The Coalition of the Swilling

What a discouraging thing to see happen! Thing is, I decided not to go into teaching myself because even 10 years ago, I could see the decline and the utter lack of seriousness or discipline being exerted in the middle and high schools. Students were getting away with things that were taboo when I was going through and even now. So many of the kids now come from households and situations utterly bereft of intellectual and spiritual support, so is it any surprise to see that most of them carry that with them into the colleges? I think the author is right in pointing out that the colleges themselves are not doing their part in making sure the students that come in are up to par. A lot of those kids need to be faced with the word 'NO!' - something that they were not made to deal with growing up, apparently. And for those serious students who arent quite par, there should at least be a probationary situation, so that those who are genuinely wishing to get out of the situation they are in feel like they have some hope and can look forward to a stimulating environment.

I agree about the culture...its one reason I decided to homeschool my child. Not that I am wanting to prevent her learning about the world, but she is not like I was ie strong enough to look at the popular culture and say I didnt wnat to be a part of it - she always very much wants to be part of the crowd and as such is easily influenced, especially with the tender heart that she has. I hate so much that so many care nothing when they bring a child in the world and refuse to nuture what they produce and yet keep producing because soem government feature has told them they will be rewarded for doing so. Its a sick culture our welfare system has produced.

Still, I think even having one or two students who were inspired would be the price of rubies. I wish he had stayed - maybe in his third year he could have had twice as many...no teacher I have ever talked to has ever said their first year of teaching was as they had imagined it would be. In fact, they have all said it was the most discouraging and disillusioning thing they have experienced...but so many of them went on to do it anyway.

but I am also hearing more and more that the discouragement and disillusionment and heartbreak keeps getting harder and harder to shake off. My sis in law is looking desperately to get out of teaching herself, because when the illegal aliens that are her students arent defying or undermining her efforts, there are other teachers who are spending most of their times playing power games with each other. I for one am GLAD I didnt go into teaching.