Stupid Americans

Why is there a stereotype about stupid Americans?

Much of the epilogue fought for the teachers, but it also condemned them. And she's right. Many schools don't produce the quality of teachers that they should.

"Some prospective teachers serve as student teachers for a year, others for a semester or not at all," (265).

That statement hurt. In context, teachers should be getting more schooling before they're thrown into the classroom. Many teachers only have a bachelors and some not even that. They just have to pass the test. There is virtually no time as a student, and all the time as a teacher, expected to be an expert or at the very least a professional.

At the age of 20, I'm not ready to say I'm an expert in all things English. I have not read many famous books. I do not have the intricacies of English grammar memorized either. I have not been taught how to write the "perfect" paper. Am I prepared to be a teacher? No. Most of us will wing it and we will screw kids up as we go before getting to the inspiration part that everyone obsesses about. We will scar kids and I will probably personally be responsible for a child hating anything to do with reading and writing.

On the flip side, I will unknowingly change a life. I will inspire someone to be a famous author. I will teach someone how to read. I will tell a child that they are not stupid, and they will believe me.

Do I think teachers need more education themselves? Yes.

Goldstien used doctors as an example. They must get a Bachelors degree then pass the MCAT. They must get into Medical School. They must pass four years of Medical School. They must be an intern for a year. They must be a resident for two years. Only then are they able to be hired as an attending. They must work their way up. They must publish research. They have to do a lot of things to be doctors, good doctors.

Teachers might require a Bachelors degree in their field. They have to like kids. They might student teach for a year or less. They might observe a few classrooms. Then they pass a state test in their subject area and are teachers.

The difference is concerning considering we're supposed to teach those who might be those doctors going through almost 12 years of learning after they graduate with a high school diploma. We are told to put them on that path.

What does that mean for the future of these kids. The ones who are covered in acne, who haven't grown into the limbs, who travel in packs because they're scared to be alone.

So why is there a stereotype about stupid Americans again?