That was a very interesting post Xeres (thank goodness there is someone on this site with more insight than Davey boy).
I look back with fond memories of my teachers, teachers who chose the profession because of their love of teaching and were prepared to put in the 'extra yard' where required. I realise that I am generalsing in my comments on the present crop of teachers and obviously there are those who carry out their task to the best of their ability. I admit that this job, for the really serious teacher, has become rather onerous due to the fads pushed by certain elements in the community with their own political agenda, usually on the left side of politics (Davey boy would love that).
I have stopped counting the number of parents who can't afford a private education, who spend endless hours with their children making up for the teachers' deriliction in the classroom. Some years ago two episodes really highlighted this situation for me:
(a)I was asked by an English teacher to review a proposal she was putting forward to a committee. It contained so many errors it was nearly incomprehensible and had to be completely revised. Her main purpose in life seemed to be in organising her next holiday.
(b) Another teacher I knew rang me one day and asked me why he could never find me at home. But since he always rang me somewhere between 4pm and 4.30pm I had to advise him that I never left work before 6pm (if I was lucky). He was amazed as, by that time, he had already left school and had been to the local pool for a swim!
I am not opposed to paying teachers salaries commensurate to their profession, but not until:
(a) some strict method of measuring their performance is introduced;
(b) the university entrance scores are raised to a level commensurate with other professions; and
(c) it takes into consideration their very generous LSL, superannuation (in Vic.)and holiday breaks.
The main disadvantage for teachers now is the insistence, to the point of stupidity, of leaving difficult children, including those with serious learning impediments, in the same classroom as other children. This is happening right now in a school in this region. We, in Vic. have to thank the unlamented ex labor Premier, Joan Kirner, for that mindless decision.
However, the fads and left wing political agendas pushed down the throats of childrenm who, in some cases,are threatened with failure if they don't toe the teacher's, political line, must be prohibited.
