In the US we have celebrity trainers, celebrity cooks, athletes, song writers, scientists, CEOs, politicians, zoo keepers, mechanics, comedians, and ballon-boy. But where are the celebrity teachers? When a preacher is really good they build a mega-church and broadcast to millions of people. But the best 7 grade math teacher IN THE WORLD can only have 30 students. Why?
Why can’t we celebrate exceptional educators with a nationwide platform to let them reach as many students as possible? Pay them the mega-salary and give them the rockstar treatment. Why can’t the guy in first class sitting next to Vanna White be Mr. Smith – celebrity Algebra 2 teacher one his way to his next Opera appearance?
Just wondering…
[Lunch break rant]
We totally should and could – online, streaming or prerecorded tracks that can be watched by topic or degree, by level, in succession, with tests tracked online. Obviously you know that it CAN be done, but why aren't we doing it. It's a great question!
Didn't I read that our students are sadly lagging behind compared to other countries?
Didn't I hear about a town in (RI?) where the superintendent fired all the teachers because the students hadn't improved? If we're all accountable for our work and achievements – they should be too.
And why shouldn't we pay a rock star teacher a rock star's salary? They COULD be just as interesting – if we bothered to pay attention. Granted, the tabloids would go out of business, but joking aside — it's time to fix our priorities.
Okay, I hear you. Funding to schools/education is being cut, so we can't afford it. WRONG.
What would happen if we got all the rock stars together, and collaborated on a national education plan — all online. Streamlined teaching methodology, shared content, reduced cost…. so far nothing bad has happened…
Over achievers could take all their tests and be out of college by the ripe old age of 14 (or whatever the legal age to work is in the US) and be contributing to the economy. Still nothing bad…
Oh, I know. Lack of socialization. So hold tweetups, and hold online debate classes – embrace the fact these kids already know and embrace the technology.
Keep the primary schools open, and after you graduate, you go virtual. I imagine instead of traditional schools, we could tap into theaters or lecture halls or amphitheaters to have shared space where these online courses could be taken, if someone didn't have internet access readily available or if someone wanted more school age contact…
So, we have fewer teachers, fewer need for buildings their furniture, upkeep and insurance, and we have a stellar program that can track and produce results. We might even give those theaters a tax credit for being open during non peak hours for educational sessions…. And because we're virtual, the teachers could be the crem de la crem of the world's educational scene… so, yeah… I'm failing to see anything bad.
Oh wait… politics being what they are, we'd never come together to collaborate and create this vision, because no one can get their ego out of the way long enough to realize they're doing it for the betterment of the student. Remember? The reason you got into the field in the first place…
[Thank you for the opportunity to rant – a feel MUCH better]
I love it….get people talking about this concept and it might take off..teachers rock! (Good ones, that is)
Hi Ben. I’m a celebrity teacher from next January when I reveal Australian Numerals. Check out my story at http://AustralianNumerals.org/FB Jonathan