Teaching: "An anything-can-happen" occupation in the making

[Are_grits_groceries]

<snip>
Can I digress, people, and say that while it’s important to make teachers accountable, telling them their jobs could hinge on their students’ grades on one test is a terrible idea? The women and men who go into teaching tend, as a group, to be both extremely dedicated and extremely risk-averse. The stability of their profession is a very important part of its draw. You do not want to make this an anything-can-happen occupation,unless you are prepared to compensate them like hedge fund traders.

It’s a terrible time for American teachers — almost every school district is facing monster budget cuts, and a number of politicians have tried to make them the villain in the story. (New Jersey’s governor, Chris Christie, recently accused them of using their students as “drug mules” to convey information on school budget votes.) If Crist defeats Rubio with the teachers’ support, it will certainly help them push back.
<snip>
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/01/opinion/01collins.html?ref=opinion

"unless you are prepared to compensate them like hedge fund traders"

Collin's article is about teachers and the Senate race in Florida. However, she certainly hits the nail on the head with this take on teaching.

[Smarmie Doofus]

1. NYT publishing something objective re. teachers??

What's up with that?

Well that's worth a K and an R.

[Are_grits_groceries]

2. Gail Collins is one of my

favorite columnists. She can be very funny. I don't always agree with her, but she is always worth a read.

[stray cat]

3. "teachers are extremely risk adverse and job security helps drive the profession"

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. The teachers in Florida should be supporting the Democrat in that race

Crist is NOT the best candidate.

[Are_grits_groceries]

5. True.

However, I was trying to point out her take on what is happening to teachers.

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. I am not criticizing your post

I am just tired of this trumped up support for Crist. He is NOT the best candidate in that race.

[Smarmie Doofus]

7. I'm worried that he might be the only *electable* one.

Among the non-neanderthals, that is.

Looks like the teabagger could win with 40% in a three way. DEM frontfrunner looks weak... according to Collins, anyway.

>>>>>I am just tired of this trumped up support for Crist. He is NOT the best candidate in that race>>>>>>