This is an aspect I chose not to address, in my original rant. But
quality of teacher is probably the single most important aspect of any
educational experience.
Actually, I'm quite impressed by most of the teachers I've met in the
Moscow system. For the most part, they are intelligent, caring,
perceptive persons. (BTW, I've also met teachers from other districts who
are much less impressive than the standard in Moscow.)
They are also underpaid. But that's probably not the biggest reason the
teaching pool has shifted: I've spoken with several persons who refuse to
enter the public school teaching market because of the working conditions,
esp. the lack of discipline rampant in too many schools.
But the biggest reason the pool of teachers is shifting is undoubtedly due
to our changing times. Up through the 1950s, women who wanted a career
generally chose to be secretaries, nurses or teachers. Consequently, all
three professions were staffed my numerous highly competent persons who
were underpaid. Came the social revolution, and the most competent women
often chose other paths, leaving fewer stellar persons for the classroom.
Therefore, I support higher pay for teachers...but only when the system is
fixed so they can do their jobs properly. Fixing the system should not
require more money, just a change in philosophy. This is the problem
which I believe should be addressed immediately.
Robert Probasco rcp@uidaho.edu