Wars And
Schools

I had some free time last week and I used it to fill my head with a number of random and disturbing thoughts. Naturally, being a kind and giving person, this made me want to share them with as many people as possible.

Disturbing Thought #1: Why is it called the "War in Iraq"? It’s not a war. The war ended years ago after the statue of Saddam Hussein was torn down in Baghdad. Let’s be honest and call it what it really is, an occupation.

I know that the term occupation is not as sexy as the word "war," but it’s a lot more accurate. "Occupations" have been going on since the beginning of time. Armies fight wars, beat other armies and then "occupy" the country of the armies that they just defeated. This was done by the Romans, the Greeks, the Hittites, the Germans and now us. Generally what happens during an occupation is that the occupying armies start having pot shots taken at them by the people of the country that they are in who don’t want them there. Sound familiar?

Disturbing Thought #2: Why do many (not all, but yes, many) people who understand the least about schools and education move right to the head of the class as school board members? In this state you need a master’s degree from a college or university to teach, years and years of graduate courses and a complex, indecipherable re-certification portfolio to complete every seven years to hold onto your job.

If you can make your way through this confusing, infinite maze of hurdles, hoops and barriers, and if you can meet the mind-numbing educational, pedagogical, collegial and community outreach requirements, you have the right to move to the bottom of the educational heap as a lowly teacher.

By the way, if you actually survive to achieve this status, you will be comforted to know that anyone who ever attended a school at anytime at all in their life will sincerely believe that they know more about education than you do.

On the other hand if you’re ambitious and want to rise to the top, all you need is a local address. Got an axe to grind? Think your son or daughter should be allowed on a high school trip? Tired of seeing the self-centered, abysmal behavior of your son or daughter unfairly restrained by the rules and limitations of civilization and good behavior which is referenced in the student handbook?

Join the school board and be propelled right to the top of the heap. When teachers and administrators see you in the hallway or hear your voice on the phone, they’ll know better than to discipline your child for their poor behavior in school.

Remember, joining the School Board is not a "war," it’s an "occupation."

Neal R. Cronce

Rochester

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