[citizen000483]

Originally Posted by ette9000

So if I have a Science and Math related degree I shouldn't teach Math and Science because I didn't major in Education? And this is why I shouldn't get paid a "fair market wage"? I agree that not everybody should be a teacher but I have also seen those teachers not qualified weeded out...fast. Basically, every teacher has their own situations. If a teacher has majored in Physics and wants to teach high school Physics then they should have to go back to school and get another Bachelor's just in Education to teach? I think not. That's why these programs also exist. They allow you to go back to school to just obtain the education related classes.

No, you shouldn't. Not until you get an education degree. Education is a lot more than just knowing the material. I have seen so many folks like that come and go. The fair market wage thing is not directed at you, its one of the reasons why teachers don't get paid more. They artificially pump up the supply by letting under qualified folks in. The same would be true for lawyers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists etc...if you let people jump into other fields with just a test (in some states) or a few classes it increases the supply. Normally if the demand for a group of workers is high the wages have to increase to attract more people into the field...with teaching they have stunted that. Another factor to consider is the resentment your colleagues will have as you come in and arrogantly think that your science degree and 'real world' experience trumps their education degree which is normally specific to that field. Would you want a Doctor who went to school for chemical engineering to treat your children when they are sick? Same goes for education. This whole debate just illustrates the average person's lack of understanding of what it is to teach, and what it takes to teach. Its both an art and a science. If you really have a drive to educate and you really, really like being around kids then I fully encourage you to go in to education, but please don't cheapen the profession by assuming that anyone who knows the material can teach effectively. They can't...and that is the same attitude that 3rd graders playing 'house' have when they say 'i just finished the 2nd grade so I can teach the little kids who are in 2nd grade'.

[chicy724]

Originally Posted by citizen000483

i think i will become a lawyer... just because i didn't go to school for law doesn't mean i wouldn't be a good lawyer...right?

If you take required course work, pass exams and become licensed, then yes.. by all means, become a lawyer!
There are requirements to become licensed to practice law, just as there are requirements to become licensed to teach. If a person participates in course work and on-site training, then they can become licensed to teach.

Just because you do not like or agree with an alternative pathway to teaching, it does not mean it is not adequate. It's not like someone is just walking into the Florida Department of Education and says "I want to teach!", and they say, "Ok, here is your license, go for it!".. You have to meet certain standards and take THREE exams to become a teacher, on top of the course work and training!

The teacher prep courses teach you the fundamentals and requirements, the Florida standards and provides for student teaching. It's a whole different scenario citizen.. If you can't be nice and answer my question, please, respectfully, leave this thread.

[chicy724]

Originally Posted by citizen000483

No, you shouldn't. Not until you get an education degree. Education is a lot more than just knowing the material.

Oh my Gosh, Citizen. Please move on. do you not understand that an individual participates in course work to learn the same material regarding teaching- other than the subject matter, as part of the certification process? Stop, you are hijacking my thread and not being the least bit helpful. It is not appreciated and is not useful. Please, do us a favor and move on to another thread.

[ette9000]

Originally Posted by citizen000483

Another factor to consider is the resentment your colleagues will have as you come in and arrogantly think that your science degree and 'real world' experience trumps their education degree which is normally specific to that field.

Wow sounds like someone is a little bitter...why would you assume that they would come in arrogantly? Aren't you all there for the same reason? And with that if any new teachers come in do you just automatically type cast them and then put them off. I feel sorry for your fellow co-workers...especially the ones who don't have a Bachelor's in Education. By the way, is your Bachelor's in Education or Special Education? Also what if your principal came to you and asked if you could also teach a lower level math course? Would you say no because I have to go back and get my Bachelor's in it?

Originally Posted by citizen000483

...and that is the same attitude that 3rd graders playing 'house' have when they say 'i just finished the 2nd grade so I can teach the little kids who are in 2nd grade'.

I wish for my major I could have just taken a year of classes, get my one grade and be done with it. Man, why did I waste all that time and take 4 years of classes (40 classes to be exact)? Who knows I could have just taken Calculus I and then teach it to everyone!