The intellectual requirements for the job are not challenging, the curriculum required for teacher training is not intellectually challenging (e.g., blackboard use 101), other college majors. e.g., biology, physics, are too demanding and the education major has traditionally (at least since I was in college in the 1960's) has attracted those who cannot handle anything else.
Well, the point remains, though. Either it is an attractive job, or it isn’t. If it is, then why aren’t smarter people doing it? If it isn’t, then I’m sure glad that somebody is willing to do it.
It’s funny that you say that. My wife, mom, and sister are all teachers. They are all very strong, competent women. But I see exactly what you are talking about, Rudder.
I do think pay has a lot to do with it. My wife is a 4th grade teacher, in her 12th year with a Master’s in Educational Technology, and make over $80k per year. She’s in one of the top paying districts in Southern California, and it attracts the better teacher because of the pay. They are able to pick and choose who they hire, and there are rarely openings other than retirement.
That being said, the district is in a low-rent area. A good chunk of the kids are from families whose parents don’t speak English. Many of the kids come to school having not showered in a week, or they haven’t eaten properly in a great while. Many come to school sleepy because they stay up until 11 or 12 o’clock playing video games, but don’t do their homework. And the test scores aren’t where the state would like. Is it the school’s fault? I don’t think so. But someone has to take the blame. And the politicians are afraid to place blame where it really belongs.