Reply #13: Actually some of these ideas sound good to me . . .

[janet118]

I taught school and could have used more training in real classroom techniques and less "philosophy of ed" classes. In the classroom, holding kids' attention and learning how to maintain discipline are things that new teachers should be more prepared for. I also think there should be a stepped up path to certification for college grads who decide to go into teaching later in life.

Teaching is a skill and it can be and should be taught. Most of the classes I took - outside of the short, in-school practice teaching requirement - were less than useful in an actual classroom. Personally, I would like to see a team of "super" teachers who mentor new teachers. I think it would make for better teachers and better schools. I was lucky enough to work as a teacher aide to an incredible teacher for a year before I had my own class and found it invaluable.