We Aren't Really All the Same

Most educational organizations feel it is necessary for us to believe that all teaching jobs are essentially the same.  It is a politically correct concept advocated by everyone from administrators to teacher unions.  In fact, the job of a kindergarten teacher, the job of a high school history teacher, and the job of an advanced placement chemistry teacher are NOT the same.  General rules and goals do not apply the same to all these jobs.  An AP chem teacher must be an absolute expert in his field - the students taking this class will be examined in great detail for subject matter by an outside agency.  This teacher cannot skip two chapters and substitute community work as an equally valuable activity.  College preparatory work in science and math has a very definite curriculum that must be met or the student fails in his next endeavor.  Even though all teachers are equally important, you cannot write a set of general goals that apply to all positions.