I just get really tired of the condom-on-the-banana cliche. From the postings on these education threads, you'd think that's all we do in schools.
The only time I've ever had a condom in my classroom was when some goofball teenager dropped one (still the package, thankfully) out of his pocket, and I picked it up off the floor as part of the regaining control thing.
Yes, there are teachers who are immoral, lazy, incompetent, etc., just as there are good and bad, competent and incompetent in all professions.
I just don't think the broad-brush, stereotypical snap comments add anything to the discussion.
I made the point I wished to make in my "discussion". That is what we do on FreeRepublic. You made your points, and they are equally broad-brushed. What makes the difference is that you are coming from a defensive position, while I have no axe to grind, just a valid complaint.
I am a taxpayer. I see $15k per student being spend in nearby DC. I know the average quality of teachers in DC, and they are below average, overall. Utah spends a third of that amount. The problem stems from union and government interference in the education system.
Yes, there are teachers who are immoral, lazy, incompetent, etc., just as there are good and bad, competent and incompetent in all professions.
Yes, but they don't get tenure, nor do they get to dictate conditions to their employers. If they take too many sick days, they are fired. Teachers get employment benefits far beyond what most people receive, and have more time off. I think most are way over paid, for the benefit we receive from their (lack of) efforts.
Teachers are important. I wish we had more of them, and less of the dregs... and far less of the "administrative" personnel!
Yeah.
What about teaching tolerance and diversity, eh?
And that homosexuality is perfectly acceptable and to be celebrated.
And, God forbid you should be able to quote the Bible or teach about the Prince of Peace - or alternatives to the theory of evolution.