The question itself implies that teaching is not a respected profession. On the contrary, research shows that teachers have a great deal of prestige, are trustworthy, and, surprisingly are not "beleaguered and unhappy." So why do I hear all the time that they hope their children not become teachers? I'm actually guilty of this myself. I hope my children will find a profession they are passionate about, something they can apply their particular skills to, and something where they make enough money that they can help support their own families and have a good life. My best friend, from middle school through college and into adulthood, makes at least four times as much as I do as a project manager for a large tech company in the northwest. She has a BA in Business. I have a BA, an MA, and I'm working on a post-MA program to be a principal. Not fair, I find myself frequently saying to myself. Why would a chemistry major choose to be a teacher when it would be easier to be a rocket scientist? Why would anyone with the aptitude to perform a job in the top of our social hierarchy "settle" to be a teacher? Only when teachers are paid a reasonable starting salary will we be able to see ourselves as respected. When our most brilliant, creative, and disciplined academics consider teaching as a viable option as a a career, THEN we can call ourselves respected.
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AuthorI intend this blog to be a reflection journal of sorts, on topics such as teaching, leadership, pedagogy, and tacos. Archives
February 2018
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