who's who americas teachers

True, they don't require you to buy a book to be put in the "Who's Who," but it really doesn't cost anything to add a few more lines (your name) and they're betting that the people that do buy it will offset (and more) the cost of sending those books out.

Not trying to dissuade you from it, but it seems rather hollow. I'd rather do something so good that ends up in a newspaper or something, not some directory that is probably also sold as a mailing list for companies selling to teachers.

Haha, boy what a cynical attitude!

 

reply

I sent in one of those too. I called to see who nominated me because I was curious like everyone else. My nomination was anonymous and she told me that meant that it was probably a co-worker. They can tell you the name though if you call the number on the sheet. Good luck!!!

 

If that is true, than how do you explain my nomination??? I teach Kindergarten and have only taught for 5 years, so my oldest former student is now in fifth grade. I still agree with other cynics that it is generated from some kind of mailing list. I guess we would have to see what we all have in common. Let's see....... (I subsribe to Mailbox Magazine and Teacher's Helper... LOL)

 

You were probably nominated by a co-worker then, or administration I have been teaching for three years and subscribe to no magazines as of today and I still got nominated. It seems legit, if nothing else it is good on my resume.

 

My friends child was nominated twice in high school by her teachers. I don't believe it is a scam, and the feelings it generates is well worth it. If it makes a child or a teacher feel like they are doing a great job than that is what matters.

 

I got a who' who in the mail yesterday also. It seems that there are many teacher that get these. Is it really something that would be good to do? I thought it was just a company wanting money to put my name in a book. I guess I didn;t realize that it is something I should do...I tossed mine in the garbage...

 

well I actually now know which student nominated me this year. She's a senior and exactly who I had pegged... She saw the envelope on my desk and said "Oh you got it!"
So even if it is a money making scheme, I got in this time, again, because a student nominated me

I remember nominating my high school band director and my kindergarten teacher when I was in high school... so some teachers do get in by students nominating them... guess that's why I wasn't as skeptical as some of you guys when I received mine.

(I ran into my kindergarten teacher in the local store shortly after she got hers and she was beaming ear to ear... my response to my mom was WOW she's short... I hadn't seen her since I was in Kindergarten when she had to be a good foot taller than me.. at 5'8" I looked down at her quite a bit!)

 

I also would like to sound positive, however, I don't even work in the school system, and I got one in the mail yesturday. I run my own childcare, so how does that make sense if it's suppose to be for "school teachers". I think it's wonderful and an honor if it's legit, but I am not sure it makes much sense if every teacher in America is recieving them. There are a couple past teachers who I would not want to be put in the same category with. Hmmm...

 

As I posted before, it's not anything illegal; it's not even a 'scam.' It's just a way for the book publisher to make money. You really do get the book and it really does have your name in it. But my friend's dog got a nomination in the mail just yesterday; it's a really smart dog but somehow I don't think he deserves to be addressed as "Mr. Fred Simpkins" when most people just call him 'Fred.' Go ahead and give them the information they ask for if you really want it that badly, but while it's completely legit, it's just a money-making thing. After my old school investigated them, we were forbidden to give out the bulk-mailing of nomination forms that came to our students (by name!) every year.

 

Hahahahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jane, You're killing me again!!!!!!

 

Yes, the book has a teacher's name in it and yes they have to pay for it if they want to see their name in print. But, very little in life is FREE.

 

There are only two legitimate Who’s Whos: "Who's Who in America" and "Who's Who in the World." These are bought by libraries for reference purposes. All other Who’s Whos are overpriced books which are sold exclusively to the biographees listed in the books. (and their beaming families.) They are generally compiled from trade association membership lists, solicited persons, and such. There are as many versions of these "Who's Who" books as there are there are levels of schooling, professsions, and suckers in the world. Again, they are legal. Again, they are NOT a scam. Yes, most things in this world do cost money; few things are genuinely free. But if you are genuinely seeking a little self-esteem boost, why not try for a real one? And since many of you obviously do not believe it, check out this url:

http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/000097.htm

And if one is not enough, check out others. Search for it. But get your information from a website that is NOT affiliated with the business.

I'm done now. Buy the book. See your name in print. Maybe if your school had investigated this business as mine did, you wouldn't be so honored or anxious to have your name printed in a book that is little more than a collection of names gleaned from phone books and nomination forms that are sent out in bulk.

 

I'm with you Jane! I didn't even know about it until I opened it, but really thought something was odd when I kept reading it. Being in MY profession (childcare) and reading the information section didn't really add up to me. Yes, I am a degreed teacher, but have never been in the school system. Something just doesn't add up. It's that gut feeling! I have been in childcare for five years, have owned and directed by own center in my home, and have directed a center that is not mine, but that's all. Wouldn't you think someone who has done more would be targeted instead?

 

I've always known this was a scam. And I do call it a scam because they are making people think this is something it's not. They are feeding off of our sense of pride.

 

Yeah, but sometimes we all need to have a little pride thrown our way...

 

I do have to admit that I was pretty excited when I first opened it up. But once I started finding out more, especially from this thread, I was a lot more upset and mad than anything else. It was a let down! They build you up like it's some big achievement, but yet it's just a money making scheme.

 

I think the only true sign you've succeeded is that your students succeed after they've left your charge. As teachers we really shouldn't be looking for honor in any other place.

 

Then why are the real Who's Who allowing these other books to be put out?

 

Are you serious? It's human nature to seek recognition and approval. I don't look for honor,per se, but I often feel successful. I'm honored when a parent sends me a nice note, when the principal tells me I'm doing a good job,and always when I hear a kid say,"I get it!".

 

Naturally, you feel good, but, as you said yourself, those honors are not what you're 'looking for'. We are in agreement here.

