@@chrisanthony579 Education (at least where I am in TX) doesn't value ANY teachers anymore. Just look at the pay, utter lack of support, etc. You think your kids are getting an education when their teachers have to work multiple jobs just to scrape by? 😮💨
@@andreww9513 Worse if some puritan fool comes to the board and complains about the teacher showing porn. The board caves in instead of sendeing the fool home with dunkhead. the porn was Michelangelos David
@@andreww9513 They're too busy trying to make your kids gay. I heard people are graduating now that can't read or write or do basic math, like at all. We've been going backwards for decades, but you're just able to really see and feel the ignorance in the last 10-15 years.
That's a fact. Hickok you are an icon, and when my buddies and I have issues with a particular firearm, we go right to your channel, and then it's settled.
As of when? Considering what’s being spoon fed on the world wide gossip and opinion source since the mid-90’s…or news outlets reporting their opinions and not fact based reporting… At what point in time do MAGA consider America greatest to make great, again? Our standards have always been low because it’s always been about the Benjamin’s regardless of politics and policies. I feel dinosaurs were cheated.
@@somethingclever1234 I’m fairly certain the same was stated and thought by each preceding generation. Rare gems shine no matter the generation. A person is smart, people are stupid…no different than it’s always been, certainly see no change to that notion within sight.
When high schools in the state where I teach let failing students graduate by artificially raising grades, it made me realize how broken the education system has gotten.
Got to where academics was not performance driven. Use to be, a teacher was judged on rigor, classroom control, how much the kids learned, etc. That has shifted to feelings and DEI. You can now be fired for hurting someone's feelings. Standards have dropped dramatically because all races were not passing at the same rates. Solution was to drop standards to near zero. Hardly anyone gives homework anymore... even at the high school level. As a teacher, if you start have high standards and are academically rigorous, you paint a target on your back, as kids will find ways to be 'offended'. The system is eating itself, and that cancer has also been eating its way to the college level. It's gone from Kindergarten all the way through grad school. No more standing up to do your multiplication tables or being called on to read. Everyone watches the dot dance across the words on a TV. Zero accountability. The product schools are putting out now is only a shadow of what was being put out in the 90's.
@@cedhome7945 "Since man's mind is his basic tool of survival , his means of gaining knowledge to guide his actions---the basic condition he requires is the freedom to think and to act according to his rational judgment." -Ayn Rand-
I spent 35 years in law enforcement….the last ten years were the same. Headquarters grew by leaps and bounds, expected the field to do more with less and all we were doing was justifying everyone’s position up the ladder.
My father was a HS ag and shop teacher from the mid '60s, until the early 2000s(?) in California, then Oregon. It was definitely going downhill, even earlier... for those who had power tripping and controlling, administrators. (i.e. Principals, superintendents, school boards, etc.) Glad I finished HS, in 1984.
Ag programs still exist in Ag communities. The first high school that I taught at still offers AG and Construction electives. The Construction program builds a new house every year.
Taught high school Geology for 44 years, retired in 2014, the last 7-10 years is was no longer “fun”. So many changes inside and outside of the classroom . Society has changed so dramatically , since when I started in 1970. Really like you posts, I have learned a lot.
In 1970 in the middle of a junior college protest/riot (where I was one of the targets, being Student Finance Chair) my Professor mentor said to me: "entitlement and special exemptions might work for catch up, as long as PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY is included if you stumble and fail. I.E. Projecting your failure to succeed by blaming anyone, everything, but yourself is a really bad idea. Fast forward 2024: Blaming anyone but yourself is now an Olympic Event of some kind.
That must have been one heck of a high school. Even the top rated high schools in my state of Wisconsin do not offer Geology as a elective much less dedicate one whole staff position to teaching it. Were you in a big mining state? You did not have to teach other physical sciences too?
As a retired Head Custodian, I can say the last ten years were brutal. And that was for the Custodians and Maintenance. For the Teachers it was even worse. All of these unpaid meetings, District tests sometimes every week. And to add to the complete and absolute idiocy, they closed ALL of their shop classes. The complete and utter incompetency is EPIC.
As a former teacher and Coach I agree with you 100%. Many of the “new” educational theories are bogus. Just as you stated administrators trying to justify their jobs / salaries.
Yes. I had a Substitute teacher in the 3rd grade that was far better than our assigned teacher who was so bad that we could hardly understand a word she said. This was in the mid 1970's. Our Substitute looked and acted exactly like Mr. Kotter from the show Welcome back Kotter and he actually TAUGHT. We loved him and when we found out that our regular teacher was returning, every one of us in that classroom broke down and cried. It was obvious that it touched his heart because he cried too.
I was a welding instructor at a community College for 32 years my friend..I feel so blessed to have had that job I absolutely loved goin to work everyday. And to watch the young people prosper with training I helped with is a joy that's difficult to describe.
You're still a great teacher Hickok! You're an example of moderation, patience, and calmness, all of which are essential for working with firearms and becoming a fine marksman. I'm sure the kids miss you as much as you miss them.
I just retired from doing bodywork. I also worked in the 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's. The emphasis today is ALL about production. I was always concerned most with quality of the repair. No one I was working with took pride in their work. I got tired of seeing the hackers getting rewarded over the conscientious workers. It took all the fun out of the job.
It’s all about volume because that’s what makes the most money. It doesn’t matter if that same person will ever come back because of shotty work or not. It just matters that the job was done and was paid for. Everything follows that same tune these days.
@@Addison0526I spent my entire working career (50 years) striving to make my repair look better than the factory undamaged side.I found it so frustrating that I was no longer allowed to spend the time it took. I'm retired now, earlier than I had planned, but I don't miss one bit of it.👍
And that exactly sums up what happens with under-regulated Capitalism. The permanent growth model always fails, but it fails the hardest for the workers who make the system possible.
Next year will be my 30th teaching physics and math. It was getting bad before the lockdown.Then it went completely off the rails. Nobody in their right mind would go into teaching now. Unfortunately, no one in their right mind is going into teaching right now.
SAME!!! I got out as soon as I could retire and am doing something else now. Even Physics and Chemistry were not immune from today's nonsense. Pushing rigor only puts a target on your back. Was WAY more fun when I started 30 years ago!!!
I cautioned my son that Physics, Math, and Chemistry build on each other and there is no "catch up" semeser: i.e. oh, I didn't read Moby Dick so I'll do it this month. The other side of this family were ALL in the Sciences: Supply Chain Economics, Ph. D.'s, but we've done it...to ourselves.
I taught high school for 39 years. 1 year retired. The last few years were no fun. No matter what, kids will sneak their cell phones. Then they hear nothing the teachers says. California wants to ban cell phones in the classroom. All states need to do it.
Did a "straw pole" in the 2010 Olympics with cell phone usage (compulsive/obsessive). Cell phones should NEVER have been allowed in the classroom. EVER. Interestingly, in the 18 to 30 demographic, the constant cell phone use was (wait for it) 96% female. What does THAT tell you??!!And like any compulsive behaviour (alcohol, drug use, bad habits) the earlier you're imprinted the worse it gets, and the harder it is to stop.
@@user-ov4mk9ox8y I am 63 years old. I have a land line phone with an answering machine. And a computer on my desk. I have a cell phone, but I only carry it for emergencies. I don't even know the phone number. I have never texted, and people are mad at me because I don't text. Things have changed. But I still would rather talk to a person instead of typing a message to them.
They can ban them all they want to, but if they don’t enforce the ban, and they won’t enforce the ban, the kids will still use them. Schools don’t want an increase in suspensions and superintendent hearings, and they surely don’t want to deal with irate parents backing up their rule breaking kids.
Amazing that California would lead of in something this sensible! God still loves the Golden State! Keep on praying and believing for miracles! Blessings, Happy 4th to All! gg🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🤓☝️☝️☝️
As an elementary student through the ‘70s and a graduate of the mid 80’s, I’m still stunned that the school district I grew up in did away with all the best parts of our school day (band, shop, woodworking, building trades, various clubs, etc) saying they didn’t have the budget for any of it anymore, and yet they immediately built a whole new and unneeded high school with a massive swimming complex after we graduated. All I could think was “What happened to common sense???”. My kids grew up without the option of band class, music class, art class, shop class, and several sports we had. The change in values that did away with social interaction in favor of screen time carried the highest cost of all - the total loss of a culture of cooperation.
The enshitification of society. Spending less to “save money” by neglecting what makes the human experience so valuable. You see this everywhere, now. It’s sad and unfortunate.
Class of 1969: the students that have made an imprint?? They DID things in school, and did NOT get the top grades, with a few exceptions. Band? We had/have a renowned music program. Woodworking? My buddy made a career of it. Shop? Lathe, safety, foundry, safety, drafting and all the clubs. Doing things. Fund raising. those students most active are the ones contributing to society, not being a net minus.
@@user-ov4mk9ox8y I wish people still thought like you do today. I graduated high school in 2016, there were already plenty of things that were getting cut.
It's the same here in New Zealand. A lot of schools have done away with the shop subjects, but can afford multi million dollar sports turfs and stands. Plus to teach shop now, a degree is now retired. Back in the day, a person with a trade certificate could get into university and do a one year post graduate diploma in teaching. Not any more.
I'm a Polish guy, teaching English to other Poles in an online language school and having the best time of my life if it comes to my profession. Feeling really lucky and grateful to have gotten a literal dream job
My son, who speaks fluent Polish thanks to his Polish mother, was home-schooled for 3½ years, grade 5 to 8, with much help from Polish Internet 1:1 teachers. We couldn't have afforded to pay Danish teachers, and he's very knowledgeable. The Polish school books are also much nicer and inviting than their Danish counterparts. He looked forward to each session
Completely understand. 18 yrs in a Catholic school, 10 years in public, last 10 years in a public Ib school. Your observations reflect the experiences of many. taught from 1973 to 2012, and enjoyed the classroom and students. Far too many administrators were never teachers. Ron
"The most vindictive resentment may be expected from the pedagogic profession for any suggestion that they should be dislodged from their dictatorial position ; it will be expressed mainly in epithets, such as ' reactionary ', at the mildest...." - Isabel Paterson
Amen, Brother! I also taught in the 1970s--MACHINE TRADES, since I was not only a college grad, but worked my way through school being an aerospace tool and die maker. Pitiful how 11th and 12 grade young men did not know what a tape measure or yardstick was. I had to teach them how to use a micrometer--measuring to 0.0001 of an inch! IMPOSSIBLE! The layers of federal overseers was horrific. You were not allowed to flunk anyone, since the "federal river of money" would dry up with zero kids attending. Discipline? I had to disarm young boys with laded 9mms, .38 revolvers and dozens of knives, shanks, machetes..and this as the 1970s!
