By Alexander Tillman
VALDOSTA, Ga. | For years the public has been warned of an impending teacher shortage. There has been a shortage in rural and intercity schools for years, but now the problem has spread to the suburbs. Schools in higher socio-economic districts are now feeling the pinch. I have enjoyed being an educator for nearly 30 years. So why is this happening?
Tillman
There are many theories as to why young people are not becoming teachers. The reasons vary from the pay scale to lack of respect for the profession to there being other professions that are more attractive. The question should be, what would make teaching more attractive to those entering the workforce?
Recognize that being a public school teacher in Georgia is a nice lifestyle. A teacher can earn a higher degree or two to increase their pay. The benefits are nice. We work 190 days per year, have health insurance with a cafeteria plan, and a pension. I can’t complain. So, why don’t more people want to teach school?
The typical government response is to throw money at the problem. Please do not misunderstand me. If the State Legislature wants to increase the pay scale, I will gladly accept their offer. Would increasing teachers’ pay alone end the teacher shortage? I don’t think it would.
Thirty years ago, when I finished earning my teaching certificate, finding a job in education was difficult. My first job was in an intercity school. The principal needed a history teacher who could coach soccer. There were not many people in South Georgia who knew anything about soccer in the early 1990s. I did, so I got the job. Needless to say, the profession has changed over the years.
The biggest change in education has been the expectation of schools. In 1993 each student was responsible for their success. Teachers taught the material, they tested their students, and those scoring 70 or above passed the course. If a student failed, they repeated the class.
Starting with the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001 the responsibility for a student’s success was shifted from the student to the teacher. Teachers directly control two things. They control the curriculum and the instruction. Nothing else. Teachers have no control over student work effort and character. This is what frustrates educators.
Teachers and school administrators are blamed for the dropout rate. Yet we only control the curriculum and instruction, not the actions of unwilling learners. This frustration seems to me the root cause of the teacher shortage.
If the State of Georgia wants to attract more young people to education, start with expectations. Expect teachers to teach those students who want to learn.
Do not penalize teachers and administrators for students who do nothing. Students who refuse to pay attention and follow instructions do not learn. The general public, which includes the student’s parents, must be willing to accept a dropout rate if they want rigorous schools. Teachers hate it when students fail their classes, but there must be high standards.
We need to return to a realistic expectation of teachers. Teachers cannot teach those who are unwilling to learn. A realistic expectation of teachers will reduce the shortage of teachers.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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