RE: Teachers

I agree with Richard.  We need qualified teachers!  The problem appears that most political appointees and elected officials seem only to be able to think for a period of 4 years or less.  The teaching profession in California needs a long-term plan that forces the changes needed at the university level to produce the quality of teachers needed.  Just as a suggestion, we could follow a medical model of training.  Our programs need to be expanded beyond 5 years and include at least one full year of supervised internship.  After 33 years in the classroom, I am tired of seeing the classroom teachers get the blame for practicing what they were taught.  It takes at least 5 to 10 years for a teacher to get to the point where they can understand what is needed in the classroom.  Use of Teacher Editions looks good to those who do not have a lot of classroom time, however, questions and problems come up in the classroom that need a well trained teacher to solve based on the current circumstances.  The continuity of the education system rests with the teachers.  We need the best people and the best relevant training we can provide to those teachers.