patrick.net

Bap33 says

Now, if you are going to suggest there is no effect from these changes being made, then you have to share why in the world the changes WERE made and why in the world the books used to teach a subject that remains unchanged - math for example - need to be re-wrote, adjusted and complete new design books bought (for millions) each year.

Books wear out, and need to be replaced. But yes, it's a business too, and since schools are never doing well enough, publishers are always coming up with different books( "better curriculum" ), for when you get around to replacing them. There is competition. You came up with adding names like Pedro and Jamal to story problems as an example. Big deal. What change did it have ? Obviously it helped counter the argument that education is biased towards the white community. How ridiculous to suggest that if they are making a new edition anyway, that making the names more representative of what they would be out there is somehow corrupting our culture.

Bap33 says

Model-B was a great student, loved learning, and went to school and kept learning. They then graduated and found out that they had no skills, no drive, no talent, but they felt they DESERVED to be paid for their DEGREE, so they went back into the school room as a teacher. Where they now transfer their lazy, angry, skilless, empty life to kids that have to be there. That is about 95% of the California teachers at this time.

There is no way that 95% of teachers fit this description. Not even 10% at my school, well maybe 10 to 20%. What you don't realize is that if a teacher fits this description, then the children would and do make their life hell.

Many people simply quit if they don't like it or can't cut it.

Bap33 says

The school books of today do not carry a positive theme, they carry a liberal/leftist/socialist/anti-American/anti-God very much queer (not just the sexual kind) World Order theme. P.C. Police infected the young minds of the past and created the population (with a little help from drugs and porn) that is now willing to let America fall-- as the anti-AMerican, anti-God, progressive/liberal/leftist/socialists/communists knew they would back in the late 50's when they started their march to where we are now. Look around. Everything is 180* out of phase. If you do not see that, then your view has been spun too. While you have personally attacked a few times, vailed and not, I choose not too.

So if I "attack" like you did all Califonia teachers, that is because of liberal PC culture ?

No that's just my personality and my impatient reaction to what I see as off the charts ignorance and fear. You're a nice guy Bap, but I find your beliefs to be a very strong indictment against fundamentalism. I'm sure among the Taliban there are a lot of really nice guys too.

All fundamentalism is the work of Satan. It feeds your fear and hate. It is the exact opposite of what Jesus taught. It may already have led to the downfall of this country by supporting our all time worst Presidents, Ronald Reagan and GWB.

Without the fundamentalist vote, many of whom are descendants of the KKK or of the John Birch society (hateful racist groups) neither of those idiots could have ever been elected.

no fear or hate here. just honesty and a firm grip on reality. Your fear and hate have your view twisted I guess?

Fundamentalism is the exact opposite of reality, honesty, and reason.

Bap33 says

Your fear and hate have your view twisted I guess?

I only hate ignorance and hate itself.. You hate "invaders" the "queer" whatever that means, pc liberal tolerance etc.

You really are no better than the Taliban (also fundamentalists). They too think they know what God wants, just like you do. So what if they have a couple of ever so slightly more extreme views about women or whatever. Truth be told, you probably sort of agree with them about that too.

Fyi, there are many Christian religions that are relatively cool. Catholics, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, or even mainstream Mormons or Baptists, etc., I wouldnt expect you to go way liberal and embrace Unitrian or Unity. Maybe you are in the hills of Appalachia, or some rural part of Arkansas, were fundamentalism is your only option, I don't know.

Maybe in certain parts of Texas , Alabama, or Mississippi, that's also your only choice. If so, sorry to hear that.

But otherwise you might want to show a little class and intelligence and move up to a righteous Christian faith, and say no to Satan.

It occurs to me that you don't even know that being a member of your fundamentalist church officially makes you a member of the lunatic fringe. It's really quite embarrassing. I understand, you didn't know.

You really are no better than the Taliban (also fundamentalists).

