The attack on teachers has more to do with their union
membership, than their ability in the classroom, although that too has come under
fire.
Oddly though, these same conservative critics seem to think
teachers in the private sector are better, happier and the answer to our
educational problems. The attacks on teachers will eventually find its way to
the private, publically funded private schools. Conversely, Republicans are pushing to remove all measures of accountability, like a statewide standardized test
for all schools. This confusing policy one way to keep people guessing, off kilter, angry and backed into a corner.
I guess you can repeat the conservative line, “If you don’t
like the job, quit,” but that doesn’t change the anger and public perception
that teachers are bad. That does more to encourage many teachers to leave the
profession, with no way of replacing them.
Edweek: With schools throughout the country facing leaner budgets, the threat of layoffs, and increasingly demanding accountability measures, teachers are experiencing new and varied workplace pressures. And according to the 28th annual MetLife Survey of the American Teacher, released in March, these pressures may be taking a toll. The percentage of teachers who are "very satisfied" with their jobs has dropped from 59 percent in 2009 to 44 percent, bringing teacher job satisfaction to its lowest point in more than two decades. And in another indication of declining morale, 29 percent of teachers say they are likely to leave the teaching profession within the next five years—up from 17 percent in 2009.
So what did we expect?
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