If you win a seat, please do me a favor. Don’t automatically assume that teachers are part of the problem. Yes, there are bad teachers. Just as there are bad doctors and bad plumbers.
But most teachers just plug away, and do the best they can. They are handicapped by insane curriculum requirements, and by insane discipline restrictions.
Here’s an example. In my school district, every kid must take advanced algebra. That’s crazy. It would be like requiring every kid to play football. And if a kid misbehaves in advanced algebra class (because he has no interest or ability), he cannot be removed. So the teacher must spend a good amount of class time dealing with that kid instead of teaching.
I have taught in both private and public schools. So I’ve pretty much seen it all. And here’s my rough estimate:
5% of teachers are just bad. They are in the wrong line of work, and should be let go.
5% are good enough, but they let their personal opinions bleed into their lessons. They need a course correction from a supervisor.
25% are just awesome. They are master teachers who are worth twice their salary. These folks inspire kids, and change lives.
That leaves the 65% whom I’ll call journeymen teachers. They are competent, and will go the extra mile when necessary. But they don’t have any special flair. While I’d like to see my kids be taught by a master teacher, I’m okay if they end up in journeyman’s class. Those teachers will get the job done...if the student is willing to learn.
(Sorry for the length of this post. But as you can tell, it’s something I’m passionate about. And if you care to ask me any questions, please do.)
I understand. Both my brother and my sister-in-law were teachers. I watched the slow leftward brainwashing that affected even them somewhat.
But no one can get to the goal without a good map. The map needs to lead toward the Declaration, the Constitution, and our American culture. We need to be in on the drawing of the map.