Friday, February 23, 2007

Safe Sex in School

One of the main problems that society talks about in today's world is the rising problem of AIDS/HIV and STD's, especially the rising teen pregnancy rates. How do we solve such problems? If we could stop teen pregnancy children could focus more on schoolwork and and be forced into an early life of poverty. One of the main reasons for a household being driven into poverty is teen pregnancy. This causes single mothers in many cases, because the father is unwilling to face the consequences of their actions. In world that we live in today, many people don't want to hear what they should or should not do. They would much rather to continue doing what makes them feel best and hurts others least. This problem of teen pregnancy could be solved or at least greatly diminished if the public school system would focus less on safe sex and focus more on abstinence.
One main argument for the teaching of safe sex in schools reasons that kids are goig to have sex anyways, so we might as well teach them things that will prevent pregnancies. What has been the result of this? Teen pregnancies have risen in the past few decades and more pregnant teenagers and more fatherless children are born into this world. By giving up hope on the students and just telling them, "just be safe about it," the public school system has promoted sex and inflammed the problem to a greater degree. I mean not to push religious beliefs in this argument, because if I did, many pay no mind. If the school systems truly want to prevent teen pregnancies, they should promote abstinence. After all it is the safest sex--no sex. There is 0% rate of teen pregnancy, and it is 100% effective in preventing STD's and AIDS/HIV virus. In my opinion this teaching of abstinence would teach a greater respect for women amongst the boys. This greater respect for women would result in less abuse towards women, because the men are not always thinking of who the next girl should be.
Some may say, "This is far fetched." Some may say, "Just let them do what they want to do." Some many even say, "It's their right to do what they want with their bodies." These opinions do reflect many of the sentiments and feelings about this subject in the world today. Although I will point to how the promotion of safe sex has led to greater promiscuity and greater teen pregnancy. Public Schools have a power of influence that they may or may not realize. After all, with the promotion of safe sex they have taught the students to believe they can do what they want as long as they keep it "safe." Maybe if they promoted abstinence and wait for marriage, they could teach students greater respect for women and higher set of standards. We can solve the problems of high teen pregnancies by teaching abstinence in the schools. We can slow the spread of poverty by giving the kids not only knowledge, but also values. We can lower the STD's and AIDS/HIV virus by teaching abstinence in the schools.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Why we teach?

The society in which we live thrives around the atmosphere of learning to become better. There is a common strive amongst most people to be the very best, to better themselves, and to make a name for themselves. In order to establish a thriving community where competition and equality can be achieved is very difficult. We teach in order to give the people of the community a solid base on which to build themselves upon. With this base of tenants people can become the very best, they can better themselves, and they can make a name for themselves. Once people have their foundation and begin building their tower to make a name for themselves, then they begin to participate in society in a competitive environment. This is done in hopes that each person will help to build a equitable society and improve the society.

What makes for good teaching? Just like we covered in class on Wed, Feb 14, love is an essential part of good teaching. The teacher must first and foremost have a love and desire for the content material in which he is teaching. When a student sees a teachers passion for teaching, that student sees the enthusiasm and gets "infected" with the same enthusiasm. As my 9th grade English teacher Mrs. Clott would say, "ENTHUSIASM IS CONTAGIOUS."

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Why I Teach?

Many people ask me the question, "Why teach?" To me it is a simple answer, but others cannot understand my reasoning. As weird as it might sound, it is the easiest way to explain it. I am going to become a High School Math Teacher, because I love Math. One of the greatest influences in my decision to become a Math Teacher, were my High School Math Teachers. In 7th grade, Mr. Limberg started my passion for Math. It was obvious he enjoyed math and teaching, and it impacted me. He made the experience enjoyable and drove me to a greater desire for math. In 10th grade, Mr. Pitel did the same thing for my Advanced Algebra class, and the next year Mr. Lightfoot took that enthusiasm to a whole new level. I wanted to be like that. All of those teachers made my experience in math enjoyable. Simply put: there fire sparked my fire. Now, I want to pass on that fire to someone else. If one person is affected because of my passion for math, then my job is a success.
Another reason for my career choice is the exposure to many people. Because I am an Monarchian Christian, this avenue gives me the opportunity to spread the Gospel of Christ. Although, in the public school setting, this is prohibited, I know that God will create a way where there is no way. Afterall priorities must be set in proper order. I will teach not to push forth a political agenda. I will teach not to propagate the young minds that I will influence. I will teach not to multiply my wealth, but that goes without saying. I need not to strive to get ahead in this life, but rather I strive to push through this life affecting as many other lives, in a positive manner, as possible. Hallelujah to Jesus be all the Glory.