And back to the subject of motivating teachers who are barely making over minimum wage, when our children's futures are in their hands. Is it any wonder that there are so many complaints against schools in the lower income districts, when one doesn't make enough money to warrant the danger, the attitudes, the complete apathy of some parents, and a classroom full of kids who were taught not to care too much, since they didn't really matter?
Teaching is an important profession, but we treat the ones brave enough to attempt it as pretty low on the scale as far as pay and respect. There are teachers in my district who have to buy school supplies for the lower income students out of their own pocket, just because they hope to give them a future, only to burn out so quickly because the job is rarely a rewarding one. Run by bureaucrats who only care about the bottom line, schools in America are far behind the times, and it isn't any wonder that students in other countries are far more advanced in the sciences. I considered being a teacher once, but decided even though I'm good at it, it's too much pressure for not enough money.
Of course, I'm writing about my specific neighborhood, and there are those who feel that teachers are overpaid in their area, so check that blog out for a different opinion. I'm completely amazed by her amount of detail and depth of perception into the subject, and will be reading more of this blog.
