Quote:
Originally posted by Rudey
Could you go into a law office and do what lawyers do every day?
Could you lay bricks or do some gardening like those guys do every day?
Also, what you can do and are qualified to do are different. Many people can become teachers or gardeners, but not everyone can be a lawyer or a rocket scientist (not that the two are the same and no offense to lawyers, but I dislike lawyers just because they make things difficult).
-Rudey
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These kind of statements have a lot to do with why it's so hard to find good teachers, particularly in the South. Smart people think that "many" people can be teachers, but that they should better use their intelligence by becoming doctors, lawyers, etc. If we start paying teachers what they are worth (and it looks like PA is doing a great job), more intelligent and qualified teachers will enter the job market. I know many girls who enjoy working with children and would otherwise want to be teachers, but a lifetime of low pay and hard work isn't as appealing as other careers. I understand your logic, but don't we want some of our best and brightest teaching our children?
Edited to add: I read in this month's NEA magazine that many Education students are not passing their teacher entrance exams. This is evidence that maybe those entering the teaching field are not at the level, intelligence-wise, that they should be. Higher pay for qualified teachers will lure smart kids to education.