Because our nation is experiencing a shortage of qualified teachers, students often consider pursuing teaching for a year or two before graduate study in another field or pursuing some other long-term career goal. While considering devoting your time to a community and a
school for a few years is admirable, these plans are often criticized by professional educators. If every extra set of educated and well-meaning hands is so sorely needed, why is this so controversial?
Experienced teachers understand intimately how hard teaching really is. Because most of us have been in classrooms as students ourselves, we feel we know about teaching and learning. Indeed memories of our own classroom learning experiences -- both good and bad -- are some
of the most potent motivators in inspiring people to teach. In reality, being "on the other side if the desk" is very different than being a student.
"Youth of color in poverty-stricken neighborhoods are not a grand experiment for could-be teachers with big hearts. No matter how strong your will, it is not enough. Teaching is a SKILL and as long as we continue to put
under-equipped teachers in classrooms, we are promoting the underprofessionalization and demoralization of teachers and their careers."
- Brown alum ´98 reflecting on why she dropped out of a program that places uncertified teachers in schools
It is challenging, perhaps impossible, to appreciate the daily life of a teacher unless you have experienced it first-hand. New teachers, even those who have master's degrees and certification have a difficult first few years. Most experienced teachers feel it takes 2-3
years for a new teacher to be comfortable enough in their role to begin reaching their potential, tackling new ideas and ensuring that students are really learning. Given this landscape, educators fear that people interested in teaching only for a year or two are less likely
to really make a difference in the academic achievement of their students.
Another reason that a short-term commitment to teaching comes under scrutiny is the issue of professionalism. Teachers have fought for a long time to be considered credible professionals in their field. Many experienced teachers view the hiring of young, uncertified,
temporary teachers as eroding their attempts to improve the quality of their profession. They see these measures as social "band aids" that allow policy makers to avoid the serious investments they must make to ensure that every child has a qualified teacher in their
classroom.
It is important for your own sense of success and for the communities with which you will work that you consider your commitment to teaching and the values that are guiding your career decisions. Use your time in college to learn more about schools and teaching through
programs, courses and other avenues. Becoming a teacher is the best decision many of our graduates have made.
