[etni] Re: Apology
- From: "Adele P. Raemer " <raemer@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "'Etni'" <etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, <etni.list@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:39:58 +0300
Dear Amanda,
Apologizing is not an easy thing to do; especially when it is done publicly.
I appreciate your apology and understand that you would never do anything to
embarrass me intentionally. Having a member of the board record the notes
WAS the logical thing to do, and it was unfortunate that this had not been
designated before hand. The only reason I offered was because I felt
uncomfortable that Orly had to call 3 times for someone to volunteer, and no
one answered that call. (Believe me - I HATE taking notes - although I
believe I would have been completely objective doing so ....) so Muggins
here was only trying to help out - and not embarrass Orly (who did a
splendid job -BTW- of chairing the session) any further.
The thing is, this whole issue has blown so out of proportion, and it pains
me to see this happening. The bottom line is that we are ALL teachers, we
all want what is the best for our students, and none of us like to feel that
we are being taken advantage of or abused for our willingness to do our
dedicated work. Most of us are in it because we see it as a calling, not
only a profession. I understand where the apprehension comes from.
Some people love change and seek out innovation, to encourage them learn new
things and challenge them to continue to grow and develop (not always easy
to find when you have been in the field as long as some of us). However, it
is just as natural for people to be wary, apprehensive and cautious of
innovation and new challenges ("If it ain't broke, don't fix it"). I
understand that reaction, as well (I just don't identify with it as easily
as the first). Which means that, despite our differences, I have no problem
small-talking with Tessa, or Sara, or any of the other teachers who so
strongly object to the program. They are still my colleagues, my peers, and
I will happily do anything I can to help them feel more comfortable with the
program. No one really LIKES to leave their personal comfort zone, so unless
we are sometimes forced to leave that comfort zone, we cannot continue to
grow. We need to be able to go back into the comfort zone from time to time
- to check ourselves, and reassure ourselves that, while some of this is
new, most of it is NOT - and we KNOW how to do most of it- and do it WELL!
What I found to be interesting in the discussion that was held yesterday was
that most of the people who spoke in favor of the program, did so after
actually learning how to do it, and trying it out whole-heartedly in their
classroom (hence - seeing the rewards and benefits that are there to be
reaped). Those who objected to it (again... from the impression I got) are
doing so without having had the opportunity to actually learn and experience
it.
I am not saying that the program is perfect. It needs to be tweaked,
certainly - as does any new program. I can attest to being witness to
numerous "tweaks" that have taken place already, stemming from reaction to
feedback from teachers in the field who have been working with it, and seen
what changes need to be made. I am NOT on the Steering Committee - but I see
how hard they work, how much they care, and how attentive they really ARE to
the field. Keep in mind, too, that the only ones who can give effective
suggestions for tweaking are those who are experimenting with it and seeing
what works, what doesn't and what needs to be changed. The ones sitting on
the sidelines, digging in their heels, sticking to their guns, are not
capable of doing this efficiently - hence - will not really be able to
influence the program that we all need to live with.
The fact is, (as a colleague told me yesterday) "This train has already left
the station." I hope we can find our way to work together on this, to make
this a program that all of our students will benefit from and that we
teachers will feel comfortable with and proud of.
Adele
-----Original Message-----
From: etni-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:etni-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Amanda Caplan
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 9:22 AM
To: Adele Raemer; English teachers Network of Israel
Subject: [etni] Apology
Dear Adele
I would like to take advantage of ETNI to publicly apologise
for inadvertently embarrassing you at the ETAI conference. I have the
highest respect for you and trust you completely. There has been rather too
much mud-slinging recently, and my actions were intended to protect you from
possible accusations from people who don't know that your integrity would
not allow you to be biassed. I admit that I phrased it very badly, but my
intentions were good.
I am truly sorry,
Amanda
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