I didn't go through this program, but I've heard nothing but good about it.
I've said many times that there are several close similarities between teaching and being in the military. Such a view is heresy to the liberals, who know nothing about the military but also know it's beneath them and nothing like education! I'd like to see more former military personnel teach--it would be good for everyone.
15 comments:
Yeah, we don't want soldiers in our classes.
If you're a leftie, of course you wouldn't--your preconceived notions would be disproven right before your very eyes.
Again, I'm a "rightie."
I don't believe you.
I'm from Alpha Centauri!
While I think many former soldiers would make great teachers--like yourself, I'm sure :)--the one experience I had with this was quite the opposite. About 15 years ago a former military classroom instructor went thru a program to get his teaching credential and started teaching math and science at my school (middle school). His classroom was next door to mine. I couldn't tell you why,exactly, but the kids hated him and completely disrespected him. If he said "black", they said "white". They were completely out of control. Unfortunately, he wouldn't take any advice from any veteran teachers on campus. He didn't make it thru the school year. Teaching adults in the military is not the same as teaching 7th and 8th graders!!
Dude MIlitary recruiters are all ready frikin everywhere...keep soldiers off of our educational facilities.
"Soldiers and dogs, keep off the grass."-- Post-Vietnam sign
I guess some things never change. The left continues to be as open-minded, accepting, and tolerant as it ever was.
Living in a town where many military retirees live, we have a lot of former military on our staff. And, like any group of people, some are awesome, some aren't. However, many of them get into teaching because they still feel the need to serve. I don't see that in some of the kids that they toss my way as student teachers.
I believe that a solider can be just as good of a teacher as anyone else. In fact, some of my favorite teachers have been in the military. What I don't believe is that they are inherently better or worse then other people at teaching. I think it takes a lot to be a great teacher, and previous experiences do make a difference, but what some people get out of the military others could easily get out of the many careers this world offers. I think presumed bias either way is just a PR move for whatever agenda a person is pushing.
u just think like this cause you were in the army.
don't worry - we don't blame you :P
Some of the best educators I've met have been former military... and some of the worst have also been military. But very few mediocre educators. I'm not sure what the difference is, but I think it's the flexibility factor. An educator must be disciplined and rigorous -- something military folks are good at -- but at the same time be willing to deviate from plans on the fly if that's necessary to get students to learn. Some military folks find that sort of thing unconscionable, and they end up crashing and burning as teachers because of it. The ones that can handle flexibility usually make great teachers. The same thing is true of former-CEO types who go into teaching, for the same reasons.
(My dad was an Air Force guy so I like to think that I got all his discipline and rigor with none of his inflexibility. :) )
NCLB has a clause in it that prohibits schools from receiving federal funds if they bar military recruiters. It should be enforced.
Who says progressive and conservative have a market on what makes a good teacher? I've been voting Democratic since HHH in the the 70's and after a very successful Navy career, I still vote and live that way. Here in California Vets attend CSU/UC campuses, National, Phoenix, Chapman, Azusa Pacific, Alliant, many other private institutions of higher education and District programs that train the same undergrad and career changers. They compete with the 20 somethings and 40 somethings on an equal footing. They network, substitute, and volunteer to aid in the transition. There is no inside track, special consideration, knowing someone who knows someone to vault to the top of the list. They give a powerful interview that melds real life experience with the same training every other teacher candidate brings.
The fact is they make good teachers and because they are transitioning to their next career, not switching careers, they stay longer, care more about the we instead of me, and preferred when compared to other demographics.
So when you want to know how good a teacher is, ask your son or daughter, the Principal and Superintendent or para-educator. Don't read it in someone's Blog.
I'm not quite sure I understand your last statement. Who's suggesting reading blogs to see if your kid's teacher is any good?
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