Reply #10: hmm...

[chervilant]

How silly of me to think I could begin a career in public education at the ripe old age of 54...

First of all, I have been cautioned repeatedly by colleagues and friends to 'dumb down' so that I won't intimidate the administrators who might consider hiring me. I am not to use my considerable vocabulary during interviews, for fear it will alienate the hiring committees. And, God FORBID that I reveal my political tendencies, surrounded as I am by rabid Republicans and caustic conservatives.

The decision makers in public education talk a good game. Who among us doesn't want our youth to 'think critically'? OR, more to the point, which mavens of mendacity will deny that our students' vital imaginations are capable of far more than they are currently challenged to accomplish?

I had no frame of reference for the pitfalls of teaching until I undertook my accelerated certification program. Most of the veteran teachers I've met are grimly waiting for the insanity du jour to pass, knowing the ax could fall without warning, no matter how good you are, or how committed. Most of the people with whom I've waded through the certification process are either idealists who love teaching and can't wait to 'make a difference,' or they're certain that teaching is an easy way out of the corporate jungle, with a tidy little summer vacation bonus to boot.

What I've noticed across the board, and certainly at the administrative levels, is an egregious lack of awareness of our children. Children are property--or a commodity--to be used with little finesse. Extending them respect, nurturing in them a deep, longlasting love of learning--these ideals are seldom touched on, and are seldom held in high regard.