I just retired from teaching and coaching for 38 years in the public school system. Spent 20 years teaching in California, finished up in a rural community in southern Illinois. Big difference between those two settings. Much more freedom in the farming community I finished up in. You’re right though, the bureaucrats and so called “education experts “ have changed things for the worse, one of the reasons there’s a teacher shortage.
I did one year of "teaching" High School after six years in the military and a combat tour in Vietnam. The administrators were clearly staff oriented and the "experienced" teachers were operating in a defense mode. The system was focused on the kids who were easiest to teach and there were far too many kids surviving by being invisible to their classmates as well as the majority of the staff. This education structure deficiency has contributed to our social deterioration. But we do have multi-million dollar sports facilities and glory days.
It was that way. Schools focused on the kids who were actually motivated and there to get an education. It then shifted to where they spent ALL their efforts on the kids least likely to use their schooling. Standards dropped to near ZERO as the only thing that mattered was graduation rate, and nobody getting their feelings hurt. Schools now have 98% graduation rates, but all the kids need to do in order to finish is breathe the oxygen in the room. Teachers who had high standards have had their knees cut out from under them, and have become targets. This also pertains to higher level high school subjects. The product we put out in the 90's was FAR greater than what's going out the door today.
My situation as a retired Navy Chief always put me at odds with administrators and a lot of fellow teachers. I was "too strict". I also practiced "intrusive leadership". In other words, if I saw a problem, I addressed it. These qualities that were valued in the military were considered "problematic" by administrators.
Real Education does not happen in school, other than for a few really poor or illiterate household kids, and even they are being neglected. School is for schooling, not education. Don’t ever confuse those words and their meaning and school will all make sense. "I believe, finally, that the teacher is engaged, not simply in the training of individuals, but in the formation of the proper social life. I believe that every teacher should realize the dignity of his calling; that he is a social servant set apart for the maintenance of proper social order and the securing of the right social growth. I believe that in this way the teacher always is the prophet of the true God and the usherer in of the true kingdom of God.” - Atheist/Darwinist/Marxist, John Dewey, father of the modern progressive schooling system.
Two years ago Maitland Jones, a New York University professor, was fired after 82 of his 350 students signed a petition against him. The complaining students said the subject was too difficult. Dr. Jones is an honored professor of organic chemistry. The inmates are running the asylum.
I don't know the details of that specific case, but just because a professor is honored doesn't make him or her a good teacher. I had a professor in college who had received all the awards up and down the university, and was an absolutely horrific teacher who had no business being in the classroom. The irony is, if you looked at all of those awards that he had, not a single one was for teaching. Colleges seem to think that just because you know a subject well means you'll be to impart it upon those who don't. Very often that's not true because you don't remember how difficult those basic concepts were before they became second nature to you. Like I said I don't know the situation here, but especially at a college level, where the students are literally the ones paying the bills, I think they have a right to decide who they want teaching them.
I too left teaching. 25 years in ended 3 weeks ago. When I started in 2000 it was before cell phones. A class of 25 kids may have 2 knuckleheads who hadn’t passed a test since their 5th grade. When I left a class of 25 high school kids 23 were knuckleheads wh hadn’t looked up from their cell phone since 5th grade and no one was legitimately interested in learning. I taught forensic science, astronomy, and environmental. I’ve taught physics, chemistry, and biology earlier in my career so that was basically all of the science classes that exist and when almost no high school kid cared anymore a profound sadness overtook me and I rolled out never to return. Bittersweet retirement for me.
I had a cell phone in 1990 and when it rang, I made money. In Japan in 1990 you couldn't get a cell phone unless you needed it for your service: doctor, in the field profession, etc. Cell phones should NEVER have been allowed in the class anymore than stereo headphones would have been during a lecture. Essentially, we'd joke 600 men ruled the world in 1970. Now it's ?? SIX men!?? Kids access to unlimited phone use (and unlimited ammo) was never an idea that would fly with me. Greetings from Canada.
My third grade teacher assigned us to watch Star Trek and discuss the episode the next day, he owned a pet shop and would bring animals in AND he was the drummer in a jazz band and would bring his kit in and play for us.
Words of wisdom, we’ve definitely gone down in many areas of our lives in the USA, hard to find a good/great teacher and impossible to deal with behavior issues.
Good morning! I had some good teachers growing up (I’m in my 50’s now). I wish today’s teachers were more like you…having common sense and the freedom to actually teech (spelling error on purpose!!!). Have a great day.
I had (have) a learning disability that made me decide to drop out of High School and join the Military. Got a GED and a couple of easy College Credits and off I went. 20 years later I had a BS in Business, a completed career in the Military and had a Family. Not everyone fits the mold they try and pour us into, sometimes a Talented Educator can spot that.
WELL SAID!!! I wish I had that educator! But I’m blessed to kno That my niece and nephew are being homeschooled, and they will benefit greatly from that more so than the BS taught in teaching public schools!
You are absolutely correct. Some people fill the position of teacher while others become Educators. There is a huge difference but no way to compensate the Educators for their dedication and talent. My mother was an Educator for 38 years in a small rural high school. She was teaching the grandchildren of some of her first students. She loved teaching and always said that the teachers that couldn’t teach eventually ended up in the “office”. They couldn’t get rid of them so they moved them into management.
@@PapaA7145The ability to teach is a talent. No amount of education or advanced degrees can make Someone good at it if they don’t have that gift. And unfortunately, the educational system ignores that fact and demands that people who are naturally gifted at teaching, but haven’t jumped through all the formal hoops of an education degree, go back and start over, regardless of their talent and knowledge or experience in the subject matter. I have known far too many teachers who literally couldn’t teach their way out of a paper bag. The system needs to figure out a better way of identifying and recruiting teachers who are truly talented and haven’t simply checked all the boxes. Two cliches seem to be on point, unfortunately: those who can, do; those who can’t, teach; those who can’t teach, teach teachers and one from my college days - when you couldn’t succeed in your major, everyone said, “well, there’s always El Ed” (elementary education). On top of that we need higher standards for the students in terms of comprehension, respect, discipline, behavior and participation in the classroom.
Just wait til you see where all the money in our grotesquely overpriced healthcare system went these past couple of decades. Hint: it’s not the people doing patient care.
Actually the entire point of public state education invented by the Germans was to eradicate Christianity from t he culture and this was the desire for those who wanted it in the USA. Now the opposite values are being taught. As far as higher education its wild to think that Harvard was started by protestant Christians. Now its a commie factory.
Schools for the masses were never meant to convey correct information, otherwise the power structure would be exposed. Schools are to train behavior for the peasants, so they are easy to rule.
One of the most influential people in my life was my senior year of high school English teacher. That was more like an introduction to Philosophy than an English class. This was 1975-76, and he was super square, with a crew cut, but despite our cultural differences, he really opened my mind to a world that had been hidden from me until then.
I agree 100%. I was a teacher (public school) in the late 1960s and could see it coming. I became a principal in early 1970s and couldn't really help the downfall of education - I left education in 1980 and went to work in the private sector. Like you, I loved teaching, and thought about going back to teaching in weaker moments. I would say to you, thanks for your service and don't look back.
Over twenty years teaching in Florida and the same problem. Felt like I was getting better as well, but had to leave for my own sanity. It's all these administrators that spent 3 years teaching, got their online doctorate, demand to be called doctor, and are now running creative teachers out because they don't measure up to what Eastern Western Kentucky online said was a good teacher. It really is too bad.
I'm still teaching after all these years, and you are right. State tests, new educational theories ('project-based learning' seems to be the current rage) that don't match the tests but we have to do them because This One Will Work (just all the others, now forgotten), Social-Emotional Learning, DEI even in math (calculating 'fairness' intrudes regularly), records of English Language Learners and Individualized Education Plans that have to be filled out and kept up-to-date, unsupportive parents you only hear from when their child was given detention even though you left a voicemail because they didn't answer the phone, lawyers, expected unpaid time at school, sleep deprivation, there are a changing number of continual changes in education these days. Pacing guides have to be turned in at the start of the year and vetted, lesson plans for the week approved by administration, benchmark tests, progress assessments, observations and evaluations, and always, always concern for that end--of-year-exam. Sometimes I grit my teeth when filling out forms, keeping yet more records, or grading papers late at night (or late papers late at night). And yet, and yet. The kids have an energy that is contagious, many of them really do want to learn, watching them light up when they realize that they just did what they were convinced they could not, A's on tests, intensity in debates, depth in research, learning to find more truth then they had been told existed, rejoicing at university acceptance, graduation, a future. I understand the reasons that teachers leave education. A few of my friends have done so, and I have wondered if I shouldn't. But the kids' greetings in the morning, the questions after school, the trust when a sobbing student reveals all the hurt that's going on at home, thankful that an adult thinks enough of her to actually listen, the gratitude for extra help, the drawings that go on the wall, the unexpected gift of a rubber duck for my collection in the classroom, the smiles, the jokes (and some are good), the hearts, the minds, keep me going. I suppose I will retire soon, I have to some time. But until then I remind the kids that they are our future as well as their own, that they will cast their votes and shape this country, they will have their own families and pass on to them what they learned in class and on the field. They are our hope.
TY! For this, as Retired Educator I can feel your passion/love for teaching spun into your comments. Like with anythang else a good Educator, will always be a good Educator. No matter the yr., time or place 90% of My Children/Students all responded, to knowing someone cares about their feelings/progression & success. Continued BLESSINGS on Educating Our Future. One question I do have is, What is your feelings on tenure? P.S. this is My Husbands YT. I asked him to look out for your reply🙃
Homeschooled our youngest, (10 yrs old), until 3rd grade. He wanted and needed the socialization. Miss him being home though and knowing what he's learning and don't like some of what he has learned.
We homeschooled initially, for the same reason we put our daughter into one of the best schools in the area starting in 2nd grade. After two years, I’m happy with some things but the other kids have warped her personality. She used to be very conversant with adults, people were always impressed with how well she spoke, and how she would look you in the eye. Now that she’s with all the other kids, she’s started to act like a weird little robot…kind of like the cartoon characters everyone else watches. Also, noticeably defeminized. Thankfully, two weeks into summer break she’s coming back to humanity again. Will enjoy that for the next two months I guess. Hopefully it doesn’t stick.
