Should I Stay or Should I Go?

(This post started out as a monologue regarding the decision between staying in the classroom and stepping into other positions in education. Then, as I was revising a section, I realized it had become something slightly different.)

There is a serious problem with the education system and it involves the teachers. I'm sure this is not the first time you have heard this statement, but this argument has a slightly different twist.

The problem, as I see it, is that many teachers are beginning to believe the hype that the best-- the most creative, the most dynamic, the most intelligent-- should be doing something more valuable, more profitable, more grown up than working with kids in a classroom. Whether it's becoming a principal, director of special education, tech specialist, or whatever position seems a match for the individual's skills, many believe the best teachers should be looking to move up or move out. (This seems to be especially true in elementary schools, as I have had multiple people tell me--some subtly, some not so much--that I am wasting my talents being an elementary school teacher.)

Now, this post is not a criticism of the educators who believe their real value can only be reached by leaving the classroom. It is, however, a condemnation of the system and society where such a belief can have so much validity.

With time, the best have to step aside. This is not in debate. The problem in education is that many of the most promising educators are leaving before they've even had a chance to reach their prime. Imagine Michael Jordan retiring from basketball after his first championship, The Beatles breaking up after "Please Please Me", or Gabriel Garcia Marquez leaving writing after "Leaf Storm". Although there would have been some level of success for each of these individuals, their various professions would be drastically less advanced.

Of course, it's hard to be surprised when talented individuals want to maximum the benefits of their skills, while minimizing the stresses in their lives. And, when you combine the absurd expectations politicians are forcing upon educators with the disdain society currently seems to have for public classroom teachers, who can blame anyone from wanting to get out of the line of fire?

Here's the idea that the average person doesn't seem to be aware of: education is failing, and it won't improve if the best teachers don't stay in the classroom.

So, the questions are posed: What must be done to keep the best teachers in the classroom? Will anyone step up to make this happen?