Really. Really? The women killing Taliban? The child killing Taliban? The blowing up the soccer ball in the middle of the match to hang some gays Taliban?

Expand your knowledge. You don't know shit about shit.

wtfcapinv says

The women killing Taliban? The child killing Taliban?

THey are just doing what they believe is Gods work. And it's not like everyone in the Taliban does these things.

Why is that so different than this ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-abortion_violence

wtfcapinv says

Expand your knowledge

Maybe you can learn that fundamentalists have more in common than you think.

wtfcapinv says

You don't know shit about shit.

Well, what can you expect, wtf? He's a California communist union rabble-rousing socialistic child-mind-poisoning college educated democratic liberal elite living off our hard-earned dollars.

wow, I must admit that the hate and fear from those on the left is so great it suprized me.

@sim,
that is your opinion. Your hate for fundamentalism and all things "normal" (for lack of a better vocabulary on my part) may stem from an internal struggle. I hope you don't let it get the better of you. It would be a shame for you to attack and abuse me (on here - as much as that can be done) in an effort to reduce your frustration. I would never expect such behavior from you.

When you were upset w/me for having a negative view of the educational system in California - that was a valid position for you to take. But, when your defense of the position was "my Dad was a teacher, so I know more about it than any of you poopoo heads!!", I was a little bit suprized. What a person's parents do for a living lets them experience what it is like to be the child of that parent doing that job. Nothing more. So to assume an authoratative tone just because you had a parent that worked in the field is unwarranted, in my humble opinion.
THere is no reason to be disagreeable in our discussion. I normally enjoy our discussions because you normally are so civil and normally that forces me to be as civil as possible. I have seen many bash-a-thons on here and maybe you're getting a hair-trigger or something.(?) Anyways, no need for anger to sour your (our) day. Be of good cheer, and enjoy another sunny day offered by God.

@marcus,
your uncontrolled hate and venomous barbs are being wasted on me, my friend. You are obviously feeling the need to defend the indefensible. Good luck with that. You seem to suffer from something that most teachers suffer from, and that could be called the "smartest person in the room" syndrome, or something like that. It is common with most every teacher I encounter, and it may be why most teachers end up married to teachers, maybe? Anyways, you should realize that you are not being attacked by me or anyone. It's just that out in the big world that is not part of your classroom there are lots of people that are not your students. You are not automatically the smartest person in the room by default -- and it seems like that fact really does not sit well with most teachers. THe result here is you are lashing out in frustration and anger and hate out of fear from not being Lord Master of the situation. You feel challenged. Stop it. You are not being attacked by me or anyone else that sees the huge problem in the public education complex. Your profession is not being attacked. The system in place that blurs the line between your profession and politics MUST be removed. It must be removed because there is no competition allowed under the current system. It must be removed because it is being used as a political tool. It must be removed because it is being used as a social experiment playground. It has became a monster. People are made to support the Educational Monster no matter how horrible the job gets done. That is bad. Your point about the top being too fat is spot on. But, unless I missed something, the Educational Machine is designed so that only those that walked the same steps you have walked are able to be admin or higher. And if that is correct (I could be wrong) then the same people that you say are too fat at the top are just rank-file folks that made it there. Why hate them for doing what it takes to get ahead?
At any rate, I would rather you were not so angry with me for pointing out the absurd system in place. It has nothing at all to do with you, or your career choice, or how you do your job. In this lone case, it is not about you. Your fear and hate might be the reason for your agressive stance against me, so I do not take it personally. It's all good. Have a good day.

@ellie,
lol, you are witty, that was a diddy.

Bap33 says

It's just that out in the big world that is not part of your classroom there are lots of people that are not your students. You are not automatically the smartest person in the room by default -- and it seems like that fact really does not sit well with most teachers

Short on time here, but for the record, I could name at least a few regulars on this forum that I think are smarter than I. Also, I teach a range of classes, in my Calculus classes I generally feel like at least 1/4 of the class is smarter than me. Not in terms of what they know now, but in terms of IQ.

