Do We Really Still Need Teachers?
Many teachers feel their job has been rendered impossible to do under the current political and social climate. So much so, that fewer people are going into teaching and those in the field are retiring at alarmingly high numbers. Two recent surveys verify this. As a profession, teachers are underpaid, undervalued, and today feel overworked, stressed, and frustrated. However, with the advances in educational software, and online and distance learning, there are those who argue it doesn’t matter that much.
At Schechter Bergen, we strongly disagree. We believe teachers are at the center of a great education, and no matter the technological advances, will always be at the center of deep and meaningful learning for students and in person.
Let’s begin with some context - in the 2008 book, Disruptive Class, the authors Clayton M. Christensen, Michael Horn and Curtis Johnson argued that within the decade online learning and advanced educational software would push the current educational system to the tipping point, and at that time, radical change in education would occur. They compared this to what transistors did to vacuum tubes and what the personal computer did to the mainframe computer. Both innovations radically changed their industries.
As of today, more than a decade later, their prediction has yet to materialize. However, on the heels of the pandemic, are we now closer to that tipping point? And if or when it comes to pass, will education continue to require well-trained teachers (who require decent wages)?
Much is still being written today about how technology is changing the face of education. While teachers were hailed as heroes during the pandemic for their adaptability and tenacity to continue to reach and teach children, that has since faded and we have returned to an environment where teachers are criticized on an array of issues from low test scores to being too “politically correct or woke” in what they teach their students. As a result of the accumulated stress, teachers are leaving the profession at an alarming rate.
All this talk about online learning and the advances in educational technology along with the growing teacher shortage continues to give credence to the notion that in time teachers will morph into a guide or an assistant who keeps students on track as the real learning takes place in front of the screen where the learning will be more personal and engaging. This could require fewer teachers, less training and thus, require less expertise and money.
We do not embrace this argument at Schechter Bergen. On the contrary, we contend that the pandemic laid bare the limitations of virtual and hybrid learning. Even if you argue teachers were not adequately prepared for the challenges of virtual learning, and even if there are great advances in educational software and techniques in virtual and hybrid learning - well-qualified, fairly compensated professional teachers will always be at the center of excellent schools. They need to be. There is no substitute for personal, face to face learning between a teacher and student. That relationship is often the secret sauce to unlocking a child’s potential and gifts and is something that can’t happen in a meaningful way when there is a screen between two people.
Technology is a means to an end, not the end itself. It is a tool, one of many, that has the power to engage, influence, and inspire learning in our children. No matter the tool or technique, including online learning, behind igniting each child’s curiosity and confidence building will always be the inspiring teacher. People of all ages crave meaningful and nurturing relationships. There is nothing that can replace the gentle encouragement of a teacher. The warm smile, the caring word, the sympathetic ear, and the clear expectations provide the priceless ingredients in forming relationships that extend well beyond content to the area of social and emotional learning. Social skills, Jewish values, and citizenship are taught by people who model and act in ways that guide our children. The teacher is a mentor, coach, parental figure, therapist, actor, friend, and role model, often all at the same time.
At Schechter Bergen we believe teaching children is a noble and sacred profession. We are committed to supporting our teachers and fostering excellence in our teachers. Our teachers participate in professional development both at school and at conferences, take classes, collaborate together, and participate in many other professional growth opportunities. On any given day you will find our teachers engaged in deep conversations about teaching and learning. They are reflective practitioners, guided by thoughtful educational leaders, always striving for excellence in order to provide an outstanding educational experience for our children.
At Schechter Bergen we recognize that we are only as excellent as our teachers. We know our children will be inspired and engaged learners as long as we continue to invest in our deserving teachers. As we approach the 50th anniversary of Schechter Bergen, a top priority will be to continue to support our teachers in their growth and development and to ensure fair compensation as we, in turn, expect excellence from them - now and for the next 50 years!
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