tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27584252.post8132939868396143692..comments2024-03-29T20:08:42.437+11:00Comments on Boy on a bike: A fine lifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27584252.post-6598311850919850072009-05-24T18:07:58.152+10:002009-05-24T18:07:58.152+10:00We were lucky in that we only had one complete spa...We were lucky in that we only had one complete spanner in the entire teaching fraternity. I don't know why he was tolerated - he knew his subject, but was completely unable to control his class. <br /><br />Apart from him, the rest were pretty excellent. Although they had been at it for years, they weren't jaded or burned out. I guess their "take no crap" attitude saw them through.Boy on a bikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452119541546978454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27584252.post-41362193583446128422009-05-24T17:56:37.723+10:002009-05-24T17:56:37.723+10:00The issue is less the system (state Vs private) an...The issue is less the system (state Vs private) and more the culture of the local school district or diocese. <br />I work across systems, and see examples of both inspiring teachers and those who are jaded and cynical in all schools. Generally, how teachers are mentored in their first three years of service is critical. The way they see themselves and their task in these first few years is how they'll function into the future.<br />This is why many leave after the early years. These are the honest ones who either realise they aren't cut out for the job, or lack the passion to put up with the crap that has built up around the profession through the influence of corporate managerialism on educational administration. <br />The dishonest ones who stay even though they hate the job do a lot of damage.<br />Those who are enthusiastic and love the work are the ones we need to support and encourage. They're the future - and there are plenty about.<br />You're right in your assertion that those who make the best teachers are those who've done something useful prior to teaching - and of course the gender imbalance is a major problem.1735099https://www.blogger.com/profile/17945140949290600423noreply@blogger.com