Now I’m not normally one to complain about teachers and poor performance since, as a high school U.S. History teacher myself, I am aware of the challenges that are faced and the biases that many parents and outsiders tend to have. But I have recently gone through a few particular situations that have put into perspective for me why some outsiders feel the way they do about the American education system.
I had been under the impression that educators should hold themselves to a higher standard since we play an integral role in the development of how young adults perceive education, its’ meaning and the various fields that we specialize in. I understand that I am not a perfect a person and perhaps there have been some missed opportunities here and there to reach out to certain kids and go the extra mile. But I have seen some blatant cries for help from students to particular teachers and they have been shot down, probably like everyone else has done to them. One psychological aspect that I have observed and learned from through this is that students tend to gravitate toward a connection with only certain teachers. Yes, there are clearly some teachers that are much more liked than others, but even the most popular teacher in a school might not be the person that a certain student in need will go to for advice. But I always thought that even the teachers that the kids were calling mean still had the best intentions when it came to his or her job.
This is disturbing to realize and as I watched a student be ignored by a teacher who could have so easily given a word of advice, I thought I could feel the whole system crashing down on me. If we as teachers don’t intend to make the future a better place then why should anyone else? And how can the positive educators fight for more jobs in the field and better pay and benefits when some administrators and parents can only think of the things that I am mentioning here? And what young adult will want to become a teacher if they can’t see the true impact the position can have?
If you have ever had an experience like this or share my disappointment please know that you are not alone. Being a teacher is a tough job only if it is done right. Those who brush off responsibility and don’t take education seriously are hurting the rest of us without even knowing it. I am trying to work up the nerve to confront these individuals face to face so I can say that I have no regrets and I can look my students in the eyes with dignity and pride in my career.
