Teaching Today
A blog following teacher Aaron Jura as he plans engaging, yet relevant English Language Arts content for High School students in New Orleans, LA.
I often talk in my History and English classes about the need to do something to change the world. I, as many other people around the world, was horrified by the attacks by extremists in France, Kenya, and Lebanon. I find that too often these events become social media campaigns that allow people to "feel" like they've done something. I disagree. I think that if you want to actually make a difference and impact big changes you need to be directly involved in the issues and to ultimately become more informed. I would challenge anyone to look into the specifics of how ISIS/ISIL and others (Boko Haram and Al Shabaab) became radicalized and ultimately armed to the teeth. Let's examine the roles of other nations in strengthening this group through radical rhetoric and a non-inclusive foreign policy. Lets examine who could be a leader on the issues of security -- an isolationist? Most likely not. My problem with social media and "shares" "likes" and "favorites" is that it does not allow for any real substantive thought on an issue to share about it. A person scrolling through a feed of cat videos and pictures of celebrities dressed like normal people to share an image representing how they are "with" a particular group during distress. In actuality the act of sharing a post is not enough. People must become informed and force change to make something happen on this issue. Some links to review are: 5 Minute history video on the rise of ISIS/ISIL Lebanon's problems with ISIS/ISIL
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Mr. J is a high school teacher in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. J believes in the power of educators to help children and families achieve. Follow his blog for tips and techniques to keep engagement high and student achievement at the forefront. Archives
July 2017
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