Educating a Profession.

Overview & Synopsis

Actions and reactions of some groups of individuals who have retarded rather than advanced the cause of excellence in teaching and teacher education are cited. Citizen representatives in policy-making bodies at national, state, and community levels do little to provide moral or financial support for the teaching profession, and frequently advocate stifling controls over teaching. Understanding of educational issues is often clouded by the media, which exaggerates problems and simplifies solutions. An inaccurate understanding of actual standards set for the teacher education curriculum and teacher certification often leads to unwarranted criticism, not only from the media but also from the academic professoriate in other disciplines in higher education. Higher education administrators also contribute to the problems of schools of education by underfunding education programs while putting a higher premium on other college or university programs. A lack of dedication to school improvement on the part of education faculty and classroom teachers is also evident. It is suggested that among individual professionals, and within institutions, professional organizations, and government agencies, greater willingness must be assumed to identify inadequate performance and take a strong stand for its correction or elimination. (JD)