Monday, April 19, 2010
Is scapegoating teachers the answer?
Attached is an article I came across in Newsweek magazine a few weeks back and just found it again. It speaks of the decline of the American Education at the hands of the teachers...but what about parents, administrators, school boards and the community? The article discusses how the quality of teachers to some degree is not there. It is stated in the article that "most schoolteachers are recruited from the bottom third of college-bound high-school students." As future teachers, and people who have degrees in studies other than education, how do you feel about this statement?
http://www.newsweek.com/id/234590
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3 comments:
Amy-
Despite these statistical facts, I am upset when I read and hear this. It presumes that just because people want to become teachers, they cannot make their path in other professions – medical, legal, etc. As we discussed in class last night, there are many factors in this equation. Just fifty years ago there were two choices for women: education and nursing. As more opportunities opened up, women expanded their horizons and they went into other career paths. Until we can change these mindsets (i.e. – teachers become teachers because they cannot make it in any other degree path/ career path) and truly value the hard work of educators, these ideas will prevail.
I think the great value of all of us having degrees in other fields and other work experience is we have a broader world view and can help our students in ways that new teachers may not.
One change I’d like to see is a solid mix of classes in teacher preparation programs – too many education classes is not the solution, in my opinion. I think to be a good teacher, you must have a solid grasp of diverse subject materials or within your specialty area. I’ll be honest, I started out as an Ed major in undergrad and moved to English because I felt boxed in by the number of classes required in the Education Department. I never took any of these classes, only the gen ed requirements and perhaps if I did, I may have changed my mind. Still, from my experience of teaching for five years, you do need structure and guidance but nothing truly prepares you until you face these scenarios we’ve discussed in person – for me: a deviant student who no one, not even our team leader could control with her 20+ years of teaching experience and almost PhD level of schooling in ed and counseling classes, a visually impaired student, a hearing impaired student, and the list goes on. Each situation, while different, challenged me to present my materials in different ways. It’s hard work, but it is the most gratifying to me, and I cannot wait to be back in the classroom!
It is upsetting to hear that the people entering the teaching force aren't always the best and the brightest. I don't think it's fair to blame all of the problems in our schools on the teachers, but I do think it's true that some people fall back on teaching because they think it's easy and doesn't require a high degree of skill, knowledge or training. How wrong they are!
I'll be honest; I didn't study education in my undergrad years partly because of internal and external pressures that told me I could do better. That's a shame. I now know teaching is what I'm meant to do, even if people look at me as settling career-wise.
Isn't it a shame that we have to justify to people why we choose to teach? It should be valued as one of the most important professions, but it's not. And as long as pay and respect for teachers remains low, many bright, talented people will pass up the profession for more "rewarding" careers. I'm glad the 13 of us don't fall into that category. Despite the challenges, good teachers make all the difference.
Lauren- I am right there with you. I switched my major (several times) from Bio-Chem, to History and Education, then from Education to a minor in Political Science and Criminal Justice. It is unfortunate that such articles portray teachers in such a poor light, at least statistically. I believe a good mix of classes would help students in the long run. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Julie- I agree with you as well. I went from a Pre-Med track to a Pre-Law track all while overlooking teaching simply because society said I had the opportunity to "do more." I am really happy to see that the 13 of us with all of our different backgrounds and experiences are willing to leave our (sometimes) comfortable offices with a view to hold little hands and guide the young minds of the future.
Thank you both for sharing your thoughts and experiences on this matter!
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