@@Alifarliam Ill never understand people like you who know, and openly state, that your child is being warped and deranged by their "schooling." then you finish with, "yeah we're sending her back there again soon though." I guess your free time is worth more than your childs sanity overall.
@@milesstover3724 it’s the best private classical catholic school around our area. they study the trivium and quadrivium and all that. They are learning Latin, and there’s absolutely no PC shenanigans. Also, we all signed a pledge to not give our kids smart phones. Theoretically, it should be close to perfect. But not all of the parents are following the program as closely as I would have hoped.
Amazing.... My retired teacher wife has said the same things I've just heard in your video. The kicker for her... she didn't receive any support from the school administration staff on a needed discipline for a student. Two months later... she retired at the end of the academic year.
"Education should be liberated from the control or intervention of government, and turned over to profit-making private enterprise , not because education is unimportant but because education is so crucially important. " -Nathaniel Branden-
@@BeefT-Sq the Great experiment, the "Universality" of education meant it should be inexpensive. It was a great experiment for fifty years. And it's over.
When the bell rings in Mr. Hickok's first hour homeroom class-----All assignments get turned in on time, and desks gets cleaned out before lineup at the door.
I’m 41 and I’ve been teaching since I was 22. Back in 2005 maybe a couple of high school kids had a cell phone. Today every teenager has a smartphones and electronics have me competing again the entire internet for the attention. I’m not sure how it’ll ever go back.
I know in the public school system I grew up in during the 1970’s and 80’s things were far too lax. We had several male teachers who were near-do-well former athletes. That meant EVERYTHING in a run down former industrial city in the northeast. Just even being related to a former notable jock was enough to give teachers a pass. My first day in junior high school a science teacher emerged from the lab supply room in a haze or pot smoke and I walked in on my English teacher snorting a line of coke off his desk. My dad’s reaction (or lack of) stunned me. My dad was strict and lived a very upright lifestyle. WW2 vet. But damn, his reaction was “Well his Dad was the coach of the 1928 nation championship football team” and “Oh, he played fullback in the 1968 state championship team.” So the parents who gave the system a pass because of past glory played a big part.
They hire way too many coaches too. The whole youth sports system in the US is messed up. Very few of these kids will even play at a serious program in college, why do they act like it's everything?
As an electrician who five years ago started as a vocational teacher (16-19yo students) in Sweden, I can relate to much of what you say. Although we don't have much micromanagement we suffer from "new public management". It slims down the organization by moving paperwork from the administration to the teachers.
I was in trade school right around when covid hit, and a lot of my teachers were quitting due to forced classes telling them they were racist and all that sort of thing. Anti bias training, etc. It really rubbed them the wrong way
I got “downsized” last September and it seems like 60-70% of the folks in the network and development classes for finding a new position were all teachers. A LOT of Teachers have had it. In the explanation that one of them told me “I wanted to teach High School from 20 years ago.”
I feel the teachers today don’t have the kids best interest at heart. It’s about the off days, retirement. There are exceptions for sure, but kids aren’t learning the basics anymore. Too many high school seniors don’t even know who the US fought in WW2
That’s because a bunch of communists want teachers to give up their time and teach for free. Every time the union asks for a raise or that teachers get paid for time they spend doing work outside of the classroom, suddenly there isn’t money to go around.
Still teaching, 15 years in. Admin leaves me alone, but I’m in an inner city school. Not always easy to break the kids away from their phones, but always worth it.
@@Wilhelm4131 Seems to be exceptionally so. Our librarian told us not to discourage texting because at least they were reading. Reading comprehension is the fundamental weakness that makes everything else harder.
I'm 48 years old and I seem to be feeling old even at my age watching how things are now. In my mid 30's I became a hunter safety instructor here in New York and did that for 5 years. I ended up getting hurt on the job but was looking forward to coming back into it again, but then the whole change in NYS happened around 2012 or so began and the micromanagement by the biologists of the hunter safety program began and instructors began to quit one after the other, because there was now no protection of instructors from any sort of accusations, where as before, there would be some investigation, etc. I knew one veteran instructor who quit because a new, more "progressive" instructor felt he wasn't doing the job correctly. I almost resigned then because I was there during the incident and no one from NYS even asked me what I happened. But, I stayed on, and now, most of what is being taught is environmental nonsense and less common sense. Also, NYS has made it so that most of the actual course is done online and there's no actual way for the instructors to say who is taking the test, there's only a follow up with the student later. Last school year I began teaching an after school history club because the history classes teach next to nothing. My students are 5th grade on up to seniors, although it's the middle school kids who want to be into it. Since we're here in the Adirondacks, I try to teach local history, with artifacts, things like that of events here, like French & Indian War, Rev War, etc. When I proposed this, I was fought tooth and nail by the superintendent, despite the fact that I was endorsed by two local historical societies and the former school superintendent. I was also fought by the history / social studies teachers. Every month got more popular than the previous and coming up I'm going to have a tent at my local July 4th celebration and this coming school year I hope to bring some reenactors in. The one thing about being an after school club, I have a lot more leeway than if I was to follow the curriculum. I've also gotten the school to do more field trips because the teachers didn't want to do them, even admitting it at a school board meeting, and I found that many local museums are free to schools & will reimburse transportation. Two years ago, the middle & high school kids had no field trips at all, last year those same kids had two, even three field trips in the same year because most were free to the school, and they even ended up going to Ellis Island. The biggest thing is that parents need to get involved in what's being done in their schools. I go to just about every school board meeting when I can, and rarely are there any parents there besides myself and never have I seen more than 10 and that was once. More often it's 2-3 parents besides myself, a few teachers and some staff and the board/administration members.
That's WHY high end schools in rich areas field top Speech and Debate teams whereas schools in blue collar area simply don't even have such activities. The parents in the high end areas know the value.
Hickok, I left my principal position in 2013. Like you, I became so very dissatisfied. I was not able to continue, for a number of reasons. I appreciate your honesty. ATB
SPOT ON HICKOCK! You hit the nail squarely on the head. I too, was a teacher (public school) with one other exception to your story. I loved my students but saw the erosion of ‘the system’ a bit sooner. I began teaching in 1962. I left the classroom in 1980 and never looked back. I went on to my second career. To this day, I miss the interaction with students. The system is broken and the students are paying the price.
Reading, Writing, Math, Geography, (Real, accurate) US History... And damn the propoganda. Seriously, that is NOT "education." That is, by definition, INDOCTRINATION.
Students of my generation were more preoccupied with fashion, trending and most importantly athletics; there was no room for education. Every generation laments those who follow in their footsteps.
Add to that, our national decline began in the 50’s into 60’s. Each generation after feeling entitlement for one reason or another, taking absolute advantage of those who came before.
The fault lies with parenting or lack thereof, blaming anyone and everyone else for their piss poor life choices and issues. Blame those you send to represent you without fact checking the one source none can deny…their public voting record. Those who agree with their elected representatives, great! Proof our system of governance is working for you.
Very few of my classmates cared for social sciences, U.S. and world history. I’d like to know your source of (Real, accurate) US History…or definition. I’ve no idea what’s taught today since I’m no longer a student and my children grown. I do know basic U.S. civics was taught and 95% or better not paying attention 35 years ago is one major factor why we’re in the decline we’re in. Lack of education, credible news sources; left, right or indifferent and social media are 100% the reason.
The business world has changed as well. As a field representative I could sell my products and use my people skills and confidence in my products to sell them. Calling on customers consistently and being honest were my traits. I was highly successful. Then, micro managing came into play and what a disaster! The MBA’s took over with a vengeance. I retired early and never looked back. I just feel bad for the young people who are dealing with this mess!
As a teacher's aid at the University of North Texas in 2019, I had to go through workplace harassment training. I had to sign a form that I understood my responsibilities, one of which was--it's inappropriate to ask a student or teacher where they are from because it can be interpreted as a microaggression of xenophobia. Every professor job I apply for since getting my masters literally states on the application that I have a better chance of getting hired if I identify as disabled because they have to meet a quota. If they are prioritizing disabled people I can't imagine how much they're prioritizing people who aren't white and male. The entire system needs to be shut down and reconstructed from the ground up and that means completely disabling part of our economy for a while and tens of thousands of jobs being lost, but the alternative is a race to the bottom.
The Theatre of the Absurd is that this is in North Texas, a "freedom fry" jurisdiction and the LAST place you'd expect this entitlement to be entrenched. It's like Canada: we've absorbed through academics, and politicians that spend most of their time in the USA, the same guilt trip. Yes, Canada has ONE really major issue: the treatment of it's First Nations, which is NOW being addressed with all kinds of "kash", housing programs, entitlements. but the REST OF THE LIST?? Nothing to do with us. Feel your pain. Shout out to Odessa and Waco. !!
Yes. I taught in El Paso where the "demographics of the faculty must replicate the demographics of the underlying tax-paying community." So hiring decisions were based upon "race, color, religion, sex or national origin," that is, the exact properties the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 demands you cannot base hiring decisions on.
Sir, thank you for sharing this! I’m sure you were an inspiration to many a young person as a professional educator. I’m in my early seventies and my son is in his early forties. We both love to watch your videos ! You’re still a great teacher just a different subject maybe! My wife and I decided to home school my son starting in his first years all the way through high school. We were pioneers in the early eighties here in piedmont North Carolina. We started this at the behest of close friends, encouraging us as they were homeschooling their own son. Both of these friends were professionally trained and previously employed as educators in the public school system and felt very strongly that more and more public education (K through twelve ) was sadly missing the mark. Our child has some learning issues ( as boys often do ) which even the Christian school he was attending could not functionally address, suggesting a tutor. We could not afford that on top of private school tuition. Homeschooling became by the grace of God the best answer. Thanks to God and my wife’s diligent efforts, my son is a very well adjusted Christian man with post secondary education and an excellent career. Hey he likes things that go pow! too.
I believe it probably correlates with the advance of unions controlling education in the public sector. 🔥Flame away! 🔥 Enjoying the "clips". Thanks John.
