Disney fires IT workers and replaces them with foreign workers

[LAKid53]

Same in my state, A full professor of mathematics is 'unqualified' to teach mathematics unless they have a degree in 'Education' because of the unions influence, Public sector unions need to go away - they have civil service protections already.

That's insane. However, the full professor that taught my Algebra 101 class couldn't figure out how to use my scientific calculator which I had to pull out to prove I was right and he was wrong (which I did in his office - I wanted to make a point, but I'm not THAT stupid). He couldn't understand a calculator that used RPN - Reverse Polish Notation. And before any of you slam me for making an ethnic joke - look it up. It's the method that HP calculators used for calculation.

 

[LAKid53]

I just checked. All that is required in my state (GA) for even High School specialized disciplines like STEM courses...is a bachelor's (major independent) and the GACE test for your subject.

I not only checked the state certification requirements database, but I also checked job listings in the state for things like "Math Teacher 9-12".

I live in that state just south of you and our requirements aren't much better.

 

[Nubs70]

That's insane. However, the full professor that taught my Algebra 101 class couldn't figure out how to use my scientific calculator which I had to pull out to prove I was right and he was wrong (which I did in his office - I wanted to make a point, but I'm not THAT stupid). He couldn't understand a calculator that used RPN - Reverse Polish Notation. And before any of you slam me for making an ethnic joke - look it up. It's the method that HP calculators used for calculation.

HP 35G?

 

[englanddg]

That's insane. However, the full professor that taught my Algebra 101 class couldn't figure out how to use my scientific calculator which I had to pull out to prove I was right and he was wrong (which I did in his office - I wanted to make a point, but I'm not THAT stupid). He couldn't understand a calculator that used RPN - Reverse Polish Notation. And before any of you slam me for making an ethnic joke - look it up. It's the method that HP calculators used for calculation.

All due respect, but you should have been able to translate that...

Was he criticizing your method or your result?

 

[Nemo14]

And you've made my point. That those years when kids are just learning critical skills, like math, reading, writing, are being taught by teachers who have little knowledge of the subject they are teaching. But, by god, they've had plenty of classes in theory. I used to say, give me someone with a degree in English. Someone who can think critically and communicate. I can teach them basic accounting.

In all fairness, part of the problem though is that most people who have an appreciation and working understanding of math and a penchant for teaching, don't want to teach in the lower grades. I know I never wanted to, and to be honest, even teaching sixth graders (who can be mature at times) tested my patience once in a while. Similarly, those who really see the value of math and science can make a lot more $$$ out in the real world, so it's hard to get them into a classroom.

 

[LAKid53]

And, note this doozy. From their site.

"It is no longer enough to just have years of experience for teaching. After No Child Left Behind and other academic quantification measures, the careers of teachers increasingly depend on their results in the classroom. A Masters in Teaching will give you more educational theory and classroom skills, as well as more hands-on student teaching experience with a mentor. After a Masters program, you will be able to achieve better results in the classroom and have more job security and higher pay."

Yeah, so a Masters in Education, if you are teaching Math courses, is better than a Masters in...I dunno...applied mathematics? Pfft.

The state even gives out scholarship incentives to get a Masters in Education.

Not that there's anything wrong with it...but...for STEM...yeah, well, I'd rather learn from Hawkings than someone who got a bachelor's degree in basket weaving, crammed and passed the GACE test, and then got a masters in education. (ok, I am being facetious now...but again not much)

I remember someone remarking that public schools started to decline when universities started graduate programs in education......

 

[englanddg]

In all fairness, part of the problem though is that most people who have an appreciation and working understanding of math and a penchant for teaching, don't want to teach in the lower grades. I know I never wanted to, and to be honest, even teaching sixth graders (who can be mature at times) tested my patience once in a while. Similarly, those who really see the value of math and science can make a lot more $$$ out in the real world, so it's hard to get them into a classroom.

ding ding ding

 

[englanddg]

I remember someone remarking that public schools started to decline when universities started graduate programs in education......

That could have been me.

Or not. A lot of people have noticed it. But, I've said it for a very long time (as have others).

 

[LAKid53]

All due respect, but you should have been able to translate that...

Was he criticizing your method or your result?

I was telling him that he was incorrect when he said my solution was incorrect. It was logarithms. So the shortest way to prove my point was to pull out my calculator and show him. He didn't believe me and took the calculator to prove his point. And he couldn't use the calculator because he didn't know what RPN was. So he gave in - tenacity IS my middle name, you know. And I had a great laugh - once I left his office.

