Posted by D on September 09, 2002 at 09:26:17:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Why should we have to defend teachers? posted by Marc on September 09, 2002 at 08:44:11:
This has been a very good discussion on the merits of "good" teachers and their qualifications.
I would like to reiterate, however, that defending a "good" teacher is unnecessary. The educational system, in my opinion, is primarily set up not for "learning", but for job training. One on one or home schooling aside, the masses get their job training in the public and private schools. Getting to school on time, doing the homework, being quiet in class and at lunch, walking in a straight line, seem to be more important than learning great literature, advanced mathematics, world history, geography, states and their capitols, chemistry or biology.
We are still in the "feel good" culture. If a student "feels good" about him/herself, then the education must be good (?). Feeling good doesn't accomplish much outside in the real world.
No, teachers don't need to be defended because they do, for the most part, exactly what is expected of them. Ask any teacher about going outside the expectations of the school administration. Most of them don't last long in the classroom and end up in the private sector.