www.newrivervalley.com

According to research from the University of Chicago (which, as a side note, is well known for its education research), special education teachers are in the top 10 of happiest jobs.

The teachers are No. 5 on a list of jobs in the ""Job Satisfaction in the United States" study that's been smattered in the news today. As far as I can tell, the study is about a year old, though.

Either way, here's what they have to say:

Special education teachers
Job Description: Teach school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students.

Very happy: 52.6%
Median salary (preschool, kindergarten or elementary school): $41,344
Median salary (secondary school): $43,060

This seems to fly in the face of local concerns that have special education teachers over their workloads and pay.

So, special education teachers, set the record straight.

Are you happy with your jobs? What makes it great, and what leaves something to be desired?

Shortly after reading the story in today's paper about Roanoke students discussing what Barack Obama should focus on, I ran across this.

It's a report on at least one school district in Colorado that asked its teachers to stay mum on politics, and steer from supporting candidates' campaigns.

It made me think about all the times I saw Montgomery school board members Penny Franklin and Phyllis Albritton sporting Obama badges and the number of mock elections held at schools across the valley. Teachers I talked to there said the election was, and will continue to be, a teaching tool for them.

And, I suspect,  with the inaguration coming right after the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday  (as a friend pointed out) and Black History Month the following month, lessons will abound.

What do you think? Teachers, what discussions or lessons are you having in class? Parents, what does the election mean for dinner time topics?

In my inbox today is an annoucement from Pathway Christian Academy about a new facility they plan to open next year.

Folks at the school say their enrollment has doubled, and they give credit to staff, sports programs and expanded science and math curriculum. They're planning a groundbreaking for the school on Sept. 30, and a forthcoming capital campaign to raise money for the school.

Pathway now is housed at the Crosspointe Conference Center.

You can read more about the new facility in tomorrow's Current.

In my inbox this morning is an e-mail from the Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension about school bullying.

This comes on the heels of a story in the Current last week about Montgomery County's approach, Olweus Bullying Prevention Program and a visit from presenter Jay Banks.

The extension's take? Talk to kids, whether they are the bullies or the bullied. And, don't encourage retaliation.

Here's what they have say:

"One of the most important things a parent can do to address bullying is to talk to their child about the issue, regardless of whether they think he or she is the victim of bullying or exhibiting bullying behavior," said Crystal Tyler-Mackey, a community viability specialist in Extension's Southeast District. "Most schools have a bullying policy, and parents need to familiarize themselves with their child's school policy on the matter."

Read more »

I just got this new release, and figured any teen or parent reading this might be interested

Openings are now available for the RU Teens Outside Program, Session 3, which runs Monday, July 28, through Friday, August 1.

Teens Outside is a structured program designed to provide teens with a safe and fun environment in which to participate in various outdoor recreation activities. Session 3 activities will include white water rafting in the New River Gorge, canoeing, rafting, local boulder hiking and two overnight camping trips. The session is open to participants ages 12-16 and costs $175 per person.

The Teens Outside programs are staffed by RU college students majoring in recreation, parks and tourism. All counselors are certified in CPR/first aid and boating safety education.
To learn more and to register, contact Fred Pierson at jkpierson@radford.edu or (540) 831-7721

I just ran across the video gem below at a fellow blogger's site that focuses on Oakland schools.

It made me think about what's happening in schools here. A former Roanoke Times reporter wrote this year about dog therapy that can be taken into schools, and I attended a session at Radford for children with Autism that iincluded some body percussion, but I haven't heard about the rap therapy.

Weigh in on what you've seen, and if you think the rappin' would be a good idea locally.

Most teachers (who aren't writing curriculum, working a second job to stay afloat or tutoring) will tell you summer is slow. Maybe it's contributing to this ...

Every year, at this point in the summer, I get nightmares about the next school year.

Apparently, she also dreams of classes like "sniper 101."

I found this from a blogger at a blogging community for teachers.

Makes me wonder how many NRV teachers have their own blogs. I know of at least one former school board member who does.

Let me know. Until then, sweet dreams.