Comments on: Why Teaching?

By: Anne Z

Anne Z — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:06:30 +0000

Thanks everyone for the kind words and good ideas… I have been so focused on the job search (and on studying for the math content exam) that I’ve neglected this blog including the comments.

That “Future Forces Affecting Education” map is really interesting, Elliott, I need to spend some time with that.

My plans are coalescing and I hope to know what I’ll be doing this fall very soon.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:49:57 +0000

good for you! I briefly considered a new career as a math teacher. And while I’m willing to do the hard work, I’m not in a position to pick a another bachelor’s degree. Even with that said, the districts around here have awesome programs to get 2nd career-ers into the classroom. I hope the path is attainable. Our schools need talented teachers that not only know their stuff, but know why it matters. Nothing worse than a teacher not being able to tell you how you’ll use this skill in the “real-world”.

By: Elliott Pesut

Elliott Pesut — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 00:39:41 +0000

Anne, I am so excited for you. Your love of learning and sharing knowledge blends beautifully with the responsibilities of a teacher. And not only that, your “maven” approach will help facilitate the much needed waves of change in today’s school systems. Now, more than ever, we are in need of teachers that understand the digital revolution. To many, it’s a divide. To you, it will be a platform for unprecedented success. You will have a profound impact. When I think about it, you will be able to help bring a tremendous amount of relevancy back to classroom instruction and school communities. Where ever you land, I wish you the best!

I would encourage you to explore the “Future Forces Affecting Education” map that has been developed by the Knowledge Works Foundation and The Institute for the Future (IFTF). The map illustrates what is driving change in our society’s education system. Because of the inherent complexity of today’s “educational problems”, I’ve found this map to be EXTREMELY helpful in diagnosing some of my own frustrations/solutions. Maybe you will find it useful. Keep us posted on your journey.

By: brenda michelson

brenda michelson — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:08:06 +0000

good for you! and great for those kids… an opportunity to learn and interact with someone that “gets it”.

best of luck -brenda

By: lilalia

lilalia — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 06:48:51 +0000

It was interesting to read your post because I am also considering becoming a teacher for much the same reasons you are. I also think it is important for all adults to consider what they can do to contribute time, money, energy, creative juice to help improve our impoverished education system. I don’t live in the States, but many of the problems you are facing, we are facing here in Germany.

By: Jeri Dansky

Jeri Dansky — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 22:47:16 +0000

How wonderful! Teachers can make such a difference in someone’s life, so I’m always thrilled to see someone with your talents pursuing a teaching career.

I’m 57, and I still remember my junior high school math teacher; she was amazing, and we learned more than just algebra from her. (My high school math teachers were less memorable.)