Originally Posted by Guest

Question for you. I am a product of a public school education which I think was terrific. I am old enough that sadly at the time my teachers were in college there were few professional occupations open to them other than teaching and nursing. I had teachers who were valedictorians of their schools. That's the setup. Now with all professions open to women, which is a good thing, is there a decrease in the talent pool that goes into education as a career choice? Or perhaps being book smart has very little to do with being a quality teacher?

"If a doctor, lawyer or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job." Donald D. Quinn

Originally Posted by Guest

"If a doctor, lawyer or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job." Donald D. Quinn

Very good thread with good discussion and no name calling - WOW, it is possible! As a former public school educator, I had to leave what I considered to be my calling because I could not support my family. I finally ended up in a training position in business which allowed me to do what I loved for 3X the money. It is shameful that this country does not value good educators as they should. Many of us remember those great educators we had in school, and recognize that they changed our lives. Are there bad teacher - of course, just like there are bad lawyers, bad doctors, bad teachers, bad politicians............................. but good, dedicated teachers are abundant and necessary. Reduced funding for public education can lead to some necessary economizing in some districts, but overall it is a very dangerous way to save taxpayers money.

Name calling isn't helpful. Remember if you get into the pig pen you will get dirty even if you didn't intend to. Don't go into the pig pen!