Blog Post 14

In the article, Teaching Can Be a Profession, Jon Klein was asked the question, "If you could wave a wand and change one thing, what would it be?". He responded with a list of changes, including: "more school choices, using technology to improve teaching and learning, adopting a knowledge-based curriculum and starting school before five years old". But if he had to choose one it would be to professionalize teaching, so it is like other respected professions. He talks about some problems and possibly some solutions, they are as following:

1.Pick from the Best
Students that are trying to become teachers are not being properly trained. The solution to that problem would be to provide the proper training for students. He states that teachers should be choose from the top third of the graduates. He would also, change how teachers are rewarded.

2.Seniority Distraction
Klein states, "Seniority dictates how the schools operate" and how teachers are paid the same no matter how they are performing. The solution to that problem would be a "national teacher examination" and "supervised internship" that could last anywhere from one to three years.

3.Radical Change
There are incompetent teachers that need to be removed from schools. The solution to this problem would be to establish standards in order for these teachers to be removed and teachers be promoted based on specialty exams.

1.Pick from the best
I agree with Mr.Klein that some teachers are not being properly trained. But I do not agree with him when he said teachers should be chosen from the top third of the graduates. Yes, someone being in the top third proves that someone is smart and makes great grades. But, it does not prove that they would be a great teacher. Being a teacher is not just about the grades made in college or being top of the class. It is about the students and how you connect with them in the classroom. One has to be a great teacher, listener, learner, and mentor to succeed. Therefore, it is not just about the grades.

2.Seniority Distraction
Seniority is an issue in the schools these days. I have heard many of times, "We cannot get rid of him/her they have been her for plus years". I do not agree with that if someone is not doing their job right, they should be let go it does not matter how long they have been there. I do agree with his solutions, but I do not really think it will happen.

3.Radical Change
I agree there are incompetent teachers that need to be removed from schools. I do agree that standards should be set so some of these teachers can get let go.