Mar. 15, 2013 Exodus of Teachers

Paris,taken during student trip abroad

There is a crisis in education; however, the blame game of throwing accusations from group to group will never address nor solve the problems.  Mandates dictating "improvement" from the governor, our congressmen/women, and  the President are, in fact, having an opposite effect.  Those who are at the grassroots level, specifically administrators, teachers, and students, are being crushed emotionally by the politicians who can't seem to agree on anything. High stakes tests drive instruction;a continuously changing evaluation process takes teachers and administrators away from important time on task with students. Unfortunately, this education plight is also convincing solid, bright, young teachers to leave the field. When you firmly believe that you are a professional, yet you are being treated as a amateur, other options are quite enticing. In addition, with the lack of funding, many educators are uncertain from year to year whether they will even have a position. I work with an excellent young teacher who is questioning his choice of profession. It would be a great loss if he changed his career, but I can certainly understand his dilemma. I gave him a note today expressing my appreciation for his competence as an educator. I became a teacher because of a passion for my subject and a desire to share this knowledge with my students.In the current climate, it has become difficult to stay focused on these goals and know that you are making a difference in the lives of these children. If parents want to keep these outstanding new teachers, please let them know that their efforts are appreciated and valued.