Blog Post #14 Teaching Can Be a Profession by Joel Klein

After reading Mr. Klein's article there are many facts about the education system. In this post I will provide you with three of Mr. Klein's problems and solutions in the education system. It was a very interesting article, I enjoyed reading his solutions.

Problem #1: Professionalize teaching, make it as respected and appreciated as are lawyers and doctors.
Solution: Do not let just anyone become a teacher, we need to recruit from the top third percent of the graduating class to become teachers, doing this will help make the school system and the teachers better all-around.

Problem #2: When lay-offs happen the school system gets rid of the most recent teacher, not the most effective teacher. The school system does not pay attention to the teaching skills, rather the teacher's who have been there longest.
Solution: Require a "national teacher examination", this way teachers will be tested on their skills and effectiveness. Also, require a one-three year internship for future teachers.

Problem #3: There is a great need for a radical change in the education system.
Solution: Allow teachers to have their own board in which they can set standards and examinations for the teachers. They could also allow the teachers to throw out mandatory assignments and homework. Also, teachers who have succeeded greatly would be allowed college graduates as teaching assistants.

I strongly agree with Problem #1, I believe that teachers deserve the respect and pay that the law and medicine receive. Without teachers, who would teach the lawyers, attorneys, doctors, nurses? With that being said, there does need to be a test taken to become a teacher, it shouldn't be so easy that anyone can become a teacher. If teachers were recruited from the top third percent of their class there would be a lot more effective teachers out there.

I again strongly agree with Problem #2, I think it is absolutely wrong that the newest teachers are the first to get the boot. If you're a good teacher, you're a good teacher, and you should be chosen to stay over a teacher that has been teaching for 15 years but making no progress with his/her students.

I feel indifferent about Problem #3, I think it is fine that teachers give out mandatory homework. However, I see the point that not every child is going to have the same goals and desires as the child next to them. So, how effective is mandatory homework? I think it would be great if teacher's had more freedom, after all, the teacher's are the ones who know the students best, not the board, or the principal or anyone else.

In conclusion, I think Mr. Klein pointed out some very valid points. It was a great read. As a future teacher I would dread having to take a national teacher examination, but I would do it for the simple fact that not everyone should be allowed to teach. I agree with almost all the points he has made. I believe that if teachers were treated with the respect of other professions it would be very greatly appreciated and the education system would not abuse it. I believe that change and examinations and respect are a must for a successful teaching system.