February 16, 2015 - 11:40
As I read Dance's "Tough Fronts," I was compelled by the description of Ms. Bronzic, especially in her contrast to other teachers at the school. Ms. Bronzic, as the author and Malcolm both described, seemed "magic" in her ability to work with students. I appreciated the author's intention of revealing what made Ms. Bronzic "magic" and removing the aura of mystery from what a great teacher does. However, I feel that this aura of mystery shouldn't exist in the first place. Great teachers have existed for years. Why is what those great teachers do mysterious? It seems to me that it should be made common knowledge, especially to other teachers, what makes a good teacher. The fact that these great teachers exist beside teachers like Ms. Hines, as Malcolm described her, seem an injustice to the school system and even to society. If a teacher is as completely ineffective and disrespecting of a student as Ms. Hines is, why should she be a teacher? More importantly, how did she become a teacher. I know this is much easier said than done, but I believe that we should have stricter restrictions on who can be teachers. If that isn't possible, I believe we should have better preparation for teachers. Ms. Hines, were she given a similar education to Ms. Bronzic, might be a more effective teacher. What's so hard about making sure that each and every teacher is fully prepared in every way before allowing them into the classroom? Would we let a surgeon into the operating room if she was not prepared? I don't see the difference.