Do we, as an American society, ask too much of our teachers? This is a question that has set up permanent residency in my soul as of late. Why is our American education system truly struggling? Is it we expect too much? What about other countries and their educational system? Are their teachers struggling just as much?
Recently, I stumbled upon an article in ASCD that addressed teaching in Finland. Finland is the country most referenced by educational leaders in the United States when attempting to ”inspire” teachers. The article highlights “…teaching that is based on collaboration rather than isolation, autonomy rather than top-down authority, and professional responsibility rather than bureaucratic accountability reflects professional practice more than mere implementation of prescribed procedures does.” This statement alone is intriguing based on my knowledge and experience with the American educational system. Do we, Americans, treat our teachers as professionals? Do we trust that they will collaborate and do not need a ”top-down authority” approach? The answer? No. The public, the politicians, and even the educational leaders do not trust or have faith in the American teacher. Our approach is top-down. Our approach is more bureaucracy. Our approach is even more prescribed teaching. Our approach is the more you micromanage the teacher, the better they and their students will do.
How is that working for us?
“…many Finnish teachers would consider leaving teaching if the government were to limit their professional freedom and autonomy, for instance by introducing external school inspections or standardized testing to control more of teachers’ work.” Has this not already happened in the United States? Teachers are leaving the profession in droves. An article from the Wall Street Journal emphasized just how many schools are facing vacancies. 44% of public schools. This is a staggering number. What’s the difference between us and other countries? The public, politicians, and educational leaders here believe that teachers are expendable and that anyone can teach. Can they? Is the Finnish system they so look to, not proof that teachers need to be the best of the best, have autonomy, and be treated as professionals to make the educational decisions for their students?
Is it too much?
Yes, it is.