Teaching is a rewarding career. However, in the past few years I have become increasingly disappointed in the decisions many people have made concerning education. Politicians have enacted legislation without realizing the outcome such actions would have upon the nation's schools. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is the most notable.
The idea of NCLB is admirable. However, imposing federal legislation on the states' schools is not feasible since each state has it's own requirements for their schools and students. Perhaps NCLB can be reworked to allow for the needed educational improvement and yet still respect each state's individuality.
I am also concerned about teachers' rights. In some states, teachers' associations provide free career legal advice from attorneys who specialize in educational law. These attorneys will not only advise, but will also help prepare any legal documentation a teacher may need in connection with their career and serve as their legal representative if needed.
Other teacher associations provide a union representative to serve as a teacher's legal advisor. They are well informed lay people, but I have found they do not provide the leverage needed in most cases.
I know not all of you will agree with my thoughts. and/or concerns That's okay! I do hope, however, some of you can identify with my experiences. Sometimes, just knowing you are not the only one experiencing whatever it may be, is satisfaction enough!
