Uncategorized | Jan 27, 2011
Become a teacher. Your country needs you.
By Angela Watson
Founder and Writer
Become a teacher. Your country needs you.
By Angela Watson
I watched the State of the Union address last night with the #SOTU Twitter feed scrolling down my laptop screen. At times, there were over 1,000 tweets per second about President Obama’s speech. Some were comical (“When is Obama going to announce the iPad 2?” and “Budget cuts taking effect immediately. There will be no pizza bagels at tonight’s reception.” and “I’m a Catholic and even I think there’s too much standing, sitting, and standing again at the SOTU”.) And there were many, many jokes about Boehner’s complexion rivaling that of the ‘Jersey Shore’ cast.
Others tweets reflected on the deeper issues. Most tweeters seemed to positively view Pres. Obama’s message on education. My husband and I loved one particular line and I prompted posted the following on Facebook and Twitter:
Little did I know how controversial that statement was.
The comments I got back represented a really wide range of opinions, and the dissenters were passionate. Some people disliked the president’s assumption that becoming a teacher is an option during these times of extreme budget cuts:
Others thought Pres. Obama was taking the profession far too lightly:
I think these are really important perspectives that challenged the way I thought about the president’s speech. Here is my response:
Ultimately, I still believe “Become a teacher–your country needs you.” was a great line. What are your thoughts about President Obama’s message on education?
Angela Watson
Founder and Writer
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Angela, I had actually missed the SOTU speech on television, but thanks to your twitter message, I was able to see it online. The line that stood out for me was the title of your blog and the first message I saw on twitter. This line “Become a teacher. Your country needs you.” was timely for me. It was basically, another confirmation from God that I am on the right path. I am not teaching yet, but I am a student on my way to becoming an educator. I am also a proud mother of six children an honored to be an Army veteran. I concur with your point of view when you stated that President Obama is comparing a strong teaching force with a strong military force. I was not and am not offended by his remarks.
President Obama has two young children of his own. He wants nothing, but the best for them. I genuinely believe that he wants every child in America to have the same opportunity; to have the best and be the best. I am sure he isn’t trying to recruit just anyone. I believe God used him to tug at the hearts of those who are running from their calling or for those who are unsure for whatever reason. President Obama is a very well educated man and he knows he is not where he is today solely because he was an excellent student.
It is bewildering to see the need and simultaneously, the number of unemployed teachers. I know a few qualified teachers who have graduated and still cannot find a classroom to call their own. However, I am a firm believer that there is a reason for everything that happens, especially in the life of a Christian. The footsteps of the righteous are ordered by God. He will not allow more than what we can bear and God is still in control, regardless of who is in the White House. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that He will make everything beautiful in its time. I can’t afford to not trust in Him and in His word. My life, my calling, my future is in God’s hands and not in any political figure. I respect my President and pray for him and his administration, but my undying hope and relentless faith is in God alone.
What a beautiful response, Janet. Thank you so much for taking the time to share that. I think you’ve done an amazing job believing the best about our president’s intentions while simultaneously not placing your hope in any person or government. I am glad you took the line as an encouragement, because I believe that’s how it was intended, and you certainly deserve the confirmation that you’re doing a great thing for our nation.
Thank you for your service, as both a soldier and (soon) as a teacher.
Has President Obama ever visited Long Island, New York? Teachers with Masters degrees are having a tough time even finding a substitute position. All of these teachers have to meet specific standards in order to become a teacher, meeting NYS requirements, all while racking up HUGE student loans. All of this to graduate and be 100th in line for a substitute position that pays $85 a day. We are all struggling but the teacher situation here on Long Island has become ridiculous. SO…Mr. Obama, If you want to tell the whole country to become teachers then go ahead, but i hope that when all of these students have graduated college with their teaching degrees, and are eager to take on the world, you have a great big unemployment check mailed high priority to beat their lenders bills for repayment of their loans that will be waiting for them.
Wow, I can totally feel the frustration in your comment. What a tough spot to be in. I know what you mean about the situation in Long Island–it was tough to find a teaching job there even before the recession. I really hope you can find work…if you are willing to commute into the city, there are some different options that might help you out. I see positions advertised for Title I pull-out teachers and small group teachers who are contracted by consulting firms. The work is steady and the pay is not bad–and it’s less stressful than being employed as a classroom teacher. Hang in there…
Well Hello,
I know it’s pretty late, but figured I’d pipe in anyhow.
As I see it, there are two ways to take the presidential commentary (or any commentary for that matter): The way he meant it, and the way I take it.
Most people go with the latter (as do I)… obviously.
And let’s face it- the president isn’t going to be an expert on everything- he can’t, it’s not possible. So it’s up to the people to inspire discourse on the topic (something you’re freaking fabulous at on this blog btw.)
One of the things I notice about twitter and online discourse… especially regarding issues that run deep with people, is that namely, there isn’t any.
Discourse I mean.
I know twitter isn’t really meant for discourse. But I crave some real conversation over issues such as this, that isn’t reduced to 140 characters, or masked in the anonymity of an avatar. I desire communication where people have to muster compassion for viewpoints that don’t neatly fit into their personal worldview.
Looks like I used your comment bar to express my discontent with twitter rather than answer your question…
Which was that yes, his comment rubbed me the wrong way. And I’m ok with that 🙂