My Take...

Entry Level Pay Rates for Intervention Specialist

New York - $45,182
Houston - $41,138
Columbus - $33,433
Cincinnati - $30,465
Boston - $37,800
Phoenix - $36,000

I agree with you guys on many levels and don't on a lot more. It's definitely a matter of choice and personal preference but for me, there's a major lack of cultural diversity, a serious fear of change and seemingly want to stay stuck in the past. I think it would be foolish to pass up the opportunity to take what we've learned and give it to people that want it and need it just as much as anyone from Vinton, Jackson, Meigs, Athens, etc. and are willing to compensate us for it and give us the resources to actually do our jobs.

The biggest problem I have is when when you're a person who is a native of this area and you want to venture out it's almost like rather than be proud of someone from the area for making it out, they're often viewed as "sell-outs" or turning their back on the community, or even still people want to drop the old "you think you're better than everyone" phrase . It's like just because someone grows up here it doesn't mean they are suppose to carry the guilt and weight of an entire culture just because they've succeeded where others' have failed.

It's really a double edged sword, on the one hand there's the familiarity of the area and all that and on the other there's this overwhelming fear and seemingly endless want to blame everyone else for the problems of the region but ourselves. (government, corporations, etc.)

I totally dig you're guys' takes and opinions...it's just not my cup o'tea. Sure, these problems we face are not limited to this area, but I guess I sort of look at this in a sports analogy, once I graduate I'm a free agent, so whatever the best situation is professionally, financially, and culturally that's where I'm heading.

This is why I wont leave!

My two year old nephew playing with bubbles.

Remember

I think everyone needs to keep in mind that the reason for this blog is not to argue or to convince; but it is to explain why we chose to live here. I think everyone is just wanting to state their opinions and not listen to what the other person has to say. So keep in mind how passionate you are about this subject and that the other person probably is to.

Quote

I believe that Paul Houston, from the Association of Administrators, explains our ultimate goal:

"They are not YOUR chidren and MY children. They're OUR children. We cannot build walls high enough or thick enough to separate them. We have to come together.
If each of us could look those children in the eyes for a week, our priorities would change."

Something to keep in mind

"It is up to teachers to compensate for whatever is missing in their [children] lives. Give them a reason to come to school. We want kids to know that we value them. Give them something to look forward to."
This is a statement made by Jonathon Kozol, author of Savage Inequalities. He was speaking in the context of schools falling in around these students: leaking roofs, cockroaches, bare light bulbs, no textbooks.
Is it the building that makes the difference or the teachers?
Or both?
Look at the report cards for Vinton County Schools and Dublin Schools (there is a link under comparing . . .) Vinton County is still building the new buildings, Dublin has always had above average school buildings, yet the grade of "Continuous Improvement" has been given to both schools. SAME TESTS. You decide.
We can make a difference!

Special Needs in Appalachia

I am inviting your suggestions and comments on this topic. At the bottom of the page, I have provided you with just one view from a friend, neighbor, a parent of a child with special needs, and also an employee of the school. I believe that her comment encircles the strong family and community ties in Vinton County and the Appalachian region. Does this happen in places like Columbus or is this just a quality of the small community?

Recommendation

A film documentary that I feel should be viewed by all teachers-to-be:
"Children in America's Schools with Bill Moyers" is based on a book titled "Savage Inequalities" written by Jonathon Kozol, who is featured in the film.
This is a very moving portrayal of schools in low-income areas versus schools in the suburbs. It seems negative for our area, but if you place it in the context of what it has accomplished, you will see that it brought a necessary awareness for people outside the area to understand a situation and be movtivated to make a change.

Why Do We Stay in Appalachia?

After a consensus of discussion, I believe most people feel that family and community are the bottom line. Our children deserve a wonderful public education just the same as any other children in Ohio. Who better to provide that education than us?