Teachers

The economy, global warming, the economy, the Middle East, the economy — these are all problems President Obama has on his plate. Next up! Education. Today the president laid out his syllabus for how to fix America's schools. Don't worry he hasn't forgotten about the economy; education is part of the master plan to fix it.

So what does the former professor want to see in American classrooms? Here are some of his principles (not principals):

• Improved pre-k programs, beginning with $5 billion in funding from the stimulus plan.
• A reduction in drop-out rates. Obama said: "Don't even think about dropping out." OK then!
• A call for every American to complete at least one year of higher education or career training.
• The end to caps on charter schools.
• Merit pay for teachers, and taking teachers who don't perform out of the classroom.
• Longer school days. He said: "If they can do that in South Korea, we can do it right here in the United States of America."

How would you grade Obama's plan?

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Back to school means heading back to germs. Unless your kid is a compulsive wee one, washing her hands thoroughly throughout the day is a pipe dream. Who has time to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" when all their buddies are headed out to recess?

Do yourself and others a favor by donating a tub of Purell to your tot's classroom. The teacher will appreciate it and the other parents are liable to follow your lead. * Note, Purell can be dangerous if consumed so it is best used under adult supervision.

Because online bullying has become so serious, with both teachers and students being harassed and threatened, representatives at a meeting for the national teachers' organization have unanimously voted in favor of urging the federal government to make cyberbullying a criminal offense says CBC News. Emily Noble, president of the Canadian Teachers' Federation had this to say about the issue:

"The internet is the new playground. So let's get some ground rules in terms of how we treat each other," Noble said. "Teachers would like to know that they've got some backup, and they've got some support from parents, the community and decision-makers."

Just a thought, but maybe the Brits should follow Canada's lead and consider implementing harsher penalties for cyberbullying as well? I mean it is the British youngsters who are actually pretending to be online predators themselves!

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On St. Patrick's Day, I was reminded of my old sport of Irish dancing. When I was a wee one, my whole family took dance lessons and competed. On Saturday mornings, I would have opted to watch Tom & Jerry instead of attending my dance lessons.

But some kids from the Bronx give up their cartoons and activities to jig and clog. As reported in the New York Times, Irish dancing has taken Public School 59 by storm.

To see a video and learn more about this inspiring tale read more

As a former teacher, I can certainly understand how students can try a teacher's patience. But a Houston teacher crossed the line when she demeaned her four and five–year–old pupils. Fortunately, one of the parents caught the ludicrous comments on a digital recorder and brought it to the school's attention.

Watch the clip and tell us, do you think the teacher has the right to talk like that to her lil schooligans in that manner or should she be fired? What wild act will be caught on tape next?