Re: Evolution in schools (was Re: Evolution...)

[Stefan Jeglinski <jeglin@4PI.COM>]

From 2 honorable correspondents:

> Most of the physics teachers I know are not physics majors.  In my state, to
> teach science you have to collect so many hours in life sciences, physical
> sciences, and earth sciences.  Then you have to collect a total of 35 hours in
> either earth science, life science, chemistry, or physics.  That gets you
> certified in that subject.  You also have to have 20 hours in one of the other
> disciplines -- which also gets you a certification.  You can then be certified
> in any other science by amassing 12 hours in it.  Most physics teachers have
> just the 12 hours in physics.

> I'm a high school physics teacher  with a Masters degree in physics.  I've
> also served as science chair in 4 different schools.  I can testify that it
> is hard to find qualified physics teachers.  When you do find one, if (s)he
> has too much experience, the administration will not be pleased.
> Administrators prefer novices because of their place on the salary scale.


Imagine my absolute jaw-dropping shock when I discovered that, in
lowly White Cross NC, little more than a crossroads, a 30-mile drive
from my house and 17 from where I work, at my son's charter high
school (9-12), with a total enrollment of 80, managed to hire a PhD
in physics who also finished 2 postdoctoral positions in
biochemistry, to run their science program.

I spent some time talking to her on the first day of school, and
liked what I saw (and heard too, no snide remarks please). Although
technically a public school, such a school tends to be ignored by the
public school officials and even is secretly wished to fail. This
gives them quite a bit of leeway in picking teachers, although they
of course must show progress toward certification. It is still not
clear to me why this person would choose such a position, and I admit
that is not a charitable attitude, but I am pleased nonetheless.

Now if they can only get the students to take advantage of it!



Stefan Jeglinski