‘The public stigmatizes them’: what it’s like being a teacher in America

A new book focuses on three teachers working in the US and the many difficulties they face in an increasingly untenable system For every apple that lands on a teacher’s desk, there’s a dumpster’s worth of garbage that comes flying their way. In one of the more perverse developments of modern times, the teaching profession has been cast in the role of key villain of the culture wars. In addition to the long-held attitude of disrespect (“those who can’t teach”, etc), teachers must contend with diminishing resources, internecine power plays that compromise their abilities to do their work, and Republican politicians championing “parents’ rights”, aka decimated curriculums and bookshelves. The pay doesn’t make up for the trouble; the majority of teachers have side hustles to make ends meet. Continue reading...