"WHATEVER YOU ARE...BE A GOOD ONE"

     by Jack Humphrey

     Abraham Lincoln once said, “Whatever you are…Be a good one.”   Old-fashioned, solid advice from such a wise man should not be ignored. It’s safe to say that most people strive to do their best. Having a set of clear guidelines to follow in any quest certainly helps.

     The U. S. Department of Education states that in order to be deemed highly qualified, teachers must have a bachelor’s degree, full state certification or licensure, and the ability to demonstrate knowledge in their subject areas.

     Let’s consider what is required of middle grades reading teachers in Indiana to be deemed highly qualified.

     First of all, they must have an Indiana Reading Endorsement or, since 2002, the Early Adolescence Reading License.  The following Indiana colleges and universities have programs leading to the Early Adolescence Reading License: Ball State University, Butler University, Indiana State University, Indiana University, Indiana University East, Indiana University Northwest, Indiana University South Bend, Indiana University Southeast, IUPU at Fort Wayne, IUPU at Indianapolis, Oakland City University, Purdue University, Purdue University Calumet, Saint Mary’s College, University of Evansville, University of Indianapolis, University of Southern Indiana, and Valparaiso University.

     The following six universities also offer programs leading to a Reading Specialist License: Ball State University, Butler University, Indiana State University, Indiana University, Indiana University South Bend, and Purdue University.  Middle grades reading teachers working on master’s degrees may simultaneously complete course requirements for the Reading Specialist License.

     All teachers need continuing opportunities to study diversity, technology, and other complex educational issues.  In addition, teachers benefit from professional development related to their teaching areas.  Science teachers, physical education teachers, mathematics teachers, and others share a common need to learn more about their    areas.  The same holds true for middle grades reading teachers. They need to interact not only with other middle grades teachers but also with those from elementary and high schools. 

     The demands of daily teaching require an often exhausting expenditure of time and energy, so much, in fact, that it’s difficult to create opportunities for middle grades reading teachers to meet and discuss reading issues and challenges.

     However, we have to make time for what’s important. And there’s no denying that middle grades reading teachers recognize that reading in the middle grades is of the utmost importance. 

     There is a wealth of opportunities for our middle grades reading teachers to share their experiences with other educators and expand their knowledge and skills.  It is essential for school corporations to encourage middle grades reading teachers to meet regularly to learn about successful practices that can be adopted or adapted. A central office administrator, principal, curriculum coordinator, or teacher leader with a reading specialist license should provide leadership to bring about these meetings in which information can be shared.

     The many professional organizations for middle grades reading teachers are invaluable. The International Reading Association, the Indiana State Reading Association, and local reading councils provide publications, conferences, and many opportunities for teachers to learn about what others are doing in their schools.

     Let’s remind all Hoosier reading teachers to keep Abraham Lincoln’s good advice in mind by encouraging them to finish their college reading courses leading to reading licenses; become active in their local and state reading councils; start a local reading council if none exists; read publications; attend local, state, and national reading conferences; and figure out how to share ideas with their fellow reading teachers.

“Whatever you are…Be a good one.”