The best math teacher I had in college? Someone with a Master's in math (so he was a lecturer, not a professor) who was also an accomplished piano tuner. And this was a calculus course.

 

[LAKid53]

HP 35G?

Could be, I don't remember the model number. And it died years ago, so it is now in calculator heaven (or in his case, hell). I still have my HP12C (financial) from college. Love it. That thing is over 30 years old and it still works.

 

[englanddg]

I was telling him that he was incorrect when he said my solution was incorrect. It was logarithms. So the shortest way to prove my point was to pull out my calculator and show him. He didn't believe me and took the calculator to prove his point. And he couldn't use the calculator because he didn't know what RPN was. So he gave in - tenacity IS my middle name, you know. And I had a great laugh - once I left his office.

The best math teacher I had in college? Someone with a Master's in math (so he was a lecturer, not a professor) who was also an accomplished piano tuner. And this was a calculus course.

Gotcha. Oh, that's fun!

 

[LAKid53]

In all fairness, part of the problem though is that most people who have an appreciation and working understanding of math and a penchant for teaching, don't want to teach in the lower grades. I know I never wanted to, and to be honest, even teaching sixth graders (who can be mature at times) tested my patience once in a while. Similarly, those who really see the value of math and science can make a lot more $$$ out in the real world, so it's hard to get them into a classroom.

True. Sad, but true.

 

[Nemo14]

When I graduated from college my certification was good for 6 years, by which time I had to either get my master's (In my major or in education)or complete 40 grad credit hours to be granted lifetime certification. I chose to go with the 40 credits since I wanted to explore other areas besides math or education, and I firmly believe that it made me a better teacher by doing that. Now that is not an option and a Master's degree and continuing ed courses is required to keep your certification, and there is no such thing as lifetime certification. Keeps the colleges going...

 

[englanddg]

In all fairness, part of the problem though is that most people who have an appreciation and working understanding of math and a penchant for teaching, don't want to teach in the lower grades. I know I never wanted to, and to be honest, even teaching sixth graders (who can be mature at times) tested my patience once in a while. Similarly, those who really see the value of math and science can make a lot more $$$ out in the real world, so it's hard to get them into a classroom.

Frankly, it's why they should be reaching out to retired people or those on their first "retirement" after doing 20 years with a company or something, to fill those slots. Not 20 something year olds who turn it into a 40 year career that they coast through until retirement but gain little life experience (not saying that's universally the case...but...well...)

 

[LAKid53]

When I graduated from college my certification was good for 6 years, by which time I had to either get my master's (In my major or in education)or complete 40 grad credit hours to be granted lifetime certification. I chose to go with the 40 credits since I wanted to explore other areas besides math or education, and I firmly believe that it made me a better teacher by doing that. Now that is not an option and a Master's degree and continuing ed courses is required to keep your certification, and there is no such thing as lifetime certification. Keeps the colleges going...

To the detriment of our public schools.....

 

[Nemo14]

Frankly, it's why they should be reaching out to retired people or those on their first "retirement" after doing 20 years with a company or something, to fill those slots. Not 20 something year olds who turn it into a 40 year career that they coast through until retirement but gain little life experience (not saying that's universally the case...but...well...)

You're right about that, but very few retirees would want to put up with all the carp that teachers do today. I know most of my retired friends feel that way.

 

[Nemo14]

To the detriment of our public schools.....

exactly!

 

[Nemo14]

Well, now that I've once again proven that I am indeed older than dirt, I have to bow out and head for my pillow. Great talking with you all though - I think we're all on the same page at least.

 

[englanddg]

You're right about that, but very few retirees would want to put up with all the carp that teachers do today. I know most of my retired friends feel that way.

For that I lay the blame strictly on the administration / bureaucracy as well as the society at large for only paying lip service to supporting teachers.

I know if my kid did something, I would side with the teacher (even if I disagree) and she'll get punished.

Discipline is key, and it's not as simple as slapping wal mart "uniforms" on the kiddos and calling it a day.

 

[LAKid53]

exactly!

And add to that parents who don't understand (or care) that they are their children's first and most important teacher. I could read when I started kindergarten. Why? Because my mother got tired of me bugging her to read to me all the time, so she taught me - she believed in self sufficient kids (what a novel concept nowadays) . Granted, it was basic, but well beyond my ABCs and she also taught me to spell and print my name. Because I was jealous that both my older brothers could write theirs. Imagine when I found out about cursive! Oh, the complaining until I could do that (she let my 2nd grade teacher handle that skill).