Education Update

There is an error in this article. Churchill is not the only school with an elementary and high school for special education students. Our son attends the High School of The Summit School, located in Queens, NY. It is a private school that has a top national reputation, and has all of the above.

Response to:
Innovative Spinal Surgery in Live Webcast

I was interested to read about the minimally invasive PLIF. We are now developing in Lausanne, Switzerland a similar technique using the TLIF (transforaminal approach), which we call MI TLIF (minimally invasive TLIF). The first such operation in Switzerland was performed recently using the Sextant and the X-Tube, both Medtronic products, as well as introducing a cage into the disc through the transforaminal route. Our initial experience is encouraging.

Response to:
Richard Kogan, M.D.: Music, A Window to the Soul

How beautifully Dr. Kogan plays! I absolutely love "A Window to the Soul" and can listen to it over and over again. On top of being a great psychiatrist, Dr. Kogan is an amazing pianist. Isn't it interesting how all of the great musicians of their time were depressed, schizophrenic and/or bipolar, and in their state of "mental torture" wrote and played many of the world's most beautiful songs? I guess going to Julliard andBellevue paid off.

Response to:
Teachers College Returns to Afghanistan

Great article, but most of all what a great support system for Afghanistan. I'm a reading recovery teacher (7yrs) and a staff developer. I've been working for the NYC board of ed for 17 years and would be interested in doing some kind of work like this.

Response to:
Special Education in New York City

There is a very urgent need for someone to ensure that an I.E.P. is adhered to by the special education teacher, especially in an immersion setting.

Many school districts do not want to spend our taxpayer money to ensure that the applications called for in an I.E.P. are being adhered to for the sake of those unable to speak for themselves.

Teachers and educators are very quick to write an I.E.P. It's another thing to apply what you have set on paper, in a classroom of 24 with one special ed teacher floating between two classes of 18 special ed students in an immersion program.

The money always seems to come first. Even New York State has audited several school districts on procedures written for special education—but the applications of those procedures is unenforceable. It's a joke.

Resoponse To: So You Want to be a Biology Major?
To the Editor: I am so glad to see an article like this. It makes the field of biology or any science broader than just going on to medical school. I majored in biology in college. I was not in the pre-med program therefore I did not have to take certain courses. But I loved the subject even as I was preparing to teach elementary school. My path took me into early childhood education where I have been able to bring my love for science into my classroom and help many youngsters see that they are scientists every time they want to know more about the world around them. I have been able to provide the hands on experiences at various levels of intellect and readiness. Hopefully because of a spark early on, some of these children will become our future research biologists, doctors, paleontologists and teachers. Majoring in the biological sciences is thrilling and I recommend it highly.

Resoponse To: More Than Moody: Depression in Teens
To the Editor:
This article is very informative for teens with depression. I am struggling with it and I know how it feels. When I read your article, I was amazed at how the things you wrote came so close to what I was feeling. There should be more writers like you!

Our situation, although slightly more diverse than the Museum, still has a few issues. The main one being the small 5 per cent of teachers who want to leave the students in my care and go away for a coffee! That is not an option with our lessons as we deal with real life geysers that boil all day at 98 degrees centigrade.

Bonnie Kaiser, Ph.D., Director,
Pre-college Science Education Program,
The Rockefeller University

Resoponse To: Richard Kogan, M.D.: Music, A Window to the Soul
To the Editor:
Interesting article, but I wanted to point out that Swanee River was not composed by Gershwin, but by Stephen Foster. Thanks for the interesting article.

Resoponse To: Dr. Joseph G. McCarthy: Shaping New Lives, Buoying Human Spirits
To the Editor: Excellent article! A realistic and hopeful article. Dr. McCarthy has literally given many of his patients a “new face on life.”

