Where have all the teachers gone? . . .

Home!

In all my reading about education and the lack of teachers no one seems to address this cruical issue. Since teaching is mostly a female profession and typically those females really enjoy children - it makes sense that they stay home (if they can) when they have their own children. If you enjoy children and know how crucial the early years are for them, like most teachers do, then why wouldn't many elect to stay home.

I have many excellent teacher friends and most of them are at home with their children. They taught for a 4 or 5 years and then started a family. They are trying to find ways to continue in education without being in a classroom full time. Everyone always talks about a teacher schedule working out so well with kids - well not when they are 5 and under!

Some of the options they have found:
1. Consulting
2. Finding summer programs to work with
3. One taught with a University Model School - so she taught twice a week for about 3 hours
4. Teaching On-line courses
5. Tutoring

Some of them may never return to the classroom full time. Some moms realize, after working in a public school, that maybe a homeschool environment would be better for their children and they never return to a classroom. Other moms know that being a good teacher requires a 60 to 70 hour week - so they aren't going to return to that while their children are still young. Still other moms start a home business or find other interests that never lead them back to the classroom.

I am actually really intrigued by the University Model School idea because I think it could be a good way to help excellent teachers continue to teach and balance with their family well. Especially if they have a supportive community that can help switch off child care.

Basically the University Model is a hybrid of a private school and homeschooling - with the curriculum outlined by the teacher. In elementary school the teacher has a self contained class on Tuesday and Thursday for most of a normal school day (8:30 to 2:30 for example). The other days the family is helping the child with their education (learning spelling words, reading one on one, memorizing math facts, etc.). In middle and high school classes meet like a college class does - 3 hours a week. The certified teacher prepares a curriculum that shares the educational load between the teacher and the parent/ student. This allows group projects, discussion, science labs, etc. while also giving students time to read, study and digest information on their own. Although this part time teaching isn't lucrative - it can help meet many needs that aren't financial.

I want to bless those teachers that have gone home and those who feel they need to return to the classroom. It is difficult to find the right balance - especially when children (yours and others) are involved!