Soap Box

I guess it goes with out saying that as a public educator, I have faith in the public school system. Each public school has its bright spots and low lights, but overall, I believe in public schools--even in Alabama.

Recently I was in a conversation with a stranger I had just met and I told her I was a first grade teacher. She began telling me that she had a friend who had just graduated with a degree in elementary education. She continued by saying that she thought some of the courses future teachers have to take are unrealistic and useless. I didn't really say anything in response, I just shrugged my shoulders. Then I started thinking...

First of all, I wanted to kick myself because I agreed with her in my silence--which is another blog post all in itself. I wish I could have explained to her that we teachers NEED those courses that may seem useless to non-teachers. Don't parents want their children to have teachers who have background knowledge and other experiences that make them well-rounded as educators?!? 

To earn my degree I had to take 4 English courses, 4 math courses, 4 history courses, and 4 science courses and then countless education courses. It goes without saying that I enjoyed some courses more so than others, but all those long hours of reading and studying different subjects have shaped me into the teacher I am today. I hope I am able to offer my students the best education I can so they can become successful in anything and everything they are passionate about. 

My job is more than teaching six year olds how to add and sound out words...and I think other teachers (and probably a lot of parents) would agree.

Okay. There. I'm done ranting...Until next time...