Resoponse To: Hearings On High-Stakes Testing Planned
To the Editor:
My child has become a zombie. One exam after another. There is no real learning going on. Regents Diplomas should be optional as they were in the past. If a child is very bright and wishes to pursue higher education, they can be helpful. As a vehicle for determining if a student merits a high school diploma, they are unacceptable. Some children are unable to master all subject areas and wish to pursue a vocational career. There was a time when schools were very helpful in this area.

We now have gone from one regent’s requirement to almost 7 in 2007. The dropout rate will escalate.

Resoponse To: Dr. Margaret Cuomo Maier & Matilda Cuomo Introduce Italian Language
To the Editor:
I saw the recent newscast about the above article. I am an Italian teacher and I would like to know if there are any programs in the Rochester, NY area.

Resoponse To: “Father Of Head Start” Warns of Dangers of Dismantling Head Start
To the Editor: I totally agree with Dr. Zigler. Public education is doing a poor job presently. My granddaughter’s formative education was in Head Start. She is now a 9th grader and continues to do well in all subjects. She completed the 8th grade in the top 10 of her class.

Resoponse To: Hearings On High-Stakes Testing Planned
To the Editor:
Let me understand this. If a child is a good student, completes all course work, passes mid-terms, finals, unit exams, quizzes, and all long-term projects, they may still fail a subject. This applies to five subjects! Why bother trying? This will soon be the trend. A nation full of uneducated citizens. Why? High stakes testing, that’s why.

Resoponse To: Free Daytime English Classes Offered at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
To the Editor:
I thank god for people like you that help others...good luck and god bless you.

Resoponse To: Facts On Teenage Depression From “More Than Moody”
To the Editor:
Wow. I didn’t know all this and found this interesting. I really enjoyed reading this because it gave me information I did not know. Thank you!

Resoponse To: Guaspari Makes Music in Harlem
To the Editor:
I just saw the documentary “Small Wonders.” This was so inspiring and beautiful that I had to look up more about this instructor and where she teaches. I found that information in Education Update. It would be nice to hear more stories about her and her students—especially on where they will be playing in the future.

Response to: Inclusion Program at Francis Lewis HS
To the Editor:
Your article was most informative and leaves me to think you truly believe in the Special Ed child as a contributing member of the main- stream population. Do you actually have a Special Ed Curriculum, one where the inclusion setting is all laid out for the general ed and special ed teachers? Or, are all the mods & adaptations IEP driven?

Response to: Unrest in Education in France: Teachers on Strike
To the Editor:
I am in complete agreement with you. I am
a schoolteacher in the United States. Privatization and regional controls often lead to ulterior monetary motives and provincial influences antithetical to a more broad-based pan-o-centric education. The discipline problems experienced in public schools in America (and a total dearth of free health care for children and teachers) may be just one reflection of the chaotic mish-mash arising from regionalization.

Response to: Life on the Color Line, by Gregory Howard Williams
To the Editor:
As an employee of City College I have had the opportunity to meet Mr. Williams personally. He is an incredible human being and extremely intelligent. His book deeply touched me. He is truly an inspiration and living proof that anyone, no matter where they come from or what they are faced with, can achieve their goals and dreams if they really want to.

Resoponse To: Chancellor Matthew Goldstein at the Helm of CUNY
To the Editor:
I write regarding an article in the Jewish Sentinel (July 25, 2003). In that article Mr. Goldstein observed that there are miracles occurring in CUNY everyday. I agree, as a CUNY student I saw these miracles very frequently both inside and outside the classroom.

Coming to CUNY with a D/F average, I suggest I was a miracle case myself. I studied at La Guardia C.C. and then I was part of the wonderful CUNY Baccalaureate program from which I graduated Summa Cum Laude.

I will be ever grateful to La Guardia C.C. especially Mr. Joffee, and Mr. Nelson at the Center for Students with Disabilities for making me a “miracle statistic”.

