[N. Theknow]

My Mom left public school teaching in the mid-1970's after 30+ years and started teaching at a local Vo-Tech school. She taught English and Latin to students in grades 9 through 12. At the Vo-Tech she taught "communications" both written and verbal. No more Chaucer, Shakespeare, etc. Just the basic how to speak correctly, write legibly and compose business communications properly.

Whenever she would be asked about her career change she would say, "Well, there are two distinct advantages to teaching at the Vo-Tech as compared to the public high school. First, all the students are there because they want to be there. Second, the disruptive influence brought about by the integration of schools, doubled the frustrations of the job. Where it used to be just one type of one color of student that took pride in failing grades, there are now two colors that revel in their ignorance. It is indeed a shame that the best intentions of integration, which were to raise others to a higher standard, have seen those standards shamefully lowered."

[Chickensoup]

First, all the students are there because they want to be there

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My son took two certificates at a Voc-Tech HS and the first thing one notices walking through the door is the commitment of the students. Unbelievable. These are kids who want to start their lives. Want to earn, want to move up. Very impressive.