If you are an educator, you know that education has become very perplexing environment: It is a vast ocean of confusion. The government who is steering the ship has a crew pondering where they are going.

Those who actually teach kids feel that a mutiny is warranted to put the ship on the correct course.

However, even more perplexing is that many educators feel like jumping overboard. And those who don’t may be forced to walk the plank by evaluation procedures that seem unfair even to school administrators.

Excellent teachers who not only teach well but also, inspire students are having doubts in their abilities and expertise.

Low morale is present everywhere, and in many schools the atmosphere of gloom creates negativity in students and teachers.

The atmosphere of schools should be one of fair weather where learning, creativity, and discovery is a joyous adventure instead of a dull, boring, loathsome journey.

Oh, we hear the correct jargon: “The students are No 1. We do everything for them.” But the truth is, however, that education is no longer student centered; it is curriculum centered.

The curriculum must be taught at all cost, regardless of what the actual needs are of the students.

Another proof that students are not the main concern in education today is the advice I hear educators giving young people who are career minded. They say, “Whatever you do, don’t become a teacher.” Why do those who are in the ship discourage others from entering? It is because of the frustration of the ship being tossed about in the storm of government mandates that keep the ocean roaring.

But put all of that aside, and what do you have left? You have students who need to be taught and inspired.

So my advice as a retired teacher, who still loves working with kids, is that if you love kids and want to make a difference in people’s lives by all means get on board and become a teacher.

And if you are strong, brave, and have perseverance, you might find the storm to be challenging and a great adventure.

 

James Kearns is a retired teacher, pastor and Ironton resident.