Resoponse To: Life on the Color Line
To the Editor:
I will be a junior for the 2003-2004 school year. I will also be taking Advanced Placement English III. We were required to read the story of Frederick Douglas and choose two books from two separate lists. Life on the Color Line was on one of those lists. As I read this book I could not help but feel a connection to this life account. I am half black and half white, and my father (who is currently in jail) is a drunk and substance abuser. I can also relate to this story because there have been times that I didn’t know where my next meal was going to come from, I didn’t know if the electricity would be on or off, or if my father was going to get high and drunk and be the “monster” that my mom and I secretly called him. I will be 16 at the end of the month and I can honestly say that I’ve been through more stuff than most people twice my age. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that has felt like the whole world is against them and that not a soul in the world cares about what happens to you because I know how it feels, and so do a lot of people.

Resoponse To: Beach Access for the Handicapped
To the Editor:
My wife has MS and limited mobility. She uses an electric cart and a wheelchair. Our daughter is building a house on Lake Michigan. I want some device that will allow me to take my wife on the beach. So I was very interested in this article. Thanks.

Resoponse To: SIR: A Unique Program for Private and Public Schools
To the Editor:
Congratulations to Professor Emeritus Jed Luchow of the College of Staten Island for daring to talk about, and develop, a four-year phonics-based teacher literacy program. Praise also goes to Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education department under Dr. Joanna Uhry and to the Board of Jewish Education. Reading Reform Foundation has been offering phonics-based courses that employ multi-sensory techniques of teaching and learning for twenty-two years, as well as direct training of teachers in public school classrooms all over New York City. We welcome our new colleagues!

Sandra Priest Rose
Founding Trustee and Reading Consultant
Reading Reform Foundation

Resoponse To: Music in the Subways
To the Editor:
Loved the article. Was in New York recently and was floored by a band named, “The Purefire”—great percussion—very unique.

Resoponse To: About the Awards Ceremony
To the Editor:
Just a quick note to tell you how impressed I was by your award ceremony and all the teachers you have identified and awarded. What a deserving bunch! The NY school system can be proud! Congratulations for this successful event!

To the Editor:
Thank you and keep on promoting good teachers as this is a great way to focus on the reason why our children excel in so many ways.

To the Editor:
Ms. Rhonda Morman is one if not the best teacher I’ve dealt with in my position as the coordinator of the stock market game. Her enthusiasm to impart knowledge and devotion to her students is worth emulating. Ms. Morman stays late in school every day to help her students with their work. She is both a mother and teacher to the students, not only the students in her class but to all the students in the school. I have never come across any teacher like Ms. Morman. Congratulations Ms. Morman!

Resoponse To: Lasers: State-of-the-Art in Dermatology
To the Editor:
I fully agree with your ideas regarding laser for cosmetic as well as non-cosmetic purposes. It is being dramatically used in my native country Pakistan, where senior doctors in the field of dermatology are utilizing it with good results. I would be honored if I could work with you for 1-2 weeks so that I further learn about lasers. I am a dermatologist working at Bispebjerg hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark with Dr. H.C.Wulf, Prof of Dermatology.

Resoponse To: How Basketball Players Spend Their Money
To the Editor:
Yeah, it’s all good and that’s how it’s supposed to be. I’m also a ball player and I want to live a life just like that. I’m 19, 5’9” tall, good at the game but lack support and I have big dreams of making it to the NBA. I still hold onto my dreams and I know I’ll make it someday.

The boys choir from Harlem have great voices as do the Vienna Boys Choir. That was the best performance in America.

Response To: Realistic Math Makes Sense for Student
To The Editor,
I am a math teacher in the elementary schools(5th grade),but my wife and I also team teach a math methods course at a local university. We try to instill in our students the RME methodology based on the NCTM Standards. In our initial class each quarter, we ask them to write a math autobiography. It still amazes me the depth to which “math phobia” is in these college graduates. One thing I do find difficult though, is finding just the “right” problem, or real life situation, that imbeds a concept. Any feedback would be welcome.

