Interesting Thought Experiment

For all of the negative advertisements and messages against the profession of teaching that has been thrown around in recent years, I would like to offer a moment's indulgence.

I would like somebody who really believes that the only reason that a student fails is because of the quality of their teachers to describe the ideal teacher.  I'm talking about in its entirety from salary and benefits (heck, take away tenure if you'd like), including their personality and work habits, along with their working conditions and available classroom resources.

What does the ideal educator look like in your eyes?

Once you've done that.  Now find someone who is willing to take that job for more than 2-3 years before either getting fired or quitting on their own.

Here's what I can't stand about the educational reform effort:  When people make statements under the guise that they are motivated by the negative outcomes their children experience while at no point do they think ahead about not only what the profession as a whole would look like but who would even bother to consider working in that profession should the changes they seek be granted.

If they get what they want, we'll have to import teachers or outsource our children.

Quite frankly, as a science teacher, I could pursue other lines of work that pay multiples of my current salary.  I take offense to anybody who thinks that my line of work is for lesser human beings or that teachers deserve less compensation because they have summer break, decent health benefits (that I hardly use because I'm in good health, knock on wood), and tenure.  If you asked me to work for any less, I'd quit.  I'd expect many others to do the same.

My ultimate back-up, should this educational reform turn sour is to teach internationally.  So as of now, I'm in Peru.  On vacation, learning the language, while at the same time scoping out international schools to work at.  If the USA is not willing to respect and advocate for their public servants then I'll work in a country that will (or hasn't been influenced by this nonsensical approach to educational policy).