Walker’s Plan a Slap in the Face to Teachers

As the saying goes, those who can, do. And those who can’t, teach. That is an oversimplification of course, but perhaps that is the theory behind a plan to make it easier for people to become teachers. Governor Walker’s plan would create an alternate path for people with life-experience to become licensed teachers. No longer would they have to go to college to get a degree in education. Instead, those with knowledge of certain areas could get a license to teach from the state. That completely undermines the years of schooling that today’s teachers are required to undergo before becoming a teacher. It is a slap in the face, suggesting anyone can become a teacher. Maybe so, but that doesn’t make them a good teacher. There is more to helping young people learn than having knowledge about the subject matter. How to teach is a big part of the equation, and that is only learned through proper training. Things like lesson plans, and how to deal with unruly children. Walker claims his plan to make getting a teacher’s license easier will help fill teaching jobs. But last time I checked, there were no shortage of applicants for teaching positions. If people with knowledge of a particular subject want to become teachers, they should absolutely do so. But first they should get the necessary training, just like today’s teachers have done.