Thanks for this. As a former preschool teacher myself, I am so happy that you shared these pearls of wisdom. Watching a young child respond to a rhyme is my fondest memory as a teacher as well as a parent, and I sometimes fear that it's becoming a lost art. The value of poetry, reading, sharing, and fostering verbal creativity is beyond measure.

Dear Guest, Your statement couldn't be farther from the truth. There are so many of us in classrooms all around our country. You are right that we behave with authentic joy at our own peril and many dedicated passionate creative teachers have indeed left. We need more parents to refuse the tests. The Opt Out movement is gathering steam. The hope for saving America's public schools and for our teachers and children lies in the lap of every citizen.