Is education in the
state of Kansas in shambles? Statistics show we’re performing well. In a recent
comparison by KASB with states having similar demographics to Kansas, we rank first in achievement and efficiency. The
numbers for the employment in the teaching profession are a little different,
though. Check out these numbers:
o
1,400 Kansas
teachers got out of the classroom for another profession or to teach in another
state.
o
2,300
Kansas teachers retired, nearly double the numbers from 2012.
o
There
were 36 new principals at the New Principal Workshop in Wichita this summer.
o
60 school
boards hired new superintendents this year. Forty of them are brand new to the
role.
o
Colleges
are reporting record low numbers in some teaching fields
Why is everybody
leaving or avoiding a profession in education? I’ve heard, “Education isn’t
supported by our state legislators. They are going to ruin it, so I’m getting
out now.” Another excuse is, “The pressure from parents and community members
is too high. It doesn’t appear we can do anything right.” Still others say with
technology, standards, and student needs, they just don’t like the direction
education is heading.
I’ll never forget a
card I received from my dad the week before school started in the first year I
taught. The card congratulated me on my chosen profession, and it ended with
the closing, “Welcome to the most rewarding career you’ll ever find.” About a
month after I received this card, I quickly realized that Dad wasn’t talking
about salary…
Dad was talking about
the opportunity a career in education offers to impact a life. The opportunity
to be a positive influence for somebody. The opportunity to connect with kids,
families, and other educators. The opportunity to get an email from a student
you taught 20 years ago who is just now telling you that home life was tough
for him when he was in your class and you were the only consistent, positive
presence he had and that you made him feel safe and necessary, and that he chose to be a teacher so he could make an impact on kids' lives (actually
happened to me this summer).
This happens daily
with teachers across the state, but it doesn’t make the headlines. I want
everybody to see and know how rewarding and prestigious this profession can be.
We’ve got to get back those educators who left the career. We’ve got to get teachers in
other states to admire the support Kansas gives its schools and desire jobs
here. We’ve got to get the kids in our classrooms to see the opportunities
teaching has and choose education as a career.
“Shambles” is not the
best choice of words for what is really happening in the classrooms. It does
relate to the support education is getting outside school walls with debates on
funding, curriculum choice, character education, etc. At no other time in my 20
years in this profession has it been more important to support public schools. Get
involved. Be informed. And if you’re looking for a career, consider teaching. I
promise you won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy the link below.
Teaching is a Calling!
(Fairfield-Suisun Unified Teachers' Association)