Response To: History of Women’s College
To The Editor,
This is the best article I’ve ever read!

If you could please pass along my name and comment to the author of the article, I would appreciate it because I think he’s my best friend from childhood. Tell him to email me back.

Response To: No Child Left Behind: Research and the Art of Teaching Name
To The Editor,
I am searching for scientifically based research that proves the efficacy of tutoring as a “best practice.” Can you help me? Thank you!

Response To: Soccer Saga: Bend It Like Beckham Holocaust Harbor: Nowhere In Africa
To The Editor,
I really like the article above. I am a really big female soccer fan myself and can’t wait to see the movie.

To The Editor,
I am in need of information about all the grants that are listed above to help my school. I am the Parent Involvement Coordinator for St Anthony’s Catholic School in Robstown, TX and we need grants to help improve the school and get our enrollment up and keep the school from closing.

Response To: NASA’s Education Programs for High School Students
To The Editor,
Would like to know more about GSFC programs for high school students in the summer.

A program like SHARP but for everybody would be good to know. Is it still possible to apply for a summer program at this time?

Responses To: Building Self Esteem Is Important For All Children
To The Editor,
I have been desperately advocating for my 17 1/2year old bipolar son. He has just recently been diagnosed and is not psychotic when he is medicated. His is a dual diagnoses because of marijuana use as well as having a mild language based learning disability. His psychiatrist and doctors at McLeans hospital in Boston strongly recommend a residential academic therapeutic school for him. Every where I turn I am told there is no such thing for him.(dept. of mental health as well as the school dept. have told me this.) Any leads would be appreciated. Surely on God’s green earth there must be a place for this bright, gifted writer and young musician.

I think that this article was good for students with special needs because some students don’t know how to find resources. They think they can’t go to college because people don’t tell them. I’m going to Landmark College.

Last summer I developed Osgood’s when high school soccer practice began. I probably got it because I had started to grow a lot that summer plus overusing it in the tough soccer try-outs. In a few months soccer practice will start again and I am almost positive that I will still be growing, is there a high risk for me to get it again? Is there anything I can do over the summer besides keeping my knees in shape to prevent it? Any help would be appreciated...

I have had years of battling the Special Ed department in NYC. I have a 7th grader going to the Science Museum School at MS 44 and it has been a challenge. In many ways my highly intelligent and creative child has regressed from lack of motivation and inspiration. Every year I want to take him out of the program he is in and put him somewhere more challenging but most of the schools have a long waiting list and do not even respond 7to you, such as the Churchill etc. It is a real shame the way things are. Poor kids! A tremendous waste of mind and life.

Response To: Choices: Perspectives of a Patient With Parkinson’s Disease
To The Editor,
Why hasn’t Michael J. Fox tried spheramine?

Responses To: Articles on Teenage Depression and Suicide
To The Editor,
I think it’s amazing how much teenagers commit suicide because of depression. There should be some type of help for them to try to avoid these kinds of accidents.

To The Editor,
Students are getting crazy because of too much work and social problems...they should have a counselor or a physiologist in school. Religious activities should help too.

To The Editor,
I really thought this article was helpful. I am doing a thesis report on teenage depression. If you have any more information that could be helpful would you please send it to this email: DaBaddPrincess14@aol.com. Thank You!

I recently suffered the loss of my son’s best friend who committed suicide 10 days ago. I wish he had the help of a mentor during his school career. He dropped out of high school at age 16 years. I am currently trying to get Virginia Beach City Public Schools to perhaps implement some kind of program to make parents, teachers, and caregivers aware of the warning signs of depression in children and teenagers.

Responses To: Mary Lou Retton Starts “Flip Flop Shop”
To The Editor,
I would like to meet Mary Lou Retton. I am on a team and would like to go to the Olympics just like she did. I have already met Amanda Borden. She is really cool. So now I would like to meet Mary Lou.

