teaching today: an introduction

When Joseph Sparrow retired from the military, he fully intended to spend his time relaxing. He never dreamed that a stint as a substitute teacher would lead to a new career and what he calls “the most rewarding experience of my life.” He was recently named teacher of the year by his colleagues. “Pretty amazing,” Joseph jokes, “for a guy who just wanted to go fishing.”

Most teachers, like Joseph Sparrow, find that teaching today is a rewarding and great profession. However, it isn’t easy. Teachers put in long hours after the last bell of the school day has rung. Required continuing education is done on personal time and with personal funds. Teachers often spend their own money for classroom supplies and their salaries do not keep pace with those of their peers with similar educational backgrounds. Also, teachers in recent years have been criticized in the media for most of what is wrong with the nation’s schools. Some teachers work in unbelievable conditions including aging school buildings, overcrowded classrooms and even schools where they believe their physical safety is threatened. Still, despite it all the majority of teachers say, if they had a choice, they would do it all over again.

The United States needs these committed teachers more than ever before. As many as two million new teachers will be needed in the next 10 years. States are increasing programs and alternative programs to recruit teachers. There is an interest in especially attracting second career teachers, teachers of color, teachers who speak a second language, and teachers who are technologically literate. There is also a need for male teacher as the number of male teachers is at a forty year low.

Teaching today is about having teachers who are highly committed and highly qualified to educate a population that is racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse in a rapidly changing, technologically advanced society. In a speech on May 11, 2004 President George W. Bush, speaking at a junior high school in Arkansas, talked about teachers and teaching. He said,” Teachers need to know that our nation appreciates every man and woman who devotes a lifetime to building knowledge and character of the young people of this country. Teaching is one of the great callings, one of the most noble professions and America deeply appreciates the service of America’s teachers.”