@@choccoloccoBecause you asked. "Pardon me, but are you sure it wasn’t you?" Have no idea what this is referring too. Perhaps it is an insult but I will overlook it if it was intended that way. At 81, I have been a member of 5 different unions including the Teamsters(twice), United Steel Workers and others. I have also been in human resources for 20+ years, dealt with the local schools and have seen both sides of the coin with unions. Is there a need for them, yes, but they now have too much input/influence and really have no skin in the game as far as an investment is concerned. They get paid for every hour they work, which was the intent when they took the job. The bad survive and get the same benefits as the person who excels and can carry the load of his brother. I have two sons who quit teaching partially because of union restrictions. They are both now non union, happy, able to think for themselves and have been for almost twenty years. In my home state of Michigan(no longer there), unions are one of the major reasons the state only has approximately 21% of car production in the US. They use to the king. To close, I would ask you, who decided with the help of the Department of Education to close the public school system during the so-called "pandemic"? Those same folks continued to expected the cashier at Kroger to be there when they need food, the gas station attendant to be there when they needed gas, the hospital/emergency room to be there if there became a need, etc. What those folks all had in common was, they were exposed to may more people than any teacher ever would be but didn't feel the need to fulfill their commitment. I may also ask, why is it that charter and private schools excel far above public schools and for a lot less money in producing a better product. I am NOT saying all members fit into this category. Some are just caught up in the bureaucracy of others and no alternative if they want to play "the game". I do not expect to influence you in any way. I too, once had your mindset but time has changed it, along with many other beliefs. I only responded because you asked me to "Please explain". That I did and will NOT be commenting on the subject again. You may have the last word if you wish. I still respect your having a different opinion than I. Thanks. PS: I hope Hickok45 doesn't read this and find all of my bad grammar.😊
"Academic Advisors, so many people that have to justify their positions", you said it all their man! Those people get those positions on the Peter Principal where they have risen to their level of incompetence. I always tried to envision them in the classroom; in fact, one was reassigned to the classroom. Those things don't end well.
I taught public high school from 2005-2022. I left teaching for many reasons. I can relate to your thoughts on it. I don’t have much faith in the public education system now.
I taught in a HS from '90 to '20. Also taught as an adjunct professor for a few years. For several years in a row, I had more students score 3 or above taking various AP Exams than EVERY other teacher combined in every other subject. (Mine were US Govt, and Macroeconomics). Not only were these results ignored upon an evaluation score, which actually decreased, but I was told to find ways to "improve." I was over 50 and got the point. I began the process to retire. As soon as I submitted my paperwork to do so, I was all but ignored; they knew I was leaving for good. The truth is, many Administrators prefer young women right out of college compared to older men. They are far easier to intimidate and easier on the eyes. I do miss seeing how happy the kids were after doing so well.
Many of the young women out of school are complete morons too. They thought they were on a reality TV show and were going to be celebrities/millionaires if they did everything the principal and con-artist professional day speakers said.
And by 1973 had everyone within commuting distance to a junior college, including way out in the desert. An admirable goal achieved, actually, unlike Arizona or West Virginia.
Absolutely right. This was my experience too. It got harder and harder to teach as people a long way from the classroom demanded more and more control. The voices of the kids and the people who know them best, the teachers and parents, were lost. I would not have made it through the last ten years of my teaching career, except that I became active in my union, first at the local level, then at the state level (remaining in the classroom the whole time). This allowed me to feel like I could still make a difference, standing up for the kids and for teachers who experienced what you are talking about. I still miss the kids, although, many are still in touch with me 14 years after retirement.
That’s a broad statement. My wife is a public school teacher and she and her peers work their butts off to teach their students. Parenting is where the problem is. More children show up to school feeling that teachers should “respect” their bad behavior and the parents support their spoiled, unruly children. When my wife began teaching in the early 1990s, she might have one or two difficult kids each year, out of 180. Noe she has 10-12 difficult children per year. We sent all three of our children to public schools. It would be hypocritical if my wife where a public school teacher and we sent our own children to private schools. Do we love our children, of course we do. They will be dealing with those “difficult children” the rest of their lives, why not prepare them early? All three of our kids, two sons and a daughter, are Eagle Scouts. One received a West Point nomination and is an Army officer now. My daughter plans to be a high school band teacher. The child problems in the classroom are a result of poor parenting. School systems have been trying to require classroom teachers to make up for poor parenting. The other problem endured by school systems is too much documentation. Students taking standardized test so often they have little ti,e to learn. Or, teachers having to document poor student behavior so that when the parent is called, it is harder for them to say, “you pickin on my baby” but they still do.
" 'The public' , ' the public interest ', ' service to the public ' , are the means, the tools , the swinging pendulums of the power-luster's self-hypnosis ." -Ayn Rand-
I left teaching for similar reasons. It’s definitely not what it used to be. I miss the kids a lot but don’t miss the profession at all. It’s great that you were able to continue teaching in a different way on TH-cam.
This video transcends EVERYTHING, we are dealing with in education today. It really is hard not to think that this was done by design, rather than laziness. Hick, you sir are a hero. A knight of days past, and an example of what we all need more of.
As a young 24yo male you still teach me, my daughter, my son and my wife, thank you. Your TH-cam channel is all about learning and reviewing firearms. Much appreciated, love you.
Great video. I’m a teacher of 10 years. What you said is 100% true. You always have to keep the students as the focus and make the big wigs justify why a change needs to occur. I have found the better you are, the more the leave you alone to do the good work.
In the 90's I decided to never send my future children to public (government) schools. Before my wife and I got pregnant I made it clear we were going to homeschool our children. That was the best decision we ever made!
I tauhgt in the state prison and the students I had were easy too teach and most were willing too learn. I taught mechanics and that was interesting too my students. I had men that were from early 20s too late 60s and it was a realy diverse bunch of men. I rarely had any problems with them and I was proud too see how well they worked together on projects.
Well, sir. There is a difference in being a teacher and an educator. From many years of watching your channel, you are an educator. This was also about the time that first group of liberal teachers and administrators were getting fully entrenched. I graduated in 72, so I was taught by more educators than teachers. Thank you for both, your time in the classroom and your time in the outdoor classroom.
Thank you for your service, I think true teaching is a "calling". You sound exactly like my siblings and their spouses. A few years ago, my sister and her husband took early retirement (their late 50's) a couple years ago. My brother is counting his days for when he can retire in a couple of years (he's 53) My sister in-law is about the same age can't wait to get out. They are waiting for the pensions to kick in. It's wasn't really the kids it was the administration and pressure from society that has run them off. Teaching is no longer the job. As a non-teacher my opinion is defund the teachers unions. We have to be able to fire the bad teachers and administrators to attract the people that have been "called" to serve. Our public school system no longer teaches kids how to think but instead they teach kids what to think.
It would've been awesome to have you as a teacher. I grew up & still live in Southeast TN. Someone else commented that you're still teaching, I'd definitely agree with that.👍🏽
Absolutely true! Your explanation mirrors my experience as a career teacher. The curricula are watered down, there are too many “educators” who have to justify their jobs, and there is far too much micromanagement of the good and competent teachers. Thank you for shooting straight! 👍
My mother retired as a high school English teacher in the mid-70’s because she could not fathom all the changes! My wife retired as a high school Math teacher in 2021 because she could no longer stand all the idiocy. I guess, it just depends on when you started teaching! I can’t imagine where we’ll be in our country in another 50 years! Thank you for continuing your education work on the range!
I agree, same here. I loved teaching. It was the most fun I have ever had. But the paperwork is a pain in the ass. I miss the good ole days. The curriculum should be up to the teacher in the classroom.
As a fellow educator and coach ( I just retired) I totally understand and agree how students have changed, and administration ruined the experience of educating, it’s what happens when you have policy being made by non educators. I really enjoy your videos and you are true to your calling still teaching
I teach several topics in the police academy and the quality of the cadets we have and how entitled they feel they are and how the administration bends for them make me want to quit. I can definitely relate .
Imagine having the privilege of being taught by this man...I'm jealous of all the kids that took this for granted
The sad part is; the industry doesn't value the Hickok types of teachers anymore.
@@chrisanthony579 Education (at least where I am in TX) doesn't value ANY teachers anymore. Just look at the pay, utter lack of support, etc. You think your kids are getting an education when their teachers have to work multiple jobs just to scrape by? 😮💨
@@andreww9513
Worse if some puritan fool comes to the board and complains about the teacher showing porn.
The board caves in instead of sendeing the fool home with dunkhead.
the porn was Michelangelos David
@@andreww9513 They're too busy trying to make your kids gay. I heard people are graduating now that can't read or write or do basic math, like at all. We've been going backwards for decades, but you're just able to really see and feel the ignorance in the last 10-15 years.
@@andreww9513 pay is solid middle class, plus union backing.
HICKOCK, you are still teaching. You simply moved out of the classroom to the range! God bless you & keep up the good work!
That's a fact. Hickok you are an icon, and when my buddies and I have issues with a particular firearm, we go right to your channel, and then it's settled.
Yep, a natural born teacher, we're glad to have him.
Have to
AMEN !!
👍👉♥️
I used to lament that our standards have gotten so low - but now I believe we have no standards.
As of when? Considering what’s being spoon fed on the world wide gossip and opinion source since the mid-90’s…or news outlets reporting their opinions and not fact based reporting… At what point in time do MAGA consider America greatest to make great, again? Our standards have always been low because it’s always been about the Benjamin’s regardless of politics and policies. I feel dinosaurs were cheated.
millennials don't care what you have to say so I quit teaching
@@somethingclever1234 I’m fairly certain the same was stated and thought by each preceding generation. Rare gems shine no matter the generation. A person is smart, people are stupid…no different than it’s always been, certainly see no change to that notion within sight.
When high schools in the state where I teach let failing students graduate by artificially raising grades, it made me realize how broken the education system has gotten.
Got to where academics was not performance driven. Use to be, a teacher was judged on rigor, classroom control, how much the kids learned, etc. That has shifted to feelings and DEI. You can now be fired for hurting someone's feelings. Standards have dropped dramatically because all races were not passing at the same rates. Solution was to drop standards to near zero. Hardly anyone gives homework anymore... even at the high school level. As a teacher, if you start have high standards and are academically rigorous, you paint a target on your back, as kids will find ways to be 'offended'. The system is eating itself, and that cancer has also been eating its way to the college level. It's gone from Kindergarten all the way through grad school. No more standing up to do your multiplication tables or being called on to read. Everyone watches the dot dance across the words on a TV. Zero accountability. The product schools are putting out now is only a shadow of what was being put out in the 90's.
Oh, you're *still* teaching, Hickok45!! Please keep it up! 🤓 👍
Amen, brother. I made it from '71 till 2004. I left for the same reasons, exactly. Good luck, you're still teaching.
