I know several teachers personally; more than I can count with two hands. Thankfully due to good teachers in my past, I’m able to count them in my head–without using my fingers, toes or (non-existent) penis, as the old blackjack joke goes*.
I also personally know several doctors, attorneys, and other people who are what most folks consider “professionals”. Just like the doctors and lawyers and dentists the teachers have post-college education. They read journals, attend continuing-education seminars and stay up-to-date with changing theories and methods of their chosen course. This holds true not only for university professors and secondary teachers but also for those who teach in elementary grades.
A teacher I know called me last night to vent about the way her boss spoke to her. She was rightfully upset, because the boss (mis)directed his frustration with a roomful of pushy parents and tired children by yelling at her. This is not the first time that scenario has happened, and she’s not the only teacher to which it happens.
I suspect the problem is that most teachers are female. Well, that and pretty much everyone who has been to college knows at least one woman who used “elementary education” as code for “I’m here to get my MRS degree.” But somehow, somewhere the idea has become commonplace that those who teach young kids, especially Kindergarten, are no more than babysitters.
New laws (the abominable NCLB grist mill included) now require that most Kindergarten students be taught skills that are often beyond their mental development processes. In spite of what lawmakers think, little 5-year old brains can’t necessarily grasp some of the things their curriculum requires. Nevertheless it is up to the professionals to see that all students know the legally-mandated material. Those happy innocent years before First Grade are not just about making turkeys out of hand tracings and learning the alphabet song. And the folks whose job it is to do all this are people who are highly educated, put in long days and know their stuff.
They deserve the same respect accorded to other professionals.
*”He can’t count to 21 unless he’s naked.” (for those of you who didn’t know the punchline.)
Just Another Pretty Farce 
if you think that is bad, the way pre-school teachers are treated is worse. less time off, less supportive continuing education, less pay, generally no benefits with all the fun of every parent wanting you to treat their child as they would treat them only better, more attentive and teaching them personally because they are gifted..
okay, that’s me getting on my early childhood education soapbox.. sorry
I invested 5 years and thousands of dollars to get an education degree, but I’m not using it in the traditional schools partly because of how ridiculous our education system has become. From teacher’s unions to the lack of discipline to an administration that no longer supports the teachers, I said to heck with it and found something that I love instead.
And it’s a pity, because, in all humility, I’m a really good teacher. “So change the system from the inside”, people have told me. Well, screw that. Why spend a lifetime fruitlessly banging my head against that wall? I’d rather do something I’m passionate about.
thanks!
I am a kindergarten in Australia and it seems no matter how much study or professional development days I attend , we kindergarten teachers get treated like we are at the academic level of our students we teach.
A grade seven teacher is seen as more qualified and smarter than me just because she is teaching an upper grade. Which is not the case! I have my masters and have many years experience in education, but still I am treated at a lower standard them my colleagues that teach the upper grades.
Kindergarten teachers are professionals and deserve the same status as teachers of the upper grade levels.
It’s a hard, damn difficult profession that’s so underrated and undervalued that many think twice of leaving. From the over-indoctorinated “look-see” reading (that’s like teaching words as pictures…or Chinese…the lowest form of literacy!), to the lack of support and integration of the dysfunctional and disturbed students with NO ASSISTANCE unless you become a white coat and checklist their bad behavior. It all can drive you crazy (like an assylum or prison in the worst cases). To top it off you have to be …joyous, bubbly, enthusiastic and inspiring through all the days with these reprogrammed and genetically re-engineered children. …And then all the added data collection. Grand, eh?? Unlimited unpaid overtime..get out while you can!!!