When I tell people that I am homeschooling one of the first questions is asking me if I am a “qualified teacher”… do I have my degree in education?.. am I qualified to teach my children as much as a child in the public system?…
First… this is a bit insulting…
I mean.. I do think that even though I don’t have a degree in education, I am smart enough to keep up with my children who are of pre-school/grade one age… and as they grow I think that I am smart enough to keep up with them…
Second… does having a degree in education automatically make you a qualified teacher?
but the Ironic point?
A few days ago in the news.. this was mentioned…
Unqualified teachers flood Quebec classrooms
Mon, 2008-10-06 05:38.
Catherine SherriffsThe number of unqualified teachers in this province is on the rise.Last year, more than 2,300 teachers in Quebec classrooms did not hold a university teaching degree.
That’s an increase of more than 1000 per cent over five years.
School Board officials aren’t denying it, saying a massive shortage of teachers in this province is forcing schools to hire anybody they can get their hands on.http://www.cjad.com/node/802900
I wonder if people even realize?
I think I am going to mention this fact the next time someone asks…
Even if a teacher is “qualified” it doesn’t guarantee that they will be a great teacher- someone who’s fully present and cares about your child. Someone who knows and respects your child’s interests and is capable of kindling their love for learning. These are all things that I know I can offer my own child!