Great teachers speak to their students from their soul every day. But only some kids hear. I wish that weren't so, but it is.
I also wish there were a pat answer for poor performance, by teachers and students. Divorce is probably the main culprit for children's poor performance. I know several boys who needed to be left back because they were emotionally devastated by their parents' divorce. Teachers are held back by the union because the union is so good at what it does -- it makes money for the teachers, as many teachers as possible. Whether these teachers are any good is immaterial; this is a union, not Jeopardy. However, the union has let bad habits solidify in the worst schools, and now the profession is facing a crisis of legitimacy. This crisis will only get worse as boys continue to drop out or forgo college. These boys will educate themselves somewhere else, probably on the internet with tutors in other countries, cheaply. Once this happens it will be very difficult to justify the teachers' benefit packages, vacations, and salaries.
Amelia, I found your mention of the principal's role in school excellence interesting. I assume, as in some private companies, there is little preparation for leadership given to teachers who wish to become administrators. It's too bad something can't be done about that.
As an aside, it would be fun to start a thread celebrating great teachers who changed the way we see the world.
On the other hand, one remembering rotten teachers who were so bad the fact should be carved on their tombstones might be better. Many Freepers could use a catharsis, because, good or bad, teachers are forever. ;-)
I think that's true. I wouldn't say I'm the world's best teacher, but part of me has always wanted to teach, even when it wasn't a "logical" thing to do.
I know some people who majored in elementary education because it was "easy" but so many more who could have done other things but wanted or needed to teach.
Divorce is probably the main culprit for children's poor performance. I know several boys who needed to be left back because they were emotionally devastated by their parents' divorce.
Yes, I've seen that as well. A couple really stand out in my mind. Gifted children, but they just quit, because they were so emotionally bereft.
I assume, as in some private companies, there is little preparation for leadership given to teachers who wish to become administrators.
In my state, they are required to have a degree or certificate in "leadership" but I'm not quite sure what that entails. I've always figured if I left the classroom I'd go back to industry, but I like being in the classroom. There's nothing quite like that "lightbulb" moment.
I think, though, that some - not all - of the teachers who end up in administration never liked or were never good at teaching to begin with.
As an aside, it would be fun to start a thread celebrating great teachers who changed the way we see the world.
You know, I had so many great teachers. I didn't like them all at the time, but most of my teachers were really good. I guess I was lucky.