RE: Personnel Development

I thank Mr. Boger for his response, and he raises a very essential point that we should not encourage teachers to "get out." Furthermore, true, we do not want to deny our students the best instructors. However, some time off to avoid burnout can better serve our students in the long run, as many teachers will return to the classroom hopefully with passion regained for teaching. In how many careers do people stay at one location, do essentially the same job, and remain at the top of their profession? Even the best burn out. Given time to diversify, they can return with the same passion at the age of 50 they experienced at the age of thirty. 
     I would be very interested in knowing more about the career ladder that rewards teachers who remain in the classroom. Perhaps the structure of such a ladder will help deter  the burnout effect. I recently came across an article where many organized churches are sending ministers on paid sabbaticals for the very same reasons I point out in education. These ministers have lost the passion in their sermons and are rehashing old themes and lapsing into routine.
     I would venture to say the same burnout effect exists at the collegiate level, possibly not to the same extent. College professors can move between universities without having to sacrafice a salary cut. We do not value our teachers in public schools as we do in universities if you compare the working conditions.   Brian Miller