I really like this site. I’m doing this research project on Mary Lou Retton and this site really helped me on this project. Thanks a lot,

Response To: Michael DiPiano: Teacher, Coach, Transplant Recipient
To The Editor,
Big man, nice article, nice job as always. You are truly an inspiration to many, keep up the great work.

Response To: Home Study International
To The Editor,
I am interested in Homeschooling my daughter in 8th grade.

Response To: St. John’s Marcus Hatten Sets Sights on NBA
To The Editor,
Hatten is my favorite player, I think is he extremely underrated and will be a very good fit in the NBA, I hope the nets draft him. Where do you think he will go and what pick?

Response To: Shakespeare Programat LI Elementary School
To The Editor,
That’s amazing! Congratulations! I’d like to know, as we near the end of this school year, how did the National Shakespeare Co. do? What did they do? Can I get a copy of Romeo and Juliet in New Jersey? I am starting a drama program in a Montessori school in Massachusetts and sure could use any advice.

Response To: Vocational Education Resurgent
To The Editor,
I am a special education teacher at a brand new private school in inner-city New Orleans. We are currently searching for a vocational program for our special needs students. I am interested in speaking with someone about the CTE program.

Response To: Next Battle in the War Over School Reform
To The Editor,
Thank you for the excellent editorial, “The Next Battle in the War Over School Reform”. We must fight for our children’s’ education and ward off political and personal gain. Education is the strength of our economy and the strength of our democracy.

Response To: Klaas Kids & Court TV Present Forensics Curriculum
To The Editor,
I am a special ed. teacher in Seattle who has many unmotivated kids. We are all tired of worksheets and isolated knowledge and I personally have a great interest in forensics, so when I found this site, it got me thinking (and excited!). Kids love science, especially when it’s hands-on, and what better way to really bring in all areas of learning with real purpose and get kids excited than this? How can I start and is anyone available to help bring this into an inner-city elementary school in Seattle (with a LOT of high-risk kids!)?

Response To: Blackman Lecture at Teachers College
To The Editor,
Just read Mr. Kushner’s article on the “Blackman Lecture at Teachers College” in Education Update. It was educational, informative, and well written. Thank you.

Response To: Outstanding Teachers
To The Editor,
Thank you and keep on promoting good teachers as this is a great way to focus on the reason why our children excel in so many ways.

Response To: Free Daytime English Classes Offered at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
To The Editor,
Agradeceria informar a mi mail si existen este tipo de programas de lecciones gratis de ingles en Queens, en el area de Jamaica

To the Editor:
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to express my ideas about the importance of the arts, an integral part of a well-balanced education.
I think it is particularly meaningful that the studio in which I teach is housed in the encyclopedic Metropolitan Museum of Art. This institution takes extraordinary care to display and conserve great works of art. By experiencing first-hand the tools and materials of artists, our students’ subsequent gallery experiences become particularly meaningful.
I deeply appreciate the high quality of educational standards set by Director Philippe de Montebello and Associate Director of Education, Kent Lydecker, as well as by the Trustee Education Committee and many others of the museum staff.
Muriel Silberstein-Storfer, Founder, Doing Art Together & Parent-Child Studio Workshop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

To the Editor:
I am writing to express interest in obtaining the forensic science curriculum that Court TV has developed. I have been teaching forensic science at the college level for the past eight years and at the high school level for the past four years. There has always been a high interest in the course and would love more ideas on topics to add to the course.
Kay Sirianni, Brooklyn, NY

To the Editor:
Excellent information; we are always looking for grant programs.
Samye F. Lynom, Las Vegas, Nevada

To the Editor:
We must ensure that teachers are assessing our children based on mandates and not personal opinion. I will definitely be at the Chancellor’s next meeting on Dec. 5th!
Rochelle Sessoms, Flushing, NY

To the Editor:
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for meeting with me and writing such a wonderful article. It was a pleasure [sharing] my vision for Teachers College. I look forward to working with you on the challenges ahead and hope for a future filled with good work by us all.
Darlyne Bailey, Ph.D.
VP for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College
Teachers College, Columbia University

To the Editor:
I think the article, “Dean Deborah Shanley: Brooklyn College School of Education” (Sept. 2002) tells a lot about the school that I didn’t know. I would like to know, compared to other colleges, where this school stands in rank. Can I get a degree higher than a master’s after graduating from the Brooklyn College School of Education?

