Column 53 for September 3, 2000

A few weeks ago, I talked about the current and increasing shortage of teachers here in Georgia. Some say that this shortage could reach 15,000 teachers over the next five years. One attempt to fill this shortage is called "alternative-teacher certification." Georgia is one of many states offering this option for math, science, and foreign language teachers, critical shortage areas. Although branded as a "new" way to recruit teachers, I know better.

In 1987, at the age of 40, I decided to investigate becoming a teacher. I had been physics major until my senior year in college, then opted to change majors and graduate in business administration. I had a successful business career, that included sales, merchandising, corporate officer and business owner, most noteworthy being "Director of Fabric Procurement" for La-Z-Boy Chair Company. I’d been responsible for annual budgets exceeding $20 million dollars (1978 dollars….) Not bad. A little bit more than the $100 a year I usually get to spend in my classroom… I had enjoyed tutoring young math students as a way to help out friends and family.

A "window of opportunity" opened for me in 1987. I knew I could afford the pay cut, loved working with young people, and looked forward to a break from the 24/7 routine the business world brought me. So I wrote a letter to the Georgia Department of Education. What would I have to do to become a teacher? They responded, "Take four science classes, and you can become a science teacher, …or take three math classes and you can become a math teacher." They indicated that I could make up the "education" classes during my first year teaching. I chose the math classes. Not having had a math class in 20 years, it was with some intrepidation that I signed up for three graduate classes in the summer of 1987. Analytical Geometry, Linear Algebra, and Statistics with computers. What a summer! I survived, and took over 40 additional credits of education classes during my first year of teaching. I was a teacher! I went on, in 1992, to receive my Masters Degree in mathematics education.

Today, the problem of recruiting teachers from outside education is even more acute. Very few people have the "window of opportunity" that I did. After 15 years in the corporate world, Joseph Naylor said, " Now is not the right time for me", I’m not ready to drop everything, especially given the salary….there’s a lot to consider such a big move, it’s a shame." Yes, getting recruits for Georgia schools is off to a slow start.

From the Journal Constitution, "Officials blame the state’s strong private-sector economy and the relatively low starting salary for teachers of $25,627 a year." Along the same line, the State Professional Standards Commission’s executive secretary stated "We could attract some good numbers if people were willing to work for a teacher’s salary. But a guy who’s making $50,000 to $60,000 a year with a math degree is not likely to want to become a teacher and start at half the money." "Many people who would like to become teachers simply can’t afford to make the switch," said Jane Huntley, executive director of the regional state education agency in Rome.

The time has come. If you want teachers, you’re going to have to bid for their services. If you can’t compete, you’re going to lose. Further, if you want to keep your teachers, you’re going to have to offer some incentive to keep them from entering the much more lucrative world of private business. Show us the money! We may love what we do, but we’re not doing it for fun. We’re professionals, and we have an obligation to our families and ourselves to consider offers from the highest bidder. Peace. tomiswho@mindspring.com