PJ Media

Random thoughts on schools:

1. Teachers trained in CA (at least when I went there) major in their subject matter and then do an extra year of internship and ed classes. Not all teachers are union members — many of us would never give money to the NEA.

2. If people knew how really screwed up schools are, they would insist all public schools be abolished and start over with various private schools, geared to the individual, not one-size-fits-all.

3. The most important “dirty little secret” is that administrators insist disruptive kids stay in the classroom. You would be amazed by the chaos your child often puts up with.

4. Some teachers (yours truly) are fired for enforcing discipline in the classroom.

5. It is assumed most kids do okay. Much money and effort is spent on the misbehaving and disruptive student. Most “professional development” consists of BS workshops about social issues.

6. Once a student closes the door, she CANNOT do what she wants. Administrators insist upon their own ed theories (whatever’s trendy), not the practical methods experienced teachers develop.

7. Schools would always rather hire a teacher just out of school rather than an experienced adult, as they are cheaper and more malleable.

8.When students ARE “sent to the office” these days, it is often the guidance counselor, and they walk the students back with their arms around them, sympathizing.

9. You can rarely fail a student. Either administrators call you in or they change your grades when you get off in spring — or parents go to the principal and arrange for a “dressing down” of the teacher involved.

10. It is very common for parents to accuse teachers of “picking on my child” when they enforce discipline. You see, “all the kids {their children’s friends, who also disrupt a lot} say the same” about you.

Do I sound bitter? I guess I am. Most teachers leave the career within five years, and I’ve been in it for 11 (yes, only 11). I’m a conservative teacher, fighting the good fight.