If you thought 2004 was bad you can't imagine what teaching is like now lol.
Imagine teaching in 2024. They have absolutely dumbed down this country.
The dumbing down of America.
You mean it can get worse? 😃
@@cedhome7945 "Since man's mind is his basic tool of survival , his means of gaining knowledge to guide his actions---the basic condition he requires is the freedom to think and to act according to his rational judgment."
-Ayn Rand-
Europe too...
Thats why Asia will be the place where progress will happen in the future.
@@cedhome7945 Much worse. Just wait till Gen Z takes over.
Just watch the movie Idiocracy and all will be answered.
"Justify their positions"...bingo!
That’s why education budgets have gotten out of control…”middle men”…that do nothing.
Alot of that " justifying positions" going on everywhere.
ATF constantly making up rules to enforce to justify their existence. Hopefully SCOTUS getting rid of CHEVRON will change all that
I spent 35 years in law enforcement….the last ten years were the same. Headquarters grew by
leaps and bounds, expected the field to do more with less and all we were doing was justifying everyone’s position up the ladder.
yep
Taking Ag and Shop in the 60's was a great life-teaching experience! Its a shame those days are gone.
My father was a HS ag and shop teacher from the mid '60s, until the early 2000s(?) in California, then Oregon. It was definitely going downhill, even earlier... for those who had power tripping and controlling, administrators. (i.e. Principals, superintendents, school boards, etc.) Glad I finished HS, in 1984.
Ag programs still exist in Ag communities. The first high school that I taught at still offers AG and Construction electives. The Construction program builds a new house every year.
Taught high school Geology for 44 years, retired in 2014, the last 7-10 years is was no longer “fun”. So many changes inside and outside of the classroom . Society has changed so dramatically , since when I started in 1970. Really like you posts, I have learned a lot.
Taught high school for 40 years. You are absoluely correct!
In 1970 in the middle of a junior college protest/riot (where I was one of the targets, being Student Finance Chair) my Professor mentor said to me: "entitlement and special exemptions might work for catch up, as long as PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY is included if you stumble and fail. I.E. Projecting your failure to succeed by blaming anyone, everything, but yourself is a really bad idea. Fast forward 2024: Blaming anyone but yourself is now an Olympic Event of some kind.
That must have been one heck of a high school. Even the top rated high schools in my state of Wisconsin do not offer Geology as a elective much less dedicate one whole staff position to teaching it. Were you in a big mining state? You did not have to teach other physical sciences too?
@@graywind4326I was thinking the same thing, must be a very large school
Did you have to fly a rainbow flag in your classroom?
As a retired Head Custodian, I can say the last ten years were brutal. And that was for the Custodians and Maintenance. For the Teachers it was even worse.
All of these unpaid meetings, District tests sometimes every week. And to add to the complete and absolute idiocy, they closed ALL of their shop classes.
The complete and utter incompetency is EPIC.
As a former teacher and Coach I agree with you 100%. Many of the “new” educational theories are bogus. Just as you stated administrators trying to justify their jobs / salaries.
ENTIRELY bogus!!!
Could you imagine having this man for your substitute teacher!?
Yes. I had a Substitute teacher in the 3rd grade that was far better than our assigned teacher who was so bad that we could hardly understand a word she said. This was in the mid 1970's. Our Substitute looked and acted exactly like Mr. Kotter from the show Welcome back Kotter and he actually TAUGHT. We loved him and when we found out that our regular teacher was returning, every one of us in that classroom broke down and cried. It was obvious that it touched his heart because he cried too.
I was a welding instructor at a community College for 32 years my friend..I feel so blessed to have had that job I absolutely loved goin to work everyday. And to watch the young people prosper with training I helped with is a joy that's difficult to describe.
You're still a great teacher Hickok! You're an example of moderation, patience, and calmness, all of which are essential for working with firearms and becoming a fine marksman. I'm sure the kids miss you as much as you miss them.
I just retired from doing bodywork. I also worked in the 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's. The emphasis today is ALL about production. I was always concerned most with quality of the repair. No one I was working with took pride in their work. I got tired of seeing the hackers getting rewarded over the conscientious workers. It took all the fun out of the job.
I hear you brother I put up with the same BS.
As a technical writer, it's the same for us. Hurry up and put it out.
It’s all about volume because that’s what makes the most money. It doesn’t matter if that same person will ever come back because of shotty work or not. It just matters that the job was done and was paid for. Everything follows that same tune these days.
@@Addison0526I spent my entire working career (50 years) striving to make my repair look better than the factory undamaged side.I found it so frustrating that I was no longer allowed to spend the time it took. I'm retired now, earlier than I had planned, but I don't miss one bit of it.👍
And that exactly sums up what happens with under-regulated Capitalism. The permanent growth model always fails, but it fails the hardest for the workers who make the system possible.
Next year will be my 30th teaching physics and math. It was getting bad before the lockdown.Then it went completely off the rails. Nobody in their right mind would go into teaching now. Unfortunately, no one in their right mind is going into teaching right now.
SAME!!! I got out as soon as I could retire and am doing something else now. Even Physics and Chemistry were not immune from today's nonsense. Pushing rigor only puts a target on your back. Was WAY more fun when I started 30 years ago!!!
I cautioned my son that Physics, Math, and Chemistry build on each other and there is no "catch up" semeser: i.e. oh, I didn't read Moby Dick so I'll do it this month. The other side of this family were ALL in the Sciences: Supply Chain Economics, Ph. D.'s, but we've done it...to ourselves.
@@user-ov4mk9ox8ythat is only partially true, you can go back and fill in the gaps. A person has to if they want to be successful in that field.
Thomas Sowell has said the same thing
I taught high school for 39 years. 1 year retired. The last few years were no fun. No matter what, kids will sneak their cell phones. Then they hear nothing the teachers says. California wants to ban cell phones in the classroom. All states need to do it.
Did a "straw pole" in the 2010 Olympics with cell phone usage (compulsive/obsessive). Cell phones should NEVER have been allowed in the classroom. EVER. Interestingly, in the 18 to 30 demographic, the constant cell phone use was (wait for it) 96% female. What does THAT tell you??!!And like any compulsive behaviour (alcohol, drug use, bad habits) the earlier you're imprinted the worse it gets, and the harder it is to stop.
@@user-ov4mk9ox8y I am 63 years old. I have a land line phone with an answering machine. And a computer on my desk. I have a cell phone, but I only carry it for emergencies. I don't even know the phone number. I have never texted, and people are mad at me because I don't text. Things have changed. But I still would rather talk to a person instead of typing a message to them.
They can ban them all they want to, but if they don’t enforce the ban, and they won’t enforce the ban, the kids will still use them. Schools don’t want an increase in suspensions and superintendent hearings, and they surely don’t want to deal with irate parents backing up their rule breaking kids.
@@kbm-zw5jd You are right. I taught 39 years and retired 1 year ago. I thought I may miss it. NOT!
Amazing that California would lead of in something this sensible! God still loves the Golden State! Keep on praying and believing for miracles! Blessings, Happy 4th to All! gg🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🤓☝️☝️☝️
As an elementary student through the ‘70s and a graduate of the mid 80’s, I’m still stunned that the school district I grew up in did away with all the best parts of our school day (band, shop, woodworking, building trades, various clubs, etc) saying they didn’t have the budget for any of it anymore, and yet they immediately built a whole new and unneeded high school with a massive swimming complex after we graduated. All I could think was “What happened to common sense???”. My kids grew up without the option of band class, music class, art class, shop class, and several sports we had. The change in values that did away with social interaction in favor of screen time carried the highest cost of all - the total loss of a culture of cooperation.
The enshitification of society. Spending less to “save money” by neglecting what makes the human experience so valuable. You see this everywhere, now. It’s sad and unfortunate.
Class of 1969: the students that have made an imprint?? They DID things in school, and did NOT get the top grades, with a few exceptions. Band? We had/have a renowned music program. Woodworking? My buddy made a career of it. Shop? Lathe, safety, foundry, safety, drafting and all the clubs. Doing things. Fund raising. those students most active are the ones contributing to society, not being a net minus.
@@user-ov4mk9ox8y I wish people still thought like you do today. I graduated high school in 2016, there were already plenty of things that were getting cut.
@@seann2769I graduated in 2016 too. We were some of the last of the decent years
It's the same here in New Zealand. A lot of schools have done away with the shop subjects, but can afford multi million dollar sports turfs and stands. Plus to teach shop now, a degree is now retired. Back in the day, a person with a trade certificate could get into university and do a one year post graduate diploma in teaching. Not any more.
I'm a Polish guy, teaching English to other Poles in an online language school and having the best time of my life if it comes to my profession. Feeling really lucky and grateful to have gotten a literal dream job
My son, who speaks fluent Polish thanks to his Polish mother, was home-schooled for 3½ years, grade 5 to 8, with much help from Polish Internet 1:1 teachers.
We couldn't have afforded to pay Danish teachers, and he's very knowledgeable.
The Polish school books are also much nicer and inviting than their Danish counterparts.
He looked forward to each session
my great grandma was born in Poland in 1878
Completely understand. 18 yrs in a Catholic school, 10 years in public, last 10 years in a public Ib school. Your observations reflect the experiences of many. taught from 1973 to 2012, and enjoyed the classroom and students. Far too many administrators were never teachers. Ron
Amen!
You’re right. There was too much administrative oversight. Also government interference in the curriculum.
"The most vindictive resentment may be expected from the pedagogic profession for any suggestion that they should be dislodged from their dictatorial position ; it will be expressed mainly in epithets, such as ' reactionary ', at the mildest...."
- Isabel Paterson
Yep!
now do the parents
Amen, Brother! I also taught in the 1970s--MACHINE TRADES, since I was not only a college grad, but worked my way through school being an aerospace tool and die maker. Pitiful how 11th and 12 grade young men did not know what a tape measure or yardstick was. I had to teach them how to use a micrometer--measuring to 0.0001 of an inch! IMPOSSIBLE! The layers of federal overseers was horrific. You were not allowed to flunk anyone, since the "federal river of money" would dry up with zero kids attending. Discipline? I had to disarm young boys with laded 9mms, .38 revolvers and dozens of knives, shanks, machetes..and this as the 1970s!
I just retired from teaching and coaching for 38 years in the public school system. Spent 20 years teaching in California, finished up in a rural community in southern Illinois. Big difference between those two settings. Much more freedom in the farming community I finished up in. You’re right though, the bureaucrats and so called “education experts “ have changed things for the worse, one of the reasons there’s a teacher shortage.
