Oklahoma will require teachers from New York and California to pass a new “America First” certification test, designed to ensure educators align with the state’s conservative values. The test will evaluate knowledge of American history, including controversial claims about the 2020 election, and adherence to Oklahoma’s stance on issues like gender identity. State Superintendent Ryan Walters stated the test’s purpose is to prevent the “indoctrination” of students. Teacher unions have criticized the move, arguing it will deter qualified educators and exacerbate existing teacher shortages.
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The American education system is facing a crisis, and it’s not a secret. The recent U.S. Senate hearing that cited ‘extremely low pay’ as a prime reason for the teacher shortage has finally brought to light what has been common knowledge for the last 25 years. As a former teacher who retired at 55 after 26 years in the field, I can attest to the harsh realities that educators face every day.
The combination of low pay, high-stress work environments, and hostile parents creates a perfect storm that is driving teachers away from the profession. We are expected to do more with less – larger class sizes, standardized testing, decreased resources, and micromanagement have stripped away our autonomy and made our jobs increasingly challenging.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker