I wonder if the problem of finding suitable classical educators is one that simply needs to work itself out over time. As classical schools produce more and more graduates, the pool of potential teachers in those schools will grow correspondingly larger. These young people will (theoretically at least) bring to the school more of the ethos and practice of classical pedagogy than can likely be conveyed in a morning professional development session. At least, that's the hope.
Perhaps this will self resolve. My experience thus far, though, suggests otherwise.
Graduates from Classical schools (and especially classical colleges) often have expectations for work-life balance and salary that simply are not realities on the ground. I've spoken to many young men and women who had planned to go into the teaching profession until they realized what that would mean in terms of pay, benefits, travel restrictions during the year, etc. And they thus took thier Liberal Education training and went into a field more conducive to one or more of those desires.
And that's not even really considering the number of graduates who decide to homeschool (which is great).
More and more, I find the idea that classical school graduates will want to return to the classroom where they learned simply an unconvincing one.
That's interesting to hear. I wonder if these are just some of the same issues that are driving non-classical teachers from the classroom, or if it's the fledgling nature of many classical schools that make the sacrifices too great.
Would love to chat about this with you some time. I'm going to be taking up an administrative post this fall, and will be dealing with these kinds of issues again. Would appreciate any insight you have.
I think there is some overlap but I think too many consultant types want the roots to be the same. But I think there are distinctions that need to be reckoned with.
I'd love to chat further. You can message me here or shoot me an email: sean@hadleyonfire.org
I wonder if the problem of finding suitable classical educators is one that simply needs to work itself out over time. As classical schools produce more and more graduates, the pool of potential teachers in those schools will grow correspondingly larger. These young people will (theoretically at least) bring to the school more of the ethos and practice of classical pedagogy than can likely be conveyed in a morning professional development session. At least, that's the hope.
Perhaps this will self resolve. My experience thus far, though, suggests otherwise.
Graduates from Classical schools (and especially classical colleges) often have expectations for work-life balance and salary that simply are not realities on the ground. I've spoken to many young men and women who had planned to go into the teaching profession until they realized what that would mean in terms of pay, benefits, travel restrictions during the year, etc. And they thus took thier Liberal Education training and went into a field more conducive to one or more of those desires.
And that's not even really considering the number of graduates who decide to homeschool (which is great).
More and more, I find the idea that classical school graduates will want to return to the classroom where they learned simply an unconvincing one.
But I do hope I'm wrong.
That's interesting to hear. I wonder if these are just some of the same issues that are driving non-classical teachers from the classroom, or if it's the fledgling nature of many classical schools that make the sacrifices too great.
Would love to chat about this with you some time. I'm going to be taking up an administrative post this fall, and will be dealing with these kinds of issues again. Would appreciate any insight you have.
I think there is some overlap but I think too many consultant types want the roots to be the same. But I think there are distinctions that need to be reckoned with.
I'd love to chat further. You can message me here or shoot me an email: sean@hadleyonfire.org