To the Editor:
I loved the way you so eloquently and accurately wrote about me and put it all together. [“Deaf Teacher” September 2002.]

To the Editor:
In response to “Talking with Pioneer Dr. Ira Black,” [Education Update, July 2002] my twin sister has had a car accident and she had her spinal cord compressed. I would like to know if any treatment can be done for her so she can get better or if you work with some kind of medicine that helps regenerate the spinal cord or that helps the swelling go down faster. Is there anything you can do for us. Please help me solve this. We are 19 years old and the accident was in May.

What special arts programs are there for deaf or hard of hearing children? [at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, Education Update, Sept. 2002]

To the Editor:
Thank you so much for the content and fluidity of the article. She [Joan Baum] captured every point I was trying to make and turned it into something everyone else can understand.

Jerrold Ross, Dean, School of Education
St. John’s University

To the Editor:
The article you did on the Reading Reform Foundation is excellent. You portrayed us accurately and concisely. Now I have to read every other article in the issue to keep up with the educational scene!
Sandra Priest Rose, Founder & Trustee
Reading Reform Foundation, NY

To the Editor:
I just saw the article on the Fieldston Foreign Language workshop [August 2002]. It’s great!
Mary McFerran,
Academic Technology Administrator
The Fieldston School

To the Editor:
I am the editor of the College Times, a national publication for students in Ireland. On your website you have accounts from students about their thoughts after the disaster of September 11. Would you allow us to publish some extracts from this in our newspaper?
Shane McGinley, Dublin, Ireland

Parkinson’s
To the Editor:
In re your articles on Parkinson’s [July 2002]: When do you anticipate that phase III trials will start? Will NIH at Bethesda, Maryland be a physical location where Spheramine will be administered?
Thomas Winter
Maryland

Special Education
To the Editor:
My daughter will enter the 11th grade in September, 2002. I appreciate anything you can do to help us make this a positive year for Alison. No one should have to go through school feeling like she does. I will do whatever it takes!
Nancy Eichler
Binghamton, NY

To the Editor:
I would like to get in touch with Dr. Mel Levine. My son needs one-on-one help. He may be my last resort before he falls in the cracks at school. Is there any way he can help him? [Dr. Mel Levine is featured in several articles on www.educationupdate.com]
Kathelleen Parsons via email

To the Editor:
Do you have any information on help for children labeled as Mild Intellectual Disability?
Karen Campbell-High
Via email

To the Editor:
I am in desperate need of information on afterschool programs for an 8 year-old with learning disabilities.
Annamaria Rios Via email

To the Editor:
Where are things with the Governor’s Island plan? I was stationed there in the 70’s and 80’s-90’s and would love to work there again as a facilities engineer.
Richard Sasse
Providence, R.I.

Governor’s Island was recently returned to the State of New York, organized by Al Butzel, President of the Governor’s Island Alliance. New proposals for its use include a CUNY campus, a national monument and a public park. For more information: www.reclaimgovernorsisland.org [Ed.]

To the Editor:
Do you have any information on help for children labeled as Mild Intellectual Disability?
Karen Campbell-High
Via email

To the Editor:
I am in desperate need of information on afterschool programs for an 8 year-old with learning disabilities.
Annamaria Rios
Via email

To The Editor:
I am enjoying reading Education Update and am impressed with the broad coverage you were able to give on the city and Manhattan schools, from elementary to high school to universities, within a week of the WTC attack. Your interview with the Imam of the mosque on 97th St. was a thoughtful inclusion.