Even in remedial classes, with students who are terrible at Math, I don't generally feel like the smartest one in the room. Just the best at Mathematics. I am under those circumstances, extremely nonjudgemental. Actually that's the irony here, that you are calling me arrogant, when your biggest problem is how judgemental you are.

One thing about Mathematics is that it's humbling, that is eventually. Try reading some twentieth century Math (not you Bap), if you don't know what I mean. I may sound arrogant in my conversation with you, talking down to you, but it's only because of the way you paint yourself on this forum, to be such a fool.

But I am actually far less arrogant than you. You're the one who KNOWS that 95% of California teachers are incompetent. You're the one that has far fetched (extremely scary) supposed knowledge about how liberals have undermined our education system and our culture.

Your arrogance comes from blindly listening to holier than thou evil, in the name of good. This kind of "thinking" has been behind the worst atrocities and genocides the human race has experienced.

I know you're correct that my words are wasted, you're right about that.

Wow Bap33, you woke up cranky. I never attacked you personally. If you took offense maybe you should reread my posts on a day when you are in a better mood.

Fundamentalism is anything but normal. It's the extreme position in any religion by definition. Adherents don't need to think or use reason. They simply follow the dictates of their religious leaders without question. They use the most narrow lens to read sacred scripture only understanding the most surface and superficial meaning of the texts. That requires no reflection or thought.

Reason and critical thinking are incompatible with fundamentalism. If an adherent starts to question he or she is in danger of being shunned by their religious community. Magical thinking is required if one is to adhere to a fundamentalist position in any religion.

simchaland says

Reason and critical thinking are incompatible with fundamentalism

Sim, if those fundamentals are based on reason, and by most definitions reasons are based on critical thinking, then wouldn't that make your statement false? I am not being difficult, I am just pointing out that to those who believe "X" is a basic known fact of life, and they believe "X" is based on "reason", and they believe that "X" and it's "reason" were only reached after some serious "critical thinking", then they present a problem to your position ---- if "X" happens to be the belief in absolute right and absolute wrong, for example. Is that fundamental believe right or wrong in your opinion? For me it is simple, there is absolute right (good) and absolute wrong (evil) in the human experience. It's how we test a matter or action that we differ on I am sure.

I am not in a bad mood. Heck, I'm never in a bad mood. I appologies if I overstepped.

@marcus,
I am not part of any organized religion. do not be offended for me letting you be wrong in public.
I do not "know" 95% of todays teachers are "incompotent". If I did say that, I should not have. The results show there is a major problem. The costs associated with the Educational Monster shows a severe problem. Let me modify my position thusly: I feel the results vs expense of the Educational Monster that is headed-up by teachers - who over-see teachers - who are teachers, shows an OBVIOUS AWESOME problem - and my experience has been that 95% of teachers should not be allowed to interact with the children of others in private. Fair enough? Do note that 95% may have been incorrect, it may be much higher than that - just as it may be a tick lower. lol
Hang in there.
What personality type do you feel best endurs and overcomes adversity - conservative or liberal (general terms)?

marcus says

liberals have undermined our education system and our culture.

not exactly liberals per se .... but that's the accepted term to use is general, so you are correct.

simchaland says

If you have kids in school currently. Your best bet is to actually get involved in the school where your child attends. That way you actually meet the teachers, administrators, and the principal.

Btw, to simchaland's point, one of the most interesting programs is Geoffrey Canada's program in Harlem, which actually requires parents to be involved. I'm sure both sides have their criticisms -- e.g. it's too paternalistic, requires too much intervention, etc. But it really attacks the problems in education from a lot of good angles: getting parents involved, starting from a young age when you can still make a difference -- if you wait until even middle school you've waited too long, being more cost-effective, having parents realize that it's about making sure your kid has better opportunities and that you may not get a direct benefit to your own life, etc.

Bap33 says

What personality type do you feel best endurs and overcomes adversity - conservative or liberal (general terms)?

