the cash is definitely one reason, but society's values in general definitely factor in. who gets props for being a teacher? as stated, teaching has become a "fall-back job" for a lot of cats (i know some).

real teaching is almost like going into ministry - you do it b/c it is a calling. you're willing to sacrafice. and honestly, for americanized people of color, many of us are taught that we've already made enough sacrafices, and we need to get our slice of the pie. parents want better for their children. they want doctors and lawyers. there's nothing wrong with that. but eventually, you have to see that there's a problem with the equation...to get doctors and lawyers, you need teachers. and OUR kids are not getting the attention they need, not only b/c of messed up teaching, but a messed up system (35 students in a room, can't take their books home, no encouragement, students being passed just b/c teachers are tired of seeing them, etc).

teaching used to be a respected field in the black community, and education was highly valued. now, it's more about the bling bling than the think think, and collectively, that ain't really getting us anywhere.

we need more black teachers, especially males. but how do we get them...i don't know. somehow teaching needs to be made "cool" again. maybe start an okay school or something.

B

Move Over, Girl: A Novel - in stores NOW
Random House
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now playing: The African American Student's Guide to Excellence in College
on deck: another installment of Okaybooks
archives: Spoken Words | Move Over Girl

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