Every time you do a youtube event you are still teaching. That's why I follow you. Thanks for still sharing your years of experience with us.
Same reason my wife quit. Administration is clueless and power hungry and make 2-3 times what the teachers do. Its upside down. She's much happier now
I did one year of "teaching" High School after six years in the military and a combat tour in Vietnam. The administrators were clearly staff oriented and the "experienced" teachers were operating in a defense mode. The system was focused on the kids who were easiest to teach and there were far too many kids surviving by being invisible to their classmates as well as the majority of the staff. This education structure deficiency has contributed to our social deterioration. But we do have multi-million dollar sports facilities and glory days.
Bingo.
It was that way. Schools focused on the kids who were actually motivated and there to get an education. It then shifted to where they spent ALL their efforts on the kids least likely to use their schooling. Standards dropped to near ZERO as the only thing that mattered was graduation rate, and nobody getting their feelings hurt. Schools now have 98% graduation rates, but all the kids need to do in order to finish is breathe the oxygen in the room. Teachers who had high standards have had their knees cut out from under them, and have become targets. This also pertains to higher level high school subjects. The product we put out in the 90's was FAR greater than what's going out the door today.
My situation as a retired Navy Chief always put me at odds with administrators and a lot of fellow teachers. I was "too strict". I also practiced "intrusive leadership". In other words, if I saw a problem, I addressed it. These qualities that were valued in the military were considered "problematic" by administrators.
Real Education does not happen in school, other than for a few really poor or illiterate household kids, and even they are being neglected. School is for schooling, not education. Don’t ever confuse those words and their meaning and school will all make sense.
"I believe, finally, that the teacher is engaged, not simply in the training of individuals, but in the formation of the proper social life.
I believe that every teacher should realize the dignity of his calling; that he is a social servant set apart for the maintenance of proper social order and the securing of the right social growth.
I believe that in this way the teacher always is the prophet of the true God and the usherer in of the true kingdom of God.” - Atheist/Darwinist/Marxist, John Dewey, father of the modern progressive schooling system.
Dude. How many years ago was that? Just sayin'.
Two years ago Maitland Jones, a New York University professor, was fired after 82 of his 350 students signed a petition against him. The complaining students said the subject was too difficult. Dr. Jones is an honored professor of organic chemistry. The inmates are running the asylum.
Organic Chemistry is too difficult. UT-Austin, BS Chemistry, Core area Organic Synthesis......thanks Dr. Gilbert, best teacher ever.
whatever pays the most...
The weak never like being weeded out.
@@fleatactical7390 Organic chem is not that bad. Discouraged students often weed themselves out.
I don't know the details of that specific case, but just because a professor is honored doesn't make him or her a good teacher. I had a professor in college who had received all the awards up and down the university, and was an absolutely horrific teacher who had no business being in the classroom. The irony is, if you looked at all of those awards that he had, not a single one was for teaching. Colleges seem to think that just because you know a subject well means you'll be to impart it upon those who don't. Very often that's not true because you don't remember how difficult those basic concepts were before they became second nature to you. Like I said I don't know the situation here, but especially at a college level, where the students are literally the ones paying the bills, I think they have a right to decide who they want teaching them.
I too left teaching. 25 years in ended 3 weeks ago. When I started in 2000 it was before cell phones. A class of 25 kids may have 2 knuckleheads who hadn’t passed a test since their 5th grade. When I left a class of 25 high school kids 23 were knuckleheads wh hadn’t looked up from their cell phone since 5th grade and no one was legitimately interested in learning. I taught forensic science, astronomy, and environmental. I’ve taught physics, chemistry, and biology earlier in my career so that was basically all of the science classes that exist and when almost no high school kid cared anymore a profound sadness overtook me and I rolled out never to return. Bittersweet retirement for me.
Bingo.
You did your best.
That's all that's required.
Enjoy your freedom.
I had a cell phone in 1990 and when it rang, I made money. In Japan in 1990 you couldn't get a cell phone unless you needed it for your service: doctor, in the field profession, etc. Cell phones should NEVER have been allowed in the class anymore than stereo headphones would have been during a lecture. Essentially, we'd joke 600 men ruled the world in 1970. Now it's ?? SIX men!?? Kids access to unlimited phone use (and unlimited ammo) was never an idea that would fly with me. Greetings from Canada.
@@redtobertshateshandles thank you 🙏🏾
Forensic Science in high school? 🤔
My third grade teacher assigned us to watch Star Trek and discuss the episode the next day, he owned a pet shop and would bring animals in AND he was the drummer in a jazz band and would bring his kit in and play for us.
Cool!
"Reading her [ Ayn Rand's ] novels is practically a rite of passage for high school and college students..."
-Robert Tracinski-
Words of wisdom, we’ve definitely gone down in many areas of our lives in the USA, hard to find a good/great teacher and impossible to deal with behavior issues.
It's possible, someone like Hickok can deal with behavior in a fair non-dictatorial way.
Good morning! I had some good teachers growing up (I’m in my 50’s now). I wish today’s teachers were more like you…having common sense and the freedom to actually teech (spelling error on purpose!!!). Have a great day.
I wish I was taught by this man. Love you Hickok you are the best!
I had (have) a learning disability that made me decide to drop out of High School and join the Military. Got a GED and a couple of easy College Credits and off I went.
20 years later I had a BS in Business, a completed career in the Military and had a Family.
Not everyone fits the mold they try and pour us into, sometimes a Talented Educator can spot that.
WELL SAID!!! I wish I had that educator! But I’m blessed to kno That my niece and nephew are being homeschooled, and they will benefit greatly from that more so than the BS taught in teaching public schools!
You are absolutely correct. Some people fill the position of teacher while others become Educators. There is a huge difference but no way to compensate the Educators for their dedication and talent. My mother was an Educator for 38 years in a small rural high school. She was teaching the grandchildren of some of her first students. She loved teaching and always said that the teachers that couldn’t teach eventually ended up in the “office”. They couldn’t get rid of them so they moved them into management.
@@PapaA7145The ability to teach is a talent. No amount of education or advanced degrees can make Someone good at it if they don’t have that gift. And unfortunately, the educational system ignores that fact and demands that people who are naturally gifted at teaching, but haven’t jumped through all the formal hoops of an education degree, go back and start over, regardless of their talent and knowledge or experience in the subject matter. I have known far too many teachers who literally couldn’t teach their way out of a paper bag. The system needs to figure out a better way of identifying and recruiting teachers who are truly talented and haven’t simply checked all the boxes. Two cliches seem to be on point, unfortunately: those who can, do; those who can’t, teach; those who can’t teach, teach teachers and one from my college days - when you couldn’t succeed in your major, everyone said, “well, there’s always El Ed” (elementary education). On top of that we need higher standards for the students in terms of comprehension, respect, discipline, behavior and participation in the classroom.
So, the bureaucracy destroyed education. Gee...who would have thought? 🤔
Now imagine what the bureaucracy has done to the federal government.
"He who lives by a legalized sword will perish by a legalized sword."
-Ayn Rand-
Just wait til you see where all the money in our grotesquely overpriced healthcare system went these past couple of decades. Hint: it’s not the people doing patient care.
Actually the entire point of public state education invented by the Germans was to eradicate Christianity from t he culture and this was the desire for those who wanted it in the USA. Now the opposite values are being taught. As far as higher education its wild to think that Harvard was started by protestant Christians. Now its a commie factory.
Schools for the masses were never meant to convey correct information, otherwise the power structure would be exposed. Schools are to train behavior for the peasants, so they are easy to rule.
How do you do something without bureaucracy?
I graduated high school in 76. I had some great teachers! We were taught *how* to think, not *what* to think.
One of the most influential people in my life was my senior year of high school English teacher. That was more like an introduction to Philosophy than an English class. This was 1975-76, and he was super square, with a crew cut, but despite our cultural differences, he really opened my mind to a world that had been hidden from me until then.
You sir are an American treasure !!! Thank you for everything you have done in your community. And on u tube . ❤
Teaching is a hard, thankless, incessant slog. It’s also the most important work in the world.
"The disgracefully low level of education in America today is the predictable result of a State-controlled school system. "
-Nathaniel Branden-
I feel grateful to have taught for over 20 years in my own school without libs interfering.
It's that last bit that keeps me going.
No, there are plenty of more important jobs than teaching.
@@jordanandrew2786 Who do you think would know how to do those "more important jobs" if it wasn't for teachers?
I agree 100%. I was a teacher (public school) in the late 1960s and could see it coming. I became a principal in early 1970s and couldn't really help the downfall of education - I left education in 1980 and went to work in the private sector. Like you, I loved teaching, and thought about going back to teaching in weaker moments. I would say to you, thanks for your service and don't look back.
Over twenty years teaching in Florida and the same problem. Felt like I was getting better as well, but had to leave for my own sanity. It's all these administrators that spent 3 years teaching, got their online doctorate, demand to be called doctor, and are now running creative teachers out because they don't measure up to what Eastern Western Kentucky online said was a good teacher. It really is too bad.
I'm still teaching after all these years, and you are right. State tests, new educational theories ('project-based learning' seems to be the current rage) that don't match the tests but we have to do them because This One Will Work (just all the others, now forgotten), Social-Emotional Learning, DEI even in math (calculating 'fairness' intrudes regularly), records of English Language Learners and Individualized Education Plans that have to be filled out and kept up-to-date, unsupportive parents you only hear from when their child was given detention even though you left a voicemail because they didn't answer the phone, lawyers, expected unpaid time at school, sleep deprivation, there are a changing number of continual changes in education these days. Pacing guides have to be turned in at the start of the year and vetted, lesson plans for the week approved by administration, benchmark tests, progress assessments, observations and evaluations, and always, always concern for that end--of-year-exam. Sometimes I grit my teeth when filling out forms, keeping yet more records, or grading papers late at night (or late papers late at night).