I know you directed this at Marcus, but I'll take a stab. In general, a liberal is open to change and a conservative resists change. So, I'd say someone who is adaptable and open to change will overcome adversity better than someone who is not.

Bap33 says

Sim, if those fundamentals are based on reason, and by most definitions reasons are based on critical thinking, then wouldn't that make your statement false?

He brings up a good point. When people say 'Fundamentalist' we all think of those crazy religious groups ... but what about the 'reason' fundamentalists who espouse the fundamental principles of reason and critical thinking and the open dissemination and contemplation of ideas?

You know, fundamentalist atheists!

On a side note, don't ever argue with me. I was BORN to be right. Since you lack this innate quality (you are prone to delusion, as your belief in an invisible, all powerful creator who just happens to leave ABSOLUTELY no hard proof of his/her own existence simply to ... get this .... test your faith in his existence .... proves) you cannot help but lose (and fail to realize it). Sorry - just focus on finding what you were born to do and stick to that.

tatupu70 says

In general, a liberal is open to change and a conservative resists change. So, I'd say someone who is adaptable and open to change will overcome adversity better than someone who is not.

I see where you are going with your answer, but I was thinking more along the lines or personality types, and in that regard I think a liberal is a person who has no pre-set boundries for acceptable behavior where a conservative does.

Your point is correct only when things are as they should be. Meaning, a conservative does not want change when the situation is as it should be, but when things are wrong then a conservative wants things changed back to correct. Right now I am very much a conservative and I am very much wanting BIG CHANGES in America. Same for a liberal. If things are as they feel they should be, then they do not want change, that would make them a conservative in your example. So, maybe those two lables are not the best choice for my question. (?)

Should we pick something specific, like behavior or bill paying or character or values to get an idea of what we mean by these lables?

Bap33 says

I see where you are going with your answer, but I was thinking more along the lines or personality types, and in that regard I think a liberal is a person who has no pre-set boundries for acceptable behavior where a conservative does.

Okay, you lost all credibility with this. This prejudges a liberal as doing "unacceptable" things and makes no such judgment on a conservative. This is a ridiculous definition. tatupu70 gave the traditional/classical definition for liberal vs. conservative (change vs. not), and you're basically saying that only conservatives can be "correct," which is silly.

In addition, you're prejudging your personal attitude as "correct," and no one else can possibly be correct, which is not really a way to have a productive discussion.

Moreover, your discussion is a complete waste of time. Why do people need to engage in all of this liberal/conservative nonsense stereotyping all the time anyway. If people had discussions about the topic instead of sniping about stereotypes, we'd have better discussions.

Bap33 says

I am not part of any organized religion. do not be offended for me letting you be wrong in public.

You sound very much like a fundamentalist Christian.

About arrogance, I talk to you like I'm smarter than you. You talk like you are morally superior to me, indirectly because you are morally superior to all liberals.

So I think I'm smarter than you and you think your morally superior to me. Who's arrogant ?

Who's correct ?

As for your views on education, much of it comes from propaganda. Here is a quote that you have read from me before. From link below (but I don't expect you to glean anything from this):

The annual Gallup poll about education shows that Americans are overwhelmingly dissatisfied with the quality of the nation’s schools, but 77 percent of public school parents award their own child’s public school a grade of A or B, the highest level of approval since the question was first asked in 1985.

http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2010/nov/11/myth-charter-schools/

I"m arrogant, but my guess is you won;t read this or consider it.

The truth is we need to improve. But it's also true that everyone has to go to school in this country. In poor neighborhoods, it turns out that a majority don't want to be there, and or, have poor nutrition, many distractions, possibly severely dysfunctional families, etc. So the challenges to teachers are immense. Especially once the children are socially promoted a few times. Can you imagine teaching 9th grade math to a kid who is at the 5th grade level and has totally given up on school, but has to be there ?

