2006-10-21 16:15:36 · 12 answers · asked by Mike S 7 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
K-12 Education in Europe originated in the monasteries for the children of the wealthy. Education was a luxury and a sign of prestige for those of the upper class. Therefore those considered worthy to teach the upper class were given respect befitting one with the knowledge required to educate the elite. Whereas in this country education was tied to the need to have an educated society in order to ensure that democracy could survive. The goal of public education was to develop basic literacy for all citizens. The ones chosen to educate the children were women who were either single or mothers. Teaching at the K-12 level has never been seen as a real profession with a solid body of research and knowledge until recently. That is the reason for the low pay scales, the lack of consistency in credentialling and the reason why the "No Child Left Behind Act" had to be created. Until we have a standardized credential program across the country and we have insured that all those entering the field of professional education at the K-12 level do have the skills needed to adequately teach our children, until society recognizes teaching as a real profession that is equal to that of medicine, engineering, law or any other recognized profession, until society is willing to provide financial equity for those in the teaching profession, we will continue to have teaching be merely a service to society but not elevate it to the level of the other "professional" careers. Until it is elevated both in status and monetary rewards we will continue to have highly qualified mathematicians and scientists choosing more financially lucrative careers. Until the colleges and universities are willing to refuse to credential those who do not meet the graduate levels required of professional educators the profession will continue to come under scrutiny. Educators are their own worst enemies at times. This is from both an educator and an educator of educators.
2006-10-21 16:42:57 · answer #1 · answered by wndrngmnd 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because sadly, in America, you are judged on your income. Those with the highest incomes are considered the smartest or most worthy in any field. My first year to teach was the first time I ever had anybody feel sorry for me because of how much money I made. Others thought I was stupid. Either outlook is a lack of respect. Now I am in the medical field. The first comment people make is not, " That's great, you will be helping people!" It's, "That pays pretty good!"
2006-10-22 10:48:11 · answer #2 · answered by Alan J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
European parents know competition is high for higher education, they respect the teachers themselves and teach their children respect. Grandparents instill a value towards education because they may have had their own education disrupted by the war or the post war economy.
European teachers have a longer history as a profession!
100 yrs ago in rural America, teachers were teens who had finished 8th grade in a one room school house. They were female and they were paid in corn, potatoes and a log of wood.
That just doesn't convey importance, does it?
If parents don't like what happens at school, they blame the other kids, the teacher, school and district: never their own kids!
2006-10-21 23:29:48 · answer #3 · answered by atheleticman_fan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say becuase teaching has a tradition. In Europe, teachers are seen as professionals. In the US, it is not seen that way. We seem to pay far more attention to theory than to what to teach. Plus we have certification that is necessary. Most classes in Education will turn the human brain to tapioca. Case in point--Me. I checked on getting alternative certification and was told I would need to take 18 hours of graduate classes, work 9 months in a school and take a 16K$ cut in pay from my job. This despite me having a masters in library science and 30 hours in a 2nd masters.
2006-10-22 00:59:11 · answer #4 · answered by michael c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some are not qualified to teach. Students behaviors have turned worse. Teachers have no legal control of the students and classroom. Putting a student in the corner is considered abuse and humiliation. Worst of all, the American academic curriculum (which is an oxymoron in its own right) is horrible.
2006-10-21 23:26:37 · answer #5 · answered by R W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are. Psst.....when was the last time you told your teacher they were great?....It hints that you are on the grass is always greener somewhere else theory.
European students try to get into American Universities, and colleges all the time!
We just forget to tell our teachers that they are the best in the world....and that starts at Kindergarten and ends, when the last person leaves the University....and that has not happened yet.
2006-10-21 23:19:32 · answer #6 · answered by May I help You? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
American politics--- some people believe teachers are lazy, money-grubbing and stupid. Strikes and contracts really don't help perpetuate a better viewpoint of what they do, even though they have one of the most important jobs in the world.
2006-10-21 23:24:32 · answer #7 · answered by britishlit2002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because Baby Boomers insist that their children can do no wrong; therefire the teacher is "always wrong" for trying to address issues.
And their kids learn that they can get away with anything.
2006-10-21 23:24:12 · answer #8 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because we aren't allow to discipline are children any more.
2006-10-21 23:22:44 · answer #9 · answered by Mama Royality 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea wndrngmnd!!!! That's it on the nailhead!!!
2006-10-22 02:29:43 · answer #10 · answered by tklines 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