And yet, and yet. The kids have an energy that is contagious, many of them really do want to learn, watching them light up when they realize that they just did what they were convinced they could not, A's on tests, intensity in debates, depth in research, learning to find more truth then they had been told existed, rejoicing at university acceptance, graduation, a future. I understand the reasons that teachers leave education. A few of my friends have done so, and I have wondered if I shouldn't. But the kids' greetings in the morning, the questions after school, the trust when a sobbing student reveals all the hurt that's going on at home, thankful that an adult thinks enough of her to actually listen, the gratitude for extra help, the drawings that go on the wall, the unexpected gift of a rubber duck for my collection in the classroom, the smiles, the jokes (and some are good), the hearts, the minds, keep me going. I suppose I will retire soon, I have to some time. But until then I remind the kids that they are our future as well as their own, that they will cast their votes and shape this country, they will have their own families and pass on to them what they learned in class and on the field. They are our hope.
TY! For this, as Retired Educator I can feel your passion/love for teaching spun into your comments. Like with anythang else a good Educator, will always be a good Educator.
No matter the yr., time or place 90% of My Children/Students all responded, to knowing someone cares about their feelings/progression & success. Continued BLESSINGS on Educating Our Future. One question I do have is, What is your feelings on tenure? P.S. this is My Husbands YT. I asked him to look out for your reply🙃
Homeschooled our youngest, (10 yrs old), until 3rd grade. He wanted and needed the socialization. Miss him being home though and knowing what he's learning and don't like some of what he has learned.
We homeschooled initially, for the same reason we put our daughter into one of the best schools in the area starting in 2nd grade. After two years, I’m happy with some things but the other kids have warped her personality. She used to be very conversant with adults, people were always impressed with how well she spoke, and how she would look you in the eye. Now that she’s with all the other kids, she’s started to act like a weird little robot…kind of like the cartoon characters everyone else watches. Also, noticeably defeminized. Thankfully, two weeks into summer break she’s coming back to humanity again. Will enjoy that for the next two months I guess. Hopefully it doesn’t stick.
Flee public indoctrination centers! The Left destroys everything it touches: education, sports, medicine.
@@Alifarliam Ill never understand people like you who know, and openly state, that your child is being warped and deranged by their "schooling." then you finish with, "yeah we're sending her back there again soon though." I guess your free time is worth more than your childs sanity overall.
@@milesstover3724 it’s the best private classical catholic school around our area. they study the trivium and quadrivium and all that. They are learning Latin, and there’s absolutely no PC shenanigans. Also, we all signed a pledge to not give our kids smart phones. Theoretically, it should be close to perfect. But not all of the parents are following the program as closely as I would have hoped.
You are teaching more than ever. What an inspiration.
Thank you Sir for your teaching service. Now you have a bigger classroom and we are blessed to have you with us.
Amazing.... My retired teacher wife has said the same things I've just heard in your video. The kicker for her... she didn't receive any support from the school administration staff on a needed discipline for a student. Two months later... she retired at the end of the academic year.
FACTS!!!! Was WAY more fun to teach 30 years ago!!!
"Education should be liberated from the control or intervention of government, and turned over to profit-making private enterprise , not because education is unimportant but because education is so crucially important. "
-Nathaniel Branden-
@@BeefT-Sq the Great experiment, the "Universality" of education meant it should be inexpensive. It was a great experiment for fifty years. And it's over.
When the bell rings in Mr. Hickok's first hour homeroom class-----All assignments get turned in on time, and desks gets cleaned out before lineup at the door.
I’m 41 and I’ve been teaching since I was 22. Back in 2005 maybe a couple of high school kids had a cell phone.
Today every teenager has a smartphones and electronics have me competing again the entire internet for the attention.
I’m not sure how it’ll ever go back.
I know in the public school system I grew up in during the 1970’s and 80’s things were far too lax. We had several male teachers who were near-do-well former athletes. That meant EVERYTHING in a run down former industrial city in the northeast. Just even being related to a former notable jock was enough to give teachers a pass.
My first day in junior high school a science teacher emerged from the lab supply room in a haze or pot smoke and I walked in on my English teacher snorting a line of coke off his desk.
My dad’s reaction (or lack of) stunned me. My dad was strict and lived a very upright lifestyle. WW2 vet. But damn, his reaction was “Well his Dad was the coach of the 1928 nation championship football team” and “Oh, he played fullback in the 1968 state championship team.” So the parents who gave the system a pass because of past glory played a big part.
They hire way too many coaches too. The whole youth sports system in the US is messed up. Very few of these kids will even play at a serious program in college, why do they act like it's everything?
Been there, done that for 37 years, it has changed for the worse!
“No student left behind” was the beginning of the end imho.
Absolutely was, because instead of helping the students who were behind... they slowed the roll on the other kids to keep everyone on the same bus.
Good point! And coming from a teacher of over twenty years-"and no teacher left standing!"
No, Student left behind
You can thank George W. Bush and the religious right for this. They are the ones came up with this 'no child left behind' scheme.
@cockyhemi-123 Exactly!!!!
As an electrician who five years ago started as a vocational teacher (16-19yo students) in Sweden, I can relate to much of what you say. Although we don't have much micromanagement we suffer from "new public management". It slims down the organization by moving paperwork from the administration to the teachers.
I was in trade school right around when covid hit, and a lot of my teachers were quitting due to forced classes telling them they were racist and all that sort of thing. Anti bias training, etc. It really rubbed them the wrong way
I got “downsized” last September and it seems like 60-70% of the folks in the network and development classes for finding a new position were all teachers. A LOT of Teachers have had it.
In the explanation that one of them told me “I wanted to teach High School from 20 years ago.”
I feel the teachers today don’t have the kids best interest at heart. It’s about the off days, retirement. There are exceptions for sure, but kids aren’t learning the basics anymore. Too many high school seniors don’t even know who the US fought in WW2
Absolute nonsense.
The wrong enemy
That’s because a bunch of communists want teachers to give up their time and teach for free. Every time the union asks for a raise or that teachers get paid for time they spend doing work outside of the classroom, suddenly there isn’t money to go around.
Still teaching, 15 years in. Admin leaves me alone, but I’m in an inner city school. Not always easy to break the kids away from their phones, but always worth it.
Is reading comprehension bad?
@@Wilhelm4131 pretty horrible, even in my AP classes.
@@Wilhelm4131 Seems to be exceptionally so. Our librarian told us not to discourage texting because at least they were reading. Reading comprehension is the fundamental weakness that makes everything else harder.
You have been my fire arms teacher for the last 12 years!! Thank You!!
GW Bush “no child left behind” killed it!
I'm 48 years old and I seem to be feeling old even at my age watching how things are now. In my mid 30's I became a hunter safety instructor here in New York and did that for 5 years. I ended up getting hurt on the job but was looking forward to coming back into it again, but then the whole change in NYS happened around 2012 or so began and the micromanagement by the biologists of the hunter safety program began and instructors began to quit one after the other, because there was now no protection of instructors from any sort of accusations, where as before, there would be some investigation, etc. I knew one veteran instructor who quit because a new, more "progressive" instructor felt he wasn't doing the job correctly. I almost resigned then because I was there during the incident and no one from NYS even asked me what I happened. But, I stayed on, and now, most of what is being taught is environmental nonsense and less common sense. Also, NYS has made it so that most of the actual course is done online and there's no actual way for the instructors to say who is taking the test, there's only a follow up with the student later. Last school year I began teaching an after school history club because the history classes teach next to nothing. My students are 5th grade on up to seniors, although it's the middle school kids who want to be into it. Since we're here in the Adirondacks, I try to teach local history, with artifacts, things like that of events here, like French & Indian War, Rev War, etc. When I proposed this, I was fought tooth and nail by the superintendent, despite the fact that I was endorsed by two local historical societies and the former school superintendent. I was also fought by the history / social studies teachers. Every month got more popular than the previous and coming up I'm going to have a tent at my local July 4th celebration and this coming school year I hope to bring some reenactors in. The one thing about being an after school club, I have a lot more leeway than if I was to follow the curriculum. I've also gotten the school to do more field trips because the teachers didn't want to do them, even admitting it at a school board meeting, and I found that many local museums are free to schools & will reimburse transportation. Two years ago, the middle & high school kids had no field trips at all, last year those same kids had two, even three field trips in the same year because most were free to the school, and they even ended up going to Ellis Island. The biggest thing is that parents need to get involved in what's being done in their schools. I go to just about every school board meeting when I can, and rarely are there any parents there besides myself and never have I seen more than 10 and that was once. More often it's 2-3 parents besides myself, a few teachers and some staff and the board/administration members.
That's WHY high end schools in rich areas field top Speech and Debate teams whereas schools in blue collar area simply don't even have such activities. The parents in the high end areas know the value.
Hickok, I left my principal position in 2013. Like you, I became so very dissatisfied. I was not able to continue, for a number of reasons. I appreciate your honesty. ATB
SPOT ON HICKOCK! You hit the nail squarely on the head. I too, was a teacher (public school) with one other exception to your story. I loved my students but saw the erosion of ‘the system’ a bit sooner. I began teaching in 1962. I left the classroom in 1980 and never looked back. I went on to my second career. To this day, I miss the interaction with students. The system is broken and the students are paying the price.
"Maybe that's a good thing if you're a bad teacher. You hit the nail on the head, my friend." 'Nuff said.
Reading, Writing, Math, Geography, (Real, accurate) US History... And damn the propoganda. Seriously, that is NOT "education." That is, by definition, INDOCTRINATION.
now its the three R's Readin, Ritin, and Rithmetic
Students of my generation were more preoccupied with fashion, trending and most importantly athletics; there was no room for education. Every generation laments those who follow in their footsteps.
Add to that, our national decline began in the 50’s into 60’s. Each generation after feeling entitlement for one reason or another, taking absolute advantage of those who came before.
The fault lies with parenting or lack thereof, blaming anyone and everyone else for their piss poor life choices and issues. Blame those you send to represent you without fact checking the one source none can deny…their public voting record. Those who agree with their elected representatives, great! Proof our system of governance is working for you.
Very few of my classmates cared for social sciences, U.S. and world history. I’d like to know your source of (Real, accurate) US History…or definition. I’ve no idea what’s taught today since I’m no longer a student and my children grown. I do know basic U.S. civics was taught and 95% or better not paying attention 35 years ago is one major factor why we’re in the decline we’re in. Lack of education, credible news sources; left, right or indifferent and social media are 100% the reason.
The business world has changed as well. As a field representative I could sell my products and use my people skills and confidence in my products to sell them. Calling on customers consistently and being honest were my traits. I was highly successful. Then, micro managing came into play and what a disaster! The MBA’s took over with a vengeance. I retired early and never looked back. I just feel bad for the young people who are dealing with this mess!
Thank you for your service to our children. I wish I could’ve been one of your students!
