While I tend to agree with you Dorothy, let me make this comment. To me the problem is not with classically "bad" teachers. Teachers like so many others fall into a bell curve and the bad teachers we can eventually weed out......some sooner, some later. The real shining stars who are so very special are often very short time in the position. Some move on to admin or teacher education where they may or may do as well. Others simply leave the world of education with disgust. They aren't disgusted with the pay or the long hours but with the lack of recognition and the failure of those in charge to be able to recognize success and support their work.

The problem lies with the vast majority in education who are mediocre. Mediocrity is alive and doing quite well in the teaching profession. The nuts and bolts of teaching can be taught as any science can be taught. The art of teaching cannot be taught. We put up roadblocks and all forms of obstacles that will run many great teachers out of the job and others never to try to break through them. The mediocre group go along doing their boring utmost and doing it daily for years. They have the education and credentials to teach but they have no inspiration, no "calling," no enthusiasm....no "art."

Sad situation........

Spaw