by K. Sayford-Wilson

K. Sayford-Wilson

As the mother of a child with special needs, I am concerned about the teacher shortage and the many problems in the School District of Philadelphia. However, regardless of how the School District decides to handle its problems, or how the State handles our funding, I do feel strongly about one aspect of this situation - that we as parents, caregivers, guardians, and as members of communities in this city cannot continue to take the attitude that the schools and teachers alone are responsible for our children. The teachers are there to teach our children - they are not there to moderate problems at home, including custody battles, domestic violence, drug problems, teen pregnancy, absentee parents, and other problems that are plaguing our families. Nor should they be expected to. Parents, guardians, extended family, community centers, places of worship and community groups all can get involved in helping to improve our children’s futures.

Perhaps community groups can join together and form after school programs - if that is not possible, then perhaps a group of grandparents or guardians can get together at a community center or playground to have the children come over after school. Have your local place of worship host a Community Day every few months and everyone can donate a few dollars to a pot to purchase school supplies from the local dollar store. Have it open in the afternoons or evenings for “study time” with adults who are able to spend an hour or two each weekday. Think outside the box, and the ideas will come. Have a “library day” once a week so your child can pick out a book and read that book with your child - it will make a difference in your child’s life.

If your children like Tyson chicken nuggets or Campbell’s soup, look on the packages for the fund raising information and contact the companies at their toll free numbers - these companies offer school fund raising packets, just by purchasing their products that kids love to eat. Same thing with cereals and other commonly eaten foods - all are potential fund raisers.

The Free Library of Philadelphia also has many free programs for children and adults, from homework help to after school programs, to computer use, DVD and VHS rentals, to job hunting assistance, literacy programs and more.

On the issue of the teacher shortage, I have some suggestions for attracting and retaining experienced teachers to our region. If the policies of the School District are preventing experienced teachers from applying because they live outside the city or are considering relocation in a few years - then change the policies and consider a gas allowance. Consider asking area businesses to donate some gas cards as incentives to attract and keep good teachers. Also, the School District should consider a stipend, a credit, or other incentive to help teachers pay for continuing education, or petition the State for more help in this area, perhaps through PaTTAN.

The education of children can and should involve everyone in the children’s lives - the school, the parents, businesses, and organizations - the whole community.

K. Sayford-Wilson is a freelance writer who is involved with a special needs children’s program, her children’s schools, and early intervention agencies, and she advocates for special needs kids in Philadelphia.