I should be going to bed right now. However, there are thoughts filling my brain, actually just one in particular and I need to get it out. There is a phrase that has been in my head this evening, which is the following, “Those who can’t do, teach.” Noone has said that to me recently and it had not come up anywhere but in my head. This phrase really annoys me on numerous levels. To start, who says something like that? I have heard teachers and non-teachers alike use that phrase. The second important factor is related to teachers in general. Anyone who thinks that phrase is true or has used it themselves is forgetting the crucial fact that they too, had a teacher(s).
I plan to be a professor at the university level someday. I am, and will be many things, and a historian is one of them. I will be doing archival research, publishing, etc. Will I be out making history? I guess in a broader sense, yes. But, will I be making history? No, I will most likely be researching, interpreting, and defining historical events. Using this phrase as a guide, will I be any less of a historian because I am not the President of the United States or another agent of history? I highly doubt it.
Maybe I do not have a accurate sense of this phrase and maybe I do. Either way, for the sake of the thousands of great teachers out there, please do not use this phrase. I know we have all had a few teachers that we did not jive with, true, but we each have one or two special instructors that changed our lives. I know that my academic and life journey has been aided greatly by the teaching styles and guidance of Mrs. Dodlinger (4th grade), Mr. Roach (10th/12th grade), Professors Cullather (IU), Boyle (IU), and Lang (UMaine).
Ok, whew, got that out there, thank you for reading.
Some tunes before I hit the sack:
Canned Heat Best of Canned Heat
Alanis Morrissette Jagged Little Pill
Beastie Boys Paul’s Boutique (Thanks to Eli for reminding me of this record)
Lucas for President!!!
Amen brother!
Maybe you should be a preacher!! hahaha I,too, have thought it a little demeaning, but usually associated with, in my mind, coaches. Like gymnastic coaches or swimming coaches. They can’t compete anymore, but they can coach, mold and create champions.
Mr. Roach was attacked by a student at Dugger last week. He’s ok, but his glasses were broken and he had a cut on his face.
http://gcdailyworld.com/story/1500666.html
the phrase seems to apply most to arts type classes. i.e, those who can’t make it as a writer or in the theatre (etc.) teach it. not to say I agree but courses like that seem to be where it’s most applicable. If we’re talking a history curriculum I don’t think the phrase makes a hell of a lot of sense. Same with teaching foreign language, what the hell else are you supposed to do but teach it. “I can’t be a Frenchman for real so I guess I have to hang my head in shame and teach it to other non-frenchman. Sacre Bleau!”