This has been interesting reading. I can say that I have NEVER heard any one just straight out say DON'T DO IF YOU CAN AVOID IT, lol. I'm also an education major, for Early Childhood/Special Education, and I'll be done in May 05. From what I've seen so far, the system IS a mess, but its been a mess for a while now, AT LEAST the past 5-8 years in particular. These kids are VERY brand new (I heard a little 4 year old lookin kid outside my window talking about a missed sexual experience because the girl didn't want to that day. He was TINY, and cussed throughout the entire story). They kids are new because the parents are new. These kids now are the "kids of kids", all those teen mothers' kids are growing up. They're also the kids of the "working woman" (with no time), the "babydaddy" (no complete families), the "MTVBETLiljohnLudacrisshakeyotailfeatherinatho ng" era (where its cute to be a ho), and a multitude of other bad experiences that are shaping these kids into the little monsters that they are.
I'd have to say that the poor state of education has many roots: triflin and/or busy parents, poorly/non trained teachers, school boards made up of people that have never been in a classroom and/or don't even have kids, no money, etc. I think that since we as people can't control what parents do and who has children, I think the main thing that needs to be done is to train teachers to TEACH, not follow a pre-designed curriculum, but CREATE, find intersting, innovative ways to deliver information so kids will like it. That's ahlf the problem there.
Then, give teachers the money they need to do this, both in salary and school budget. Next, get rid of these idiots that are running the school system and put teachers and administrators that have been in the game and been successful in those seats, so the people leading aren't lost, dazed and amazed as they all seem to be.
Teaching is a CALLING. True, I wouldn't advise anyone unsure to do it, not because its hard, but because these kids have enough teachers that don't want to be there and don't care (present company excluded). Even some people who PURPOSELY go into education go in expecting a utopia and are sorely disappointed when it never comes. I don't have any ridiculous expectations going into this, because I know that kids are naturally egocentric and won't always see and appreciate what you do for them, they're not at the age to understand all that yet (at least for my age range, birth to age 8). And I have stopped hoping for others approval on stuff, I don't care really. My reward comes when lil Johnny can finally say his ABCs, or Keisha can finally tie her shoes. They may not thank me or be particularily excited, but I will be FOR them, because I know what big steps they are making. THAT's why I'M in it. For the little things.
I know I'll have a long road to travel, but I really can't see myself doing anything else.
The main suggestions I can offer from what I've seen is
- Keep parents thoroughly informed
- Keep copies of ALL their work
- Apply EVERYTHING as much as possible to the "Real World"
- Use technology, such as LeapPads, to make things interesting
- Use learning centers to have on-the-side learning experiences and to enhance your curriculum
- Leave as much work as you can AT SCHOOL
- Have a good sense of humor, try to stay light
- DON'T TEACH SUMMER SCHOOL! You'll need a break.
- Go to grad school, its more money for you!
That's all I can think of at the moment.