I went to great public schools and now teach at a great public school. Every year we have graduates that get in to our countries very best colleges. I'm proud of my school and the work I do, but sometimes I fail and I'm always trying to do better.

Bap33 says

What personality type do you feel best endurs and overcomes adversity - conservative or liberal (general terms)?

For one thing I am politically a liberal in some ways, but actually a conservative, just because of my age. I have always done challenging and stressful work (didn't teach until my forties). And many of my classes present plenty of adversity.

Todays republicans are no longer conservative. The best way to describe them is that they are rich and they represent the rich. Most rich republicans did not become rich by overcoming adversity.

@corn,
huh? Is that really what you read in my post? wow. My writing skills really suck.

@marcus,
1) The CALIFORNIA EDUCATION MONSTER MACHINE is BAD/EVIL/BROKEN in my opinion.
2) I can't find an answer to my question in your response, but the point of what exaxctly is a liberal or conservative type was brought up and that is a pretty good question too.

marcus says

About arrogance, I talk to you like I'm smarter than you. You talk like you are morally superior to me, indirectly because you are morally superior to all liberals.

don't be silly. take the knife from your own throat and place it in my back where you had it earlier.

Bap33 says

@corn,
huh? Is that really what you read in my post? wow. My writing skills really suck.

corntrollio says

in that regard I think a liberal is a person who has no pre-set boundries for acceptable behavior where a conservative does.

Maybe I'm misreading you, but that sounds like a very judgmental answer for liberal vs. conservative.

Bap33 says

Meaning, a conservative does not want change when the situation is as it should be, but when things are wrong then a conservative wants things changed back to correct.

We call that a pragmatist. Has nothing to do with liberal or conservative.

Conservative has been given a different meaning by popular media and by politicians, just like liberal. But this isn't 1969, so we should probably get past that crap and stop using inaccurate labels and instead discuss real issues. Someone who leads with "liberals think..." or "conservatives think..." is probably not going to have anything interesting to say. The whole idea is flawed anyway, since politics are better mapped on two spectra: http://www.politicalcompass.org/

corntrollio says

in that regard I think a liberal is a person who has no pre-set boundries for acceptable behavior where a conservative does.
Maybe I'm misreading you, but that sounds like a very judgmental answer for liberal vs. conservative.

no no no ... pre-set acceptable behavior .. the "acceptable" is not as in legal or moral, but acceptable meaning something closer to "expected" or "pleasing" or "comfortable" or maybe something like "normal" to a person. I see what you were reading, but I was not intending that.

Just so we all have the actual definition of Fundamentalism from Merriam-Webster:

1.: a often capitalized : a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching b : the beliefs of this movement c : adherence to such beliefs

2: a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles

All bolds are mine.

As you can see, reason, critical thinking, etc. aren't mentioned at all. Literal interpretations require no reason or critical thinking. And, beliefs aren't facts... That's magical thinking.

I rest my case.

Bap33 says

The CALIFORNIA EDUCATION MONSTER MACHINE is BAD/EVIL/BROKEN in my opinion.

How do you breathe when your head is in that particular location ?

http://toped.svefoundation.org/2011/01/12/now-43rd-in-per-student-spending/

So 42 of the 50 states spend more per student than California.

This is about prop 13. Instead of paying higher real estate taxes in California, we just pay more for Real Estate. That's pretty fucked up.

By the way, one thing I am working on right now is teaching to the State standardized tests better than I ever have before. That will certainly make it appear that I am doing a better job.

marcus says

For one thing I am politically a liberal in some ways, but actually a conservative, just because of my age. I have always done challenging and stressful work (didn't teach until my forties). And many of my classes present plenty of adversity.

Marcus, I am leaving my well paying job in the military at near 40 years old to jump into the education system. I have been a great teacher/mentor in the military and really enjoy it. Any advice for someone at 40 deciding to go into the education system?

I'm still trying wrap my head around the theory of conserativism and liberalism being personality traits.

