Teacher's Union doesn't support better teachers

SamCogar wrote:
So Sasha, and who is teaching those High School Classes for those "couple of years" while that Teacher is completing the "subject area courses" for Certification in that subject?

Does the School Board and/or Superintendent ...... "hold those jobs open" ...... for said "couple of years" ........ for said Teacher while he/she is completing said "subject area courses"?

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oh good grief Sam.....rarely does anyone switch to subjects in which they know NOTHING or have no natural AFFINITY. They usually at least have background, basic knowledge for the area in which they are transferring so between that and the tools/resources/textbooks that are available for a motivated teacher they would be capable of teaching most basic level high school courses. When/if they run in to students who need more than what the new teacher can provide, the new teacher will usually turn to a mentor for help with that students' needs. They are teaching the classes while taking courses to complete their certification.

We all should know when to turn to those who know more than we do - whether we are beginners or "experienced".

Case in point - I added special education to my certification via a graduate program - it took me 5 years to finish my Master's degree with it as well. But I had already basic knowledge and experience in this field. I certainly would not have attempted to add an English certification and teach at the same time - I hate grammar....I hate having to interpret Literature in certain ways....but I feel comfortable that I could have added biology/earth/space sciences; math up through geometry; or any of the histories excluding economics and felt competent to teach them at the level required while completing my certification classes and not felt like I was short changing my students. I already had/have the basic education courses required and experience in classroom management to plan/deliver/execute most any thing required of those classes. And I know when/where/how to ask/get help when needed.

But if a sliding pay scale between differing subjects is put into practice, I can certainly see someone switching subjects just for the greater pay check and then you might have people with limited skills attempting to teach new (to them) subject matter with little regard for their abilities.