what is a teacher?

Question

Identify internal and/or external rewards that impact recruitment and retention of quality teachers. How do such rewards influence recruitment or retention? How might these rewards shift as new accountability-centered teacher reforms are proposed (such as merit pay and competency testing)?

Answer 1

It's difficult to identify internal or external "rewards" for teaching because teachers typically choose it as a calling -- at least at first. Obviously more money would influence recruitment and retention, but teachers put up with a LOT for very little money -- especially in the Southern U.S. College graduates can choose teaching for $26,000 or go into business for $50,000+. It's tough.

But to answer the main question: A teacher is someone who inspires students to reach -- to strive to become a better person -- to become lifelong learners.

Answer 2

I am a recently retired elem teacher. My opinion, a very strong one, the quickest way to drive out good teachers is to impliment merit pay, think about it, who gets the kudos in life ??? the kiss butts. who do you think gets the kudos in merit pay ??? not the ones who really teach, it is so often the ones who make the principal and school district look good, just like in public life. I think merit pay will kill public school or lower its level of education to pathetic. dedicated teachers never get their due, never. they love the kids, they work hard, they get picked on for not kissing but because they are busy getting ready to teach what the kids need to succeed in life, not what pleases the current admin. You may not wish to see this truth, but it is a given. I have years and years of proof and travelled all over our state and found the same thing. Merit pay will only increase cheating in the areas that gain more money for the teacher. Merit pay is NOT the answer to better teaching, realistic state standards and realization of the raw product that is incoming into public schools is the answer, LOok around you at how kids behave in public at age 5 and then put 30 of them in a classroom you can't even touch their arm etc etc. Hogwash. public schools has just become one big kiss butt game. Don't believe me, check it out with a teacher who has retired and can freely speak.ACtually it is a proven fact that the more intelligent college grads as a whole are steering away from becoming teachers because they are smart enough to see it more clearly and don't want any part of it. One local grad just said, I am not going to "raise their kids "> so she went in another direction for her degree and it is such a smart observation. If you want to be a policman, police children, that is 99% of what talented teachers get stuck doing.

Answer 3

A teacher is a person with knowledge in one or more fields willing to impart it to others. This usually results in renumeration.

Answer 4

someone who teaches other people especially students

Answer 5

someone who makes someone else learn something by showing them how to do it.