I see a lot of comments comparing the Private Sector to the Public Sector. In the private sector (in which I work), we only hire people who we feel are capable of doing the job they are hired for. If, in fact, they are unable or unwilling, we let them go. We give them the opportunity to succeed, we are not responsible if they decide not to use it.
So why is it teachers are expected to be held accountable for the success of disrespectful, poorly prepared (at home), unambitous students, whose parents do not encourage or monitor their progress? It would be great if all kids could be "reached" and be a straight "A" student, but that is not reality. Most teachers I know want to be that person to reach every student and make a difference. But as the saying goes, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink".
Would you "blame the teacher" crowd like to manage a staff of people who did not care and/or did not work hard, and then be held accountable for their performance? Oh, and let me add, you are not allowed to criticize, discipline, or do anything else that might hurt their feelings lest they go running to the boss to try and get you fired.
If I did not do well in school, my parents did not blame the teacher, or the BOE, or the Governor. They made it clear I needed to improve my performance, and helped if necessary.
In defense of teachers
I see a lot of comments comparing the Private Sector to the Public Sector. In the private sector (in which I work), we only hire people who we feel are capable of doing the job they are hired for. If, in fact, they are unable or unwilling, we let them go. We give them the opportunity to succeed, we are not responsible if they decide not to use it.
So why is it teachers are expected to be held accountable for the success of disrespectful, poorly prepared (at home), unambitous students, whose parents do not encourage or monitor their progress? It would be great if all kids could be "reached" and be a straight "A" student, but that is not reality. Most teachers I know want to be that person to reach every student and make a difference. But as the saying goes, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink".
Would you "blame the teacher" crowd like to manage a staff of people who did not care and/or did not work hard, and then be held accountable for their performance? Oh, and let me add, you are not allowed to criticize, discipline, or do anything else that might hurt their feelings lest they go running to the boss to try and get you fired.
If I did not do well in school, my parents did not blame the teacher, or the BOE, or the Governor. They made it clear I needed to improve my performance, and helped if necessary.
June 4, 2011 at 11:57 a.m. permalink suggest removal