Bap33 says

don't be silly. take the knife from your own throat and place it in my back where you had it earlier.

I tip my hat to that one.

Truthplease says

Any advice for someone at 40 deciding to go into the education system?

I would suggest that you maybe find a good job, before leaving your current one, for starters. It's a very tough time to be starting in teaching, because there have been a lot of lay offs recently. You are going to be competing with experienced people out there, that is in your job search.

Do you have ideas of age and subject you want to teach ?

Certain ages are much more difficult than others. Grades 7 - 9 are particularly difficult in my opinion.

simchaland says

to a set of basic principles

dude, cmon now .. "basic principles" can't bother you THAT much. Just remove the bold that you added and put it on the "basic principles" part and then you may see sumthin different.

@ellie,
I can't be sure that I even approached that division right. Is it personality trait, or a function of deep thought, or just pre-wired DNA, or an expression of life experience, or all of the above, or were the smart ones all made leftists and the cavemanish ones all made rightists? lol. It would seem that there are many similar personality traits and philosophy shared by those that populate each "side", and only the middle-road types cross over. Heck, depending on the subject matter, many folks change sides. I dunno.

@marcus,
my personal opinion should not result in a personal attack from Lord Teacher AllMighty. People that attack personally when faced with a differing opinion should be ashamed, in my opinion. That shows a lack of intellect, that results in a lack of ideas, that results in frustration, that results in fear, that results in hate, that results in anger, that results in childlike name calling instead of mature retort. People should discuss issues with respect, and I guess the saying is true ... "those that can - do (ellie, sim, many others), and those that can't - teach (you)."

Truthplease says

Any advice for someone at 40 deciding to go into the education system?

If you re thinking of high school, it is true as Bap mentioned that a degree in the subject you are teaching is often required. This does not nearly guarantee proficiency as a teacher, and there aren't any teachers that think this alone is sufficient to guarantee their proficiency(contrary to one of Baps many silly assertions above). But it's a reasonable place to start, that is requiring proof that the person knows the subject, even beyond the level that they will be teaching.

Bap33 says

People that attack personally when faced with a differing opinion should be ashamed

Bap33 says

That shows a lack of intellect

Bap33 says

those that can - do (ellie, sim, many others), and those that can't - teach (you)."

Practicing what you preach I see. You could have at least waited until another post to avoid being such a hypocrite.

Oops,. I did it again. Sorry if I hurt your feelings.

When you express "opinions" like the following you might want to expect a reaction (as if you didn't).

Bap33 says

I disagree. The education system is absurd and is only a goldenchild of the left becasue it gave them direct access to the youth to force upon them their leftist anti-God/American/Freedom queer way of thinking.

You have made it clear that people like me, and my beliefs are responsible for for the decline of of our culture. And you said in so many words that 95% of Califonia teachers are incompetent. Later you sort of took it back, before saying that really it might be more than 95%.

(I don't really think the term "passive aggressive" applies. This is aggressive. I'm not going to apologize for finding you to be narrow minded, and racist ("invaders"), and in your own not so subtle way, an asshole.)

Why is my being upfront about that any more personal than my quotes from you here ?

These are not statements that lead to adult conversation. I retract and apologize for nothing I have said.

Truthplease says

Any advice for someone at 40 deciding to go into the education system?

Do you really want to join the morally corrupt and bankrupt system? All you'll be is a sacrificial lamb for when the union goons try to harass the society for more kickbacks by laying off all the new teachers.

That train is never late. These crony corrupt goons just keep on skimming millions of taxpayer dollars. And when its time to pay the bill because the system is going bankrupt they just lay off the new teachers. It's really a pathetic system.

EMan says

These crony corrupt goons just keep on skimming millions of taxpayer dollars

This is made up bs that Chris has never detailed. I am a teacher and I honestly honestly have no idea even what he is saying. Are there high level union guys that are siphoning off big money ? OR is it our awesome huge salaries that are ripping off the tax payer?

