This is my third thread I have been involved in at DU. And it's in the education forum. If that doesn't tell you I think my teachers did great work I don't know what will.
I'm new - and I understand the sceptecism that accompanies me.
Quick background. I am married, no children. I have never been a teacher, other than SAT prep courses right out of college. Mom and her twin sister (they have always lived under same roof) are retired teachers. Mom HS Special Ed department head. Aunt 40 plus year early grade school. That was the environment I was raised in.
This post by muddrunner17 hits the nail on the head as far as why the teaching profession has impossible obstacles to overcome in the current structure of education. I will go so far as to say this - teachers, those who know the craft of real teaching, cannot practice it now, and will never be able to practice it again, "the way it should be". Not in today's world. Teachers from the minute they walk in the door each day are, IMO, asked to do the impossible.
And - the kids have changed. Kids born after 2000 will never know the times of solitude we had. Reflections or a moment to themselves. (Yes - somewhat hyperbolic, but not much)
Everything about today's world screams for local control of education policy. Let's say statewide at the highest level. I think that is where it is headed anyway. As people become accustomed to customization and specialization that technology brings in their every day life - State level will be the highest that can respond to those demands. US Dept of Ed is going to become symbolic at best.
And it will be provided to parents. Someone - Gates, Apple, Soros - is going to make it available. Ideally that will be done through public schools - but one way or the other it will happen. And it should. The key, and honestly the teachers strength and what they can bring to the table, is control over the content that is presented. Control over how to teach people to critically think. I think that is what anyone (at least anyone reading this board) wants.
I am a "There is what should be, and there is what is" person. There is a fundamental world that got left behind the day unlimited text and video, Facebook and Twitter came to life. It's a world I really liked. I grew up in it, and I think I turned out OK. If I grew up today, I would be a mess as a kid with all the noise. Ironically, my career is very much based in "all the noise".
So my "let me butt in to your conversation question". This is coming. And I see it as a great benefit and a great curse. Someone is going to have to get in bed with the devil. Has this been talked about much in the teaching community?
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