[oclug] teachers (part 2 & 1/2)

[Mike Roy]

Hello everyone:
	I've just been reading David Skoll's comments and I agree with some of
them. I too think teachers, for the most part, may be underpaid and I
also think the early grades may be too early for computers as
playgrounds can be much more fun.
	Why am I picking on teachers, well, I'm not really. I'm pointing out a
major flaw in the system - the failure of a mechanism to remove stupid
teachers from the classroom. Teachers, by themselves, are not the only
problem with the system; they're just the most visible part. There's the
numerous school boards intent on empire building, the provincial
government determined to cut funding in every area until there's nothing
left and a frustrated public that feels they're paying a high price for
a system that has failed. Of course there are stupid people in other
professions but there's also some form of remedy for the general public.
There is no similar option open to the public when they're trying to
remove a stupid teacher.
	My comments on the TV woodworker are valid. He is teaching by example.
He may not be called a teacher but he's the host of a do-it-yourself
program designed to show viewers woodworking techniques. There's also
cooking shows, sewing shows, home repair and auto repair shows doing
exactly the same thing. But this guy is dangerous in that he is sloppy
in his safety habits and my concern is that someone is going to follow
this moron's advice and do themselves an injury. And, yes I've already
written to the producers of the show with my concerns.
	I know teachers don't have it easy. I, like you, do know good teachers
that are worth their weight in gold. I also know incompetent teachers
that should never be allowed in a classroom. These are the ones that
should be removed. When an individual enters a community college or
university and doesn't know the capitals of the Canadian provinces or
has trouble understanding what's wrong with a double negative, then
there's some major gaps in that individual's education. 
	Are we paying our teachers enough for the important work they do?
Probably not. But we're also not getting rid of the deadwood and this is
my major concern.
cheers,
Mike Roy