A few days ago I released an article about why the time is now to go into the field of education. I received several responses from teachers and other professionals that begged to differ. Most of the responses I received argued that many school districts are having budget cuts, financial issues and other money related problems. One of the responders reasoned that only individuals that are passionate about children need to go into the field of education. Below is a message in full detail that I received that makes several valid points about the current affairs of the education field. The responder wishes to remain anonymous:
“Hey man I read your article about teachers. As a teacher I couldn’t help but read it when I saw your title. Let me just say it was very informative and well written. However, as a teacher getting ready to go on 6 yrs I would have to disagree with you. Yes, the field of education does need more people. Yes, the field of education is a career with great benefits and stability. However, not everyone should be in the field of education. The kids in todays society don’t need just a person warming the seat. They need someone who is going to care about them, educate them, and speak life into them. Whether people realize it or not the job of an educator is a ministry.
Our impression on a child will not just last for the yr that we teach that child, but for a lifetime. Hence, not everyone should be encouraged or allowed to go into the education field. The movie…Watching Superman (I think thats the complete title) speaks volumes about an education system that is flawed, but can be fixed with individuals who are dedicated and passionate about seeing every child prosper. It is easy to give up on a child that seems hopeless if you have no real passion for children. However, a person that has been called into the education field…not just looked at the benefits or stability…will try to move mountains for that child because they know they are thats child advocate, life line, and possibly last hope.
Yes, there are many turnovers within the education field, but alot of the time its because teachers are tired of seeing the education system fail so many kids. This is a hard thing to see yr after yr especially when as a CALLED educator you have a heart that wants to save all kids.
Lol, funny story to tell you and then I shall stop taking up your time. Two years ago I had a black boy in my class who would flip over desk, cut flips around my carpet, run out the classroom door, and etc as a coping mechanism. When I would try to help him he would shut down because he didn’t want help. However, this was his second time in first grade and he couldn’t work independently because he was still on a kindergarten level in math and reading. His mom didn’t know what to do with him and basically didn’t have a quality education herself. So throughout the year I struggled with him back and forth because I was determined he was going to succeed. In my mind I saw this kids future…a black boy whom at the age of 7 had already been labeled to be in a prison cell before 15.
Nevertheless, I continued to advocate and fight for this young man to get tested to receive edcuational services. Everyone else wanted to write him off as another bd (behavioral disorder) case so he could be removed from our school. I wasn’t having it…a 7 yr old who was very impressionable getting put into a school with rapists, murderers, and etc. That was basically sentencing him to a path leading to prison. I continued to advocate for the young man even after he tried to cut my jacket with scissors and then pretended to throw the scissors at me (extreme I know…Chris was not too happy at this point lol).
By the end of the year this young man ended up finally getting tested and diagnosed with a learning disability in reading and math. He started receiving academic services (as well as counseling lol) and is doing better in school. Now was this an extreme case, yes. No, I do not suggest every educator go through what I did with this young man. Nonetheless, my passion to see him succeed did get him the help that he needed and when he looks back 11 yrs from now whether starting college or in prison he will know that someone did care enough to fight for him.
Lol, as I stated earlier Chris and I totally disagree on this subject. He was more than ready to come beat this little kid up and send him off to jail on numerous occassions lol. His passion and expertise is in military stuff so its understandable.
Again, totally enjoyed reading your article and I appreciate you taking the time out to read my response!”
Readers of Fligher Education, is the time now to go into the field of education or should people stay far far away?
January 13, 2012
School Psychology & Mental Health