AM talk radio propaganda. Chris doesn't even know what he means. Just An angry cliche that sounds like it might mean something ? wtf ?

EMan says

All you'll be is a sacrificial lamb for when the union goons try to harass the society for more kickbacks by laying off all the new teachers.

Translation: If we teachers (some of whom, you know have families and mortgages etc), if we teachers don't insist that our paycuts are increased enough to prevent layoffs, then it is we who are actually laying off those new teachers ? Wow.

I believe that Chris is a liar about the big money he makes and taxes he pays. Because anyone who was truly making a decent living would not rail against teachers in this way.

You can verbally defend your union all you want. Robert Rizo defended his establishment too. It will all catch up eventually.

Few month ago it was the city of Bell, today its the city of Montebello, sooner or later you guys will be under the hammer too. Carma has a way of catching up with fraudsters.

The Bell emloyees were NOT in unions. Nor were they teachers.

HousingWatcher says

The Bell emloyees were NOT in unions. Nor were they teachers.

top government officials who had not enough public oversight.

marcus says

OR is it our awesome huge salaries that are ripping off the tax payer?

It's the awesone teacher pensions, health benefits, and small class sizes that are ripping off the taxpayers. Tha salary's really not so much.

Small class sizes? Really? I guess you have not been reading the statistics lately.

marcus says

I would suggest that you maybe find a good job, before leaving your current one, for starters. It's a very tough time to be starting in teaching, because there have been a lot of lay offs recently. You are going to be competing with experienced people out there, that is in your job search.

Yep, understand Marcus and thanks for the advice. Luckily, I have supported my wife while she has finished her School Psychology degree and finalizes licensing. So, this happens quickly or slowly depending on when she can find employment. We understand that education is usually the first cut in a fiscally constrained environment. Getting her practicum and internship proved exceedingly difficult this last year due to massive budget cuts in education.

We have been very frugal with our money, so we can make it quite a while without a paycheck. I am looking at job satisfaction and want to join another profession. I see teachers as professionals in their area of expertise. I have some concern if teachers are truly treated like professionals anymore. I am using the word professional in the truest sense. It would bother me if I started this profession and was not treated as a professional in a field of study. If that is true, then we really know where the problem lies in the education system.

I was looking at teaching H.S. Math or Science. My BA is in Liberal Arts with a Certificate in Math and a Certificate in Natural Sciences. My 18 year profession is Environmental Sciences and these Praxis II tests are easy areas for me; Biology and General Science, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Education, and General Science. I would have to refresh on Calculus for the Mathematics test. Praxis 1 does not look difficult.

I also have military training in fundamental instructional techniques, curriculum development, tests and measures, and leadership (obvious).

marcus says

(I don't really think the term "passive aggressive" applies. This is aggressive. I'm not going to apologize for finding you to be narrow minded, and racist ("invaders"), and in your own not so subtle way, an asshole.)

lmao .. you are tooo much my angry little friend. Rise above the fear and anger, you can do it! One question though, exactly what race do you connect to "invader"? I only ask because I am far from a racists, or sexist, or anythingist ... keeping track of those things is more of a liberal minded thing, in my opinion.

And since you refuse to not call names; I know you are, but what am I?

Truthplease says

I also have military training in fundamental instructional techniques, curriculum development, tests and measures, and leadership (obvious).

just wanted to re-produce the word "fundamental" so as to show how basic ideals sure can be a good thing. (just funning w/Sim here - no offense)

@truth,
I too am looking at teaching, but in my case it's at a vocational center. I think I'll do better with older teens and young adults, mainly due to my limited vocabulary when curse words are removed, and lack of patients for undisciplined children raised by idiots. The center is funded by tax dollars and puts low-income/welfare people to the front of the line. The teaching/trainer position pays $0 per month, but I want to help folks that are in a bad spot and are willing to help themselves. A few evenings a week aint that big of a deal to give up, in my opinion.