Quote:
|
Originally Posted by BMERGRL
I am an English teacher in a suburban district and I must say, I have mixed feelings about all that Jobs purports (I must preface this post by saying I am not BMERGRL...she is my partner...forgive me, I don't drive a BMW, but I love the forum). Tenure, not unions, in fact, pose problems in education because there are teachers who have no business "playing" the part of an educator. After five years, many teachers assume the role of the slack-ass who need not work to better the lives and education of their students(because yes, it is nearly impossible to be fired), however, these teachers are thankfully in the minority.
The voucher system, if pushed through in many states, will be the demise of public education. ALL students deserve EQUAL educational opportunities, but it is true that teachers are under-trained; most teachers are among the most educated people in our population, however, we are under-trained in dealing with the rapidly changing demographics we are finding in our schools.
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. The educational system is incredibly flawed...it is what it is. The only control educators have is to continue to dedicate ourselves to our students...KEA29, we need you!
|
Thanks for the positive vibes.
I agree that there are some teachers that exploit the system. It is a situation that needs to be addressed and I believe it is morally wrong to rob kids of the best education possible.
My mom, who passed away a couple years ago, was a high school english and history teacher here in Hawaii. She taught high school for 25+ years. I believe she would have a hard time in the classroom today as opposed to 10 years ago. Your comment about the changing demographics in the classroom and the teachers lack of education and experience dealing with it is absolutely true. My mom wouldn't know how to deal with ADHD, LD and behavioral problem kids along side "normal" (whatever that means) kids in the classroom. It wouldn't be from lack of caring or laziness or even lack of desire to educate - it would be because she simply had no experience or education on how to manage it.
I believe we need to have measures in place that require some kind of training for older (I mean more experienced) teachers that helps them understand the changing dynamics they are experiencing. I mean NO disrespect. On the contrary I think most teachers would appreciate some help. Many teachers graduated form college and started teaching when all special needs kids were in their own rooms all day taught by a special ed teacher.
I know my mom would have been first in line to learn alternative teaching methods and ideas because it would have made her a better teacher. In my opinion good teachers are the ones who are open to new ideas and want to be the best they can be so their students will also excel. Maybe the teachers unions could help come up with a plan.