I’m tired of it. And as an English education student, it makes me upset to hear it.
I’m so sick of the public attempting to place all of the blame on teachers when it comes to educating students.
I know at first glance the teacher may seem responsible for American students falling behind other nations as it pertains to public education because, after all, everyone likes to use the ever-so-candid cliche about those teachers who don’t care about the kids and only came to work for a pay check – a check that would push most people away from becoming teachers altogether because the average beginner teacher’s salary in Florida is $34,000. But there are other factors that go into a student succeeding academically.
For example, once a surgeon completes a surgery on a patient and sends him or her home, the doctor is not responsible for that patient’s recovery past performing routine check-ups. It is up to the family or the patient to make sure the patient is doing what the doctor prescribed in order to get well. And to everyone that is just fine. So why isn’t the same thing OK when it comes to education?
Yes, teachers go to institutions of higher learning to become educators, and as such we should be able to pump vital knowledge into the minds of children. But what about once the students leave the classroom?
Within a six-hour time period, teachers have to not only address the students’ academic problems but also the students’ personal problems.
There must be a joint partnership between teachers, parents and the surrounding community that will enforce educational strategies and work beyond the classroom.
With the lack of parental and community involvement placed as some of the top problems that teachers face on a daily basis to, it is time for everyone to stop placing the blame on teachers and start to look at the bigger picture.
According to a report given by “20/20” reporter John Stossel titled “Stupid America,” at age 10, American students take an international test and score well above the international average. But by age 15, when students from 40 countries are tested, the Americans come in 25th place.
What is happening to our children?
America needs to place more emphasis on education.
Why is it that I, as a beginning teacher, will probably make $34,000-36,000 but as a newly recruited professional athlete, you will make millions?
Yeah, I know it is not that exciting to watch a student take a test, or observe a classroom for a day, but teachers are educating the minds of tomorrow. Doesn’t that warrant some credit?
As this nation moves further into the “Hollywood-Obsessed” mindset, remember education is the cornerstone of success. Treat it as such!
Katrelle Simmons is a junior English education student from Orlando. She can be reached at famuanopinions@hotmail.com.