subjects. When children read well, it is amazing how their behavior improves and their outlook on school changes.  Reading well builds self-esteem and encourages students to want to participate in class.

Teaching is like baking a cake: All the ingredients are essential to make it successful!

Barbra Nahoum, formerly of IS 303, Brooklyn