tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34011427.post5737770581145484806..comments2024-03-26T07:00:11.620-05:00Comments on Wisdom of the Hands: failure of universities to educate teachers...Doug Stowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003845322415622289noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34011427.post-34894090724885341272013-06-22T06:47:13.222-05:002013-06-22T06:47:13.222-05:00Dear Doug,
Yes, this is a conversation we should h...Dear Doug,<br />Yes, this is a conversation we should have. But as a former 27 year public school teacher, I have earned a Ph.D. and now teach teachers. I wish it were as simple as the post suggests. I came back to do this with this in mind - to create stronger teachers than I was seeing coming out. Again, not that simple.<br /><br />First, until we pay teachers a strong wage (after all, free market systems reward those who make more money), and create an atmosphere of honoring the profession (not happening when we are being asked to create compliant workers) attracting the best and the brightest will not happen. That said, those in education schools do need hands on experiences, I agree! However, those partnerships take time and money, on both the part of the public school and university system. It isn't that someone like me doesn't want that - it is that there are all kinds of impediments to getting it done.<br /><br />Add to that the new fear of public schools with the rash of shootings, abuse, etc., and the red tape to even allow our university students into a public school classroom is unbelievable - and the insurance that must be carried on both sides follows.<br /><br />I work hard at helping my students get as much hands on experience with real children (we do an after school program so they can teach) and I have plans to put more into place as I find partner schools willing to let us in. <br /><br />I too am very concerned about the profession, as it has not been treated as a profession, but as that of a vocation, where 'training' will do the trick. You are so right - teaching is an art, and new teachers go through a variety of stages learning the art. I spend hours reading research now, working with students, teachers, and guiding preservice teachers. If only it were as easy as giving them my expertise - but it is the most difficult teaching job I have ever had. <br /><br />I would implore those wanting to help the profession to not villanize teachers or teacher-educators, but start working on seeking out the best and brightest among us and support the work we do. <br /><br />Steve, the profession welcomes you with open arms. The best science teacher my son had - who inspired what he does today - was an industrial chemist. Glad to have you on board.Cwagshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13728404776783332447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34011427.post-50689470869893042692013-06-18T22:12:04.866-05:002013-06-18T22:12:04.866-05:00Hi Doug,
Until a few years ago, I was a Ph.D. ...Hi Doug,<br /> Until a few years ago, I was a Ph.D. industrial chemist, but I am now transitioning to a career as a high school science teacher. This subject is quite thought-provoking since I am enrolled in a non-degree teacher licensure program at a state university outside of Boston. I am in the middle of writing a paper about the Common Core Standards, and the issues of teacher quality and preparation will be an issue as so many schools struggle to reorganize and retool for this so called "voluntary" initiative. Makes me even more concerned about the future of the profession of teaching. <br /><br />SteveSteve Kirincichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07143073306973836007noreply@blogger.com