[Rudey]

Originally posted by CarolinaCutie
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.

What bar are you going to raise?? Will teachers be paid more and learn nuclear physics and 14th century french literature before being allowed to teach?

-Rudey