So, I did read your original post correctly.Gilmore wrote:Anyone who knows me would find the idea that I'm conservative in my thinking quite hilarious. Eric couldn't believe what he was reading because it challenges what is now accepted dogma. That makes him the conservative; not me.
I felt sorry for the teacher who was fired, as he seemed a sincere and conscientious person. Unfortunately, he had been indoctrinated into thinking that the path he was taking as a teacher was the only possible option.
It is interesting that in conversations with other experienced teachers, such as springrain, we tend to agree on one point-that teachers are born, not made. Teaching involves a wide range of skills that some graduates lack the capacity to acquire, even after decades in the classroom. The current dogma of supposed egalitarianism ensures that the occupation is now open to anyone who can hand out worksheets and use a marking pen.
Disappointing that empowerment didn't get mentioned, but it was pleasing to see another old favourite-progressive- used. It was originally used in this context by 20th. Century Marxist regimes to justify their authoritarian doctrines i.e. anyone who opposed their progressive rule was a reactionary and an enemy of the people.
There is a big difference between free thinking and doctrinaire thinking. Take the time to consider whether your own values evolved out of personal experience and critical examination or the imposition of quasi-religious dogma that allows no room for dissent.
"It is interesting that in conversations with other experienced teachers, such as springrain, we tend to agree on one point-that teachers are born, not made."
Imagine waking up one morning with the ability to teach and forego any kind of training (better to avoid any kind of indoctrination, of course)! Are lawyers, doctors and carpenters born into their jobs in the world you live in or do they have to submit to indoctrination too?
"I felt sorry for the teacher who was fired, as he seemed a sincere and conscientious person. Unfortunately, he had been indoctrinated into thinking that the path he was taking as a teacher was the only possible option."
The path he was taking? Showing up for work and giving out a set of handouts to the students! That's not any kind of path- that's you employing someone who can't do the job.
"The current dogma of supposed egalitarianism ensures that the occupation is now open to anyone who can hand out worksheets and use a marking pen."
Utter. Fucking. Nonsense.