Anita Reetz,
Faculty, USC Language Academy
Rossier School of Education
University of Southern California
(click here to respond to this letter)

To the Editor:
There’s so much to express and yet not enough words, not enough time to say it all. As we all go through the motions at a new, unfamiliar pace, I’d like to focus everyone’s attention to the new New York skyline. The world is painfully aware of a conspicuous absence, but shift your attention, and you’ll notice a conspicuous presence. So very much is still there.

The Twin Towers were symbols of so many amazing American qualities: strength, pride, wealth, ingenuity, foresight and cooperation. They represented us. The Towers were symbols of who we are as human beings.

We are the home of the free not the fearful. We are the land of the brave, and we, the people, still stand. May we never return to normal. Normal turned on us and left us vulnerable. Let us reach higher, safer, stronger, wiser ground. God bless America. –April Heath

To the Editor:
At this difficult time I would like to share my grief and sorrow with you. I hope that all is well at your office. I’m praying for you, your loved ones and all of the personnel who works with you.

To the Editor:
We were appalled by the dreadful atrocity perpetrated by the terrorists at the World Trade Center. It is a terrible time not only for New York City, but for the whole of America and any humanitarian on the face of the earth. We feel very much for you, your city, your people, and your country.

To the Editor:
Prior to 1973 the NYC Board of Education provided students with several types of high school diplomas to choose from. There were four types of diplomas: 1) an academic diploma 2) a commercial diploma 3) a general diploma and 4) an evening diploma. The Board eliminated all these diplomas on June 1973 when it passed a single diploma policy which prohibits distinguishing on diplomas.

The Board continues to discriminate against night high school students by issuing them a diploma with the word “evening” on it. The day high school students are not issued diplomas with the word “day” on them so why issue diplomas with the word “evening” on them to night high school students?

This is a violation of the June 1973 single diploma policy. The Board must stop this practice and issue an equal diploma to both day as well as night high school students.

To The Editor:
I saw your list of Queens vocational schools in the August issue. Please send me information on vocational schools in the Bronx for my son. Thank you.

To the Editor:
I would really appreciate it if you could provide sources of direct contact persons as well as sites for locations of hire for teacher’s assistants. I am an elementary education major student and I am at a loss for finding teacher’s assistant jobs that are full time as I finish my degree.

To the Editor:
It is no surprise that a society that glorifies sporting heroes similarly undervalues education (Re: Leaving School for the NBA, Sports, July 2001). Player salaries exemplify my point. While a drafted basketball player may be offered a $300,000 contract, the starting salary of a teacher averages about $26,000.

So, what does the future hold? Right now, student motivation can be summed up in one question. If you present a child with the choice of either playing ball all day or going to school, which would they choose? The answer is of course the one that they are intrinsically motivated to do; we all know which one that is.

To the Editor:
I will be returning to Japan in the middle of August after two-and-a-half wonderful years in New York. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to Education Update. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with me.

To the Editor:
It was such an honor to receive our $1,000 scholarships from the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (“Future Teachers Awarded Grants from Manhattan Chamber,” Spotlight on Schools, June 2001). It is so encouraging for us to realize that there are so many well-intentioned people who don’t even know us offering support both financially and in spirit. So often as minority teenagers, we assume that people really don’t care about us; this grant changed our minds.
After the assembly, students came up to us to congratulate us as well as to ask how we won the scholarships. Many are already thinking about what they are going to write in order to receive the scholarships next year. Our principal, Elaine Goldberg, told us that this grant may not be forthcoming every year. We would like to ask the Chamber to consider adopting the High School of Teaching and giving this scholarship every year for the many worthy kids in our building.