To clarify: that recognition from a parent, a principal, and a student may be a sign that we are achieving our goal, but our true goal itself (that which we are 'looking for') should be the success of the student in the future.

Yes, I am serious.

 

That's what great about these forums. We can all express our different oppinions.

 

That's a good question.

 

Are they all related? Maybe they are just so blinded by the money that they don't care.

 

No, they are not related. The term "who's who" is not copyrighted, and lends itself to pretenders and businesspeople.

We all like for our hard work to be recognized, but the 'who's Who' pretenders are not really anything to brag about; they are hocking a product, not a genuine honor. It's nothing to be proud of. Administrators know it for what it is, and listing it on a resume, as that url on my previous post stated, tells a superintendent that you are naive, inexperienced, and provincial, and none of us want to advertise that fact even when we are. And I include myself in that.

When I had been teaching only a few years, my students nominated me and I fell for it. I went so far as to let the newspaper here do an article about me being in the book. Boy, was my face red when more experienced teachers pointed out to me what that "honor" really meant. I guess professional people all over the county were giggling at my falling for it. I would hate for that to happen to any of you.

My advice: if you want your name to be in print, write a book.

 

my mother in law has the volumes found in library shelves as she has been in these books many times.

 

After visiting the Who's Who website and seeing the list of libraries just in Michigan which receive a copy of this book, I double checked by calling the reference librarian at the state Library here in Lansing. They do indeed receive a copy of this book and have it in their reference section, along with the other "Who's Who" books you mentioned and more.

I did check the websites you mentioned and others too. It seems opinion is greatly varied.

I did recieve a nomination this year for the first time (after teaching 20 years in the elementary) and can only speak from personal experience. I teach in a small private school, do not belong to any teaching organizations (including the NEA and MEA), have no teaching magazine subscriptions (Are you horrified yet)?

My nomination....which I called and checked on....came from a former 3rd grade student whom I watched go through High School, will graduate as Validictorian and is a National Merit Scholar (Which IS legit). One of the benefits of teaching in a small school is being able to daily see your former students and let them know you are rooting for them.

So, before you add you name to the list of people who think their nominations come from a mailing list and get your bubble burst, check it out.

Did I need this nomination to feel successful as a teacher? Nope...I feel that success every time I hand back a math test with an "A" on it to a student who failed math last year. Do I feeled scammed? Not on your life. I feel honored that a student I had many years ago had enough respect for me to give me what he thought was a genuine honor. And in honor of that student, I will graciously accept the nomination, and yes, maybe even buy the book.

June

 

I am strongly on the "cynical" side. Ask any college admissions counselor how much weight the student book has to them.

If you have the means, I don't see anything wrong with blowing your own proverbial horn, though.

The biggest thing I've noticed, though, is that someone on this thread has been arguing for buying the book, as if they stood to personally benefit!

Just an observation.

 

I think that's silly.

 

Touche.

 

Oh boy!

 

Why is it wrong for us to feel special every once in a while? I know that I never bought any of the books, and probably never will, but it's good to know that somebody is recognizing you for something. You could be the best teacher in the world, but you still need a little "chin-up" sometimes.

 

I think that is true, but I also believe that there are quite a few people who take advantage of the good teachers morale to make money. Like the previous post said, you may have really been nominated so check it out before you get too skeptical. However, I do believe that there are many people who have gotten them in order for the book to have enough people to publish it. Because of that, there is no way it can be 100% legit. I don't want to rely on a money making scam in order to keep my chin up.

 

I got a nomination yesterday. I'm pretty skeptical, since this is my first year teaching and NONE of my kids could have possibly nominated me (heck, only two could even begin to spell my name). I'll probably end the data sheet back anyway, but not buy the book.

 

I seriously doubt if there is one teacher in this forum who would rely on being in Who's Who of America's Teachers to keep their chin up. But it should be an encouragement to know a former student had good intentions and a desire to honor you.

Teaching is an all-consuming profession. We sweat and pray for our student's success, and there are many days when a teacher wonders if they have any impact at all.

So, my advice to you....if you got nominated, check it out! And if it is a genuine source of praise from a student or colleague, then pat yourself on the back. You deserve it for all your hard work.

*********

BTW - The "REAL" Who's Who mentioned in a previous thread..."Who's Who in the World" and "Who's Who in America" only cost $500.00 each

 

If you read the post prior to mine you will realize why I stated the "chin up" comment (no offense Ms. W-I just didn't know what phrase to use so I used what you used). I understand it is an encouragement, but how could you possibly get a good vibe from something that just delivers the notices to any Tom, **** and Harry who is teaching? Great is someone nominated you, but there are other ways of knowing you are doing a good job.

PS: $500?!?!? Need I say more?

 

You must be missing something, because I have said the same thing in all my posts. Everyone KNOWS ther are other ways of knowing you are doing a great job. I'm just saying, don't knock an honest attempt by a former student to honor you.

The $500 is not for the "Who's Who among America's Teachers", but for the "real" version of Who's Who mentioned by Jane in a previous post.

 

I love knowing that a former kindergarten student who just graduated high school nominated me. I am still in touch with him and his family even thought they moved to Washington state many years ago.
Do I need to see my name published in a book to know I am a d-- good teacher? NO, but knowing that in the beginning of this students school career I made a difference big enough for him to think of me and nominate me,that makes me warm and fuzzy. I LOVE IT!!!

 

OKay so I got one in the mail. If someone nominated me how do I found out? I am thinking of just throwing it away

 

Throw it away. Find out who nominated you if it means that much to you, but please, throw it away. Teachers get enough bad press these days without so many of us falling for a money-making scheme like this. It is perfectly legal. But it means nothing, and going for it labels us as yokels. Administrators will laugh at it, if you put it on your resume. Honest.