Carmen Barahona, Karen Cooper, Su-Elene Cuevas, Margaret Diaz, Venus Hernandez, Suzie Ip, Michelle Mapp, Nydia Southerland, Shaneika Swinton, Carmen Tavarez, Richard R. Green High School of Teaching
(click here to respond to this letter)

To the Editor:
Flawed Fellows
A number of recent articles in The New York Times have discussed the New York City Teaching Fellows’ difficulty in recruiting applicants. I recently tried to apply to the program and was frustrated with the organization at every turn. I would like to make some suggestions that might make the program—one that supposedly trains professionals to become public school teachers—more appealing.
1. Don’t lose applications (as they did with mine).
2. When an applicant then wants to reapply, don’t tell him that his application is now late and cannot be processed.
3. Don’t call the applicant back a month later asking him to come to an interview on a specific day (with no alternative days) and expect him to be able to make it with only a few days notice. That qualified applicant might be out of the state that day.
4. Finally, don’t ignore complaints about this kind of situation and leave them unanswered.
Never in my life have I been so rudely treated, particularly by a program that supposedly desperately needs my help. They should be bending over backwards to ensure that students get the best teachers possible.
I currently run an education program and am very interested in teaching, and I found this entire process appalling. I hope the coordinators of the Teaching Fellows take a hard look at a greatly flawed application process.

To the Editor:
I was inspired to write after reading your article on Mother’s Day (Cover, May 2001). I am a mother of two extraordinary daughters—Jennifer, a 28 year old NYC lawyer, and Julie, 26, who is in the hotel business in Washington, DC (“A Tale of Two Sisters,” Careers, Dec. 2000)—with whom I have a close and adoring relationship.
I have always expressed to them the importance of achieving goals that they have set for themselves. Unlike Erica Jong’s comment in the article about giving motherly advice—“It doesn’t work”—I have always felt it my responsibility as a mother to give my daughters advice and hopefully provide the correct set of tools they need to secure their future in this challenging world. I have always stressed that anything that is worth having does not come easy; it takes hard work and hours of determination.
Looking back over the years, I can take great pride in how they have developed. Mothering is a lifelong commitment, perhaps the most demanding job a woman can have.

To the Editor:
I have just finished participating in PENCIL’s Principal For A Day program and would like to make a suggestion to the City of New York regarding the attraction of good, qualified teachers. Not only is salary an issue, but housing is as well. The City should consider subsidized housing for teachers who have signed a valid, one-year contract with the Board of Education to be renewed annually.
New rental buildings should have an allotted amount of apartments for teachers, and those apartments going off the rent controlled and rent stabilized status should be offered to teachers.
New buildings could be devoted to housing teachers, and I am sure other creative options could be thought of by the powers-that-be. And I am certain that if the Trumps and Rudins of NYC were approached, they would “step up to the plate.” Of course, the trade off to the property owners would be a tax credit issued by the City.
We need innovative programs to help Chancellor Harold Levy continue to improve our public education system and to support these devoted teachers who, day-in and day-out, are responsible for our children.

To the Editor:
Everyone agrees that something needs to be done to solve the shortage of math and science teachers. When attempting to find a solution, we need to consider that teaching math and science is a talent, not just a profession and not everyone who has a certificate to teach has the talent to do so. Academic qualifications are the bones of teaching, but without the flesh of excitement and enthusiasm, the skeleton will only scare our students.
Shortage of good math and science teachers is a worldwide phenomenon. In New York City it has become an emergency. According to Chancellor Harold Levy in your October, 2000, issue, “colleges simply cannot supply enough teachers to meet demands.” If this is true, then the time has come to bring in excellent math and science teachers from other countries on job visas.

Response to: Innovative Spinal Surgery in Live Webcast

Response to: Richard Kogan, M.D.: Music, A Window to the Soul

Response to: Teachers College Returns to Afghanistan

Response to: Special Education in New York City

Response to:
Innovative Spinal Surgery in Live Webcast

Response to:
Richard Kogan, M.D.: Music, A Window to the Soul

Response to:
Teachers College Returns to Afghanistan

Response to:
Special Education in New York City