As a teacher's aid at the University of North Texas in 2019, I had to go through workplace harassment training. I had to sign a form that I understood my responsibilities, one of which was--it's inappropriate to ask a student or teacher where they are from because it can be interpreted as a microaggression of xenophobia. Every professor job I apply for since getting my masters literally states on the application that I have a better chance of getting hired if I identify as disabled because they have to meet a quota. If they are prioritizing disabled people I can't imagine how much they're prioritizing people who aren't white and male. The entire system needs to be shut down and reconstructed from the ground up and that means completely disabling part of our economy for a while and tens of thousands of jobs being lost, but the alternative is a race to the bottom.
This is the very reason that after earning my Masters, I never tried to teach. The world changed, but I didn't.
And that's why it will never happen. Stop worrying and learn to love chaos because it's coming.
The Theatre of the Absurd is that this is in North Texas, a "freedom fry" jurisdiction and the LAST place you'd expect this entitlement to be entrenched. It's like Canada: we've absorbed through academics, and politicians that spend most of their time in the USA, the same guilt trip. Yes, Canada has ONE really major issue: the treatment of it's First Nations, which is NOW being addressed with all kinds of "kash", housing programs, entitlements. but the REST OF THE LIST?? Nothing to do with us. Feel your pain. Shout out to Odessa and Waco. !!
Yes. I taught in El Paso where the "demographics of the faculty must replicate the demographics of the underlying tax-paying community." So hiring decisions were based upon "race, color, religion, sex or national origin," that is, the exact properties the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 demands you cannot base hiring decisions on.
@John-dw5pn the cra was race communism
Dropping out of school was the best decision I ever made. Worked hard, invested my money and retired in Hawaii at age 36.
Bet you were an amazing teacher and coach!!!
Sir, thank you for sharing this! I’m sure you were an inspiration to many a young person as a professional educator. I’m in my early seventies and my son is in his early forties. We both love to watch your videos ! You’re still a great teacher just a different subject maybe!
My wife and I decided to home school my son starting in his first years all the way through high school. We were pioneers in the early eighties here in piedmont North Carolina. We started this at the behest of close friends, encouraging us as they were homeschooling their own son. Both of these friends were professionally trained and previously employed as educators in the public school system and felt very strongly that more and more public education (K through twelve ) was sadly missing the mark. Our child has some learning issues ( as boys often do ) which even the Christian school he was attending could not functionally address, suggesting a tutor. We could not afford that on top of private school tuition. Homeschooling became by the grace of God the best answer. Thanks to God and my wife’s diligent efforts, my son is a very well adjusted Christian man with post secondary education and an excellent career. Hey he likes things that go pow! too.
In CA new legislation this month: students cannot be suspended for willful defiance. Huge impact on classroom management.
I believe it probably correlates with the advance of unions controlling education in the public sector.
🔥Flame away! 🔥
Enjoying the "clips". Thanks John.
Absolutely not. The unions have nothing to do with that, nor do they have that kind of influence.
If they did not exist, it would be far, far worse.
@@choccolocco I respect your comment.
My experience with them, 5 of them as a member, has been much different.
@@JimE6243
Please explain.
And “5 unions”?
Pardon me, but are you sure it wasn’t you?
@@choccoloccoBecause you asked.
"Pardon me, but are you sure it wasn’t you?" Have no idea what this is referring too. Perhaps it is an insult but I will overlook it if it was intended that way.
At 81, I have been a member of 5 different unions including the Teamsters(twice), United Steel Workers and others. I have also been in human resources for 20+ years, dealt with the local schools and have seen both sides of the coin with unions. Is there a need for them, yes, but they now have too much input/influence and really have no skin in the game as far as an investment is concerned. They get paid for every hour they work, which was the intent when they took the job. The bad survive and get the same benefits as the person who excels and can carry the load of his brother.
I have two sons who quit teaching partially because of union restrictions. They are both now non union, happy, able to think for themselves and have been for almost twenty years.
In my home state of Michigan(no longer there), unions are one of the major reasons the state only has approximately 21% of car production in the US. They use to the king.
To close, I would ask you, who decided with the help of the Department of Education to close the public school system during the so-called "pandemic"? Those same folks continued to expected the cashier at Kroger to be there when they need food, the gas station attendant to be there when they needed gas, the hospital/emergency room to be there if there became a need, etc. What those folks all had in common was, they were exposed to may more people than any teacher ever would be but didn't feel the need to fulfill their commitment. I may also ask, why is it that charter and private schools excel far above public schools and for a lot less money in producing a better product.
I am NOT saying all members fit into this category. Some are just caught up in the bureaucracy of others and no alternative if they want to play "the game".
I do not expect to influence you in any way. I too, once had your mindset but time has changed it, along with many other beliefs.
I only responded because you asked me to "Please explain". That I did and will NOT be commenting on the subject again. You may have the last word if you wish.
I still respect your having a different opinion than I.
Thanks.
PS: I hope Hickok45 doesn't read this and find all of my bad grammar.😊
"Academic Advisors, so many people that have to justify their positions", you said it all their man! Those people get those positions on the Peter Principal where they have risen to their level of incompetence. I always tried to envision them in the classroom; in fact, one was reassigned to the classroom. Those things don't end well.
Words of Wisdom as usual. Greetings from Germany
I taught public high school from 2005-2022. I left teaching for many reasons. I can relate to your thoughts on it. I don’t have much faith in the public education system now.
They wouldn't let him bring his guns ...
I taught in a HS from '90 to '20. Also taught as an adjunct professor for a few years. For several years in a row, I had more students score 3 or above taking various AP Exams than EVERY other teacher combined in every other subject. (Mine were US Govt, and Macroeconomics). Not only were these results ignored upon an evaluation score, which actually decreased, but I was told to find ways to "improve." I was over 50 and got the point. I began the process to retire. As soon as I submitted my paperwork to do so, I was all but ignored; they knew I was leaving for good. The truth is, many Administrators prefer young women right out of college compared to older men. They are far easier to intimidate and easier on the eyes. I do miss seeing how happy the kids were after doing so well.
Many of the young women out of school are complete morons too. They thought they were on a reality TV show and were going to be celebrities/millionaires if they did everything the principal and con-artist professional day speakers said.
Thanks for the video!
900 school districts in California!
And by 1973 had everyone within commuting distance to a junior college, including way out in the desert. An admirable goal achieved, actually, unlike Arizona or West Virginia.
No Child Left Behind and D.E.I...
It just got woke.
The best Educators never stop teaching. All of your Viewers are testimony to that. Thank you👍
Absolutely right. This was my experience too. It got harder and harder to teach as people a long way from the classroom demanded more and more control. The voices of the kids and the people who know them best, the teachers and parents, were lost. I would not have made it through the last ten years of my teaching career, except that I became active in my union, first at the local level, then at the state level (remaining in the classroom the whole time). This allowed me to feel like I could still make a difference, standing up for the kids and for teachers who experienced what you are talking about. I still miss the kids, although, many are still in touch with me 14 years after retirement.
I feel a parent doesn’t actually love their kid if they send them to a public school knowing how bad it is.
That’s a broad statement. My wife is a public school teacher and she and her peers work their butts off to teach their students. Parenting is where the problem is. More children show up to school feeling that teachers should “respect” their bad behavior and the parents support their spoiled, unruly children. When my wife began teaching in the early 1990s, she might have one or two difficult kids each year, out of 180. Noe she has 10-12 difficult children per year.
We sent all three of our children to public schools. It would be hypocritical if my wife where a public school teacher and we sent our own children to private schools. Do we love our children, of course we do. They will be dealing with those “difficult children” the rest of their lives, why not prepare them early? All three of our kids, two sons and a daughter, are Eagle Scouts. One received a West Point nomination and is an Army officer now. My daughter plans to be a high school band teacher. The child problems in the classroom are a result of poor parenting. School systems have been trying to require classroom teachers to make up for poor parenting. The other problem endured by school systems is too much documentation. Students taking standardized test so often they have little ti,e to learn. Or, teachers having to document poor student behavior so that when the parent is called, it is harder for them to say, “you pickin on my baby” but they still do.
" 'The public' , ' the public interest ', ' service to the public ' , are the means, the tools , the swinging pendulums of the power-luster's self-hypnosis ."
-Ayn Rand-
I left teaching for similar reasons. It’s definitely not what it used to be. I miss the kids a lot but don’t miss the profession at all. It’s great that you were able to continue teaching in a different way on TH-cam.
I graduated HS in 2013. Fantastic energy you and your son. Thank you. ❤️
Thank you Hickok for continuing your education through TH-cam and other platforms. 👏 😊 much appreciated
This video transcends EVERYTHING, we are dealing with in education today. It really is hard not to think that this was done by design, rather than laziness. Hick, you sir are a hero. A knight of days past, and an example of what we all need more of.
As a young 24yo male you still teach me, my daughter, my son and my wife, thank you. Your TH-cam channel is all about learning and reviewing firearms. Much appreciated, love you.
Great video. I’m a teacher of 10 years. What you said is 100% true. You always have to keep the students as the focus and make the big wigs justify why a change needs to occur. I have found the better you are, the more the leave you alone to do the good work.
In the 90's I decided to never send my future children to public (government) schools. Before my wife and I got pregnant I made it clear we were going to homeschool our children. That was the best decision we ever made!
What a thoughtful, balanced and generous summary of your teaching career. Burned into my mind!
I tauhgt in the state prison and the students I had were easy too teach and most were willing too learn. I taught mechanics and that was interesting too my students. I had men that were from early 20s too late 60s and it was a realy diverse bunch of men. I rarely had any problems with them and I was proud too see how well they worked together on projects.
Well, sir. There is a difference in being a teacher and an educator. From many years of watching your channel, you are an educator.
This was also about the time that first group of liberal teachers and administrators were getting fully entrenched.
I graduated in 72, so I was taught by more educators than teachers. Thank you for both, your time in the classroom and your time in the outdoor classroom.
Thank you for your service, I think true teaching is a "calling".
You sound exactly like my siblings and their spouses. A few years ago, my sister and her husband took early retirement (their late 50's) a couple years ago. My brother is counting his days for when he can retire in a couple of years (he's 53) My sister in-law is about the same age can't wait to get out. They are waiting for the pensions to kick in. It's wasn't really the kids it was the administration and pressure from society that has run them off. Teaching is no longer the job.
As a non-teacher my opinion is defund the teachers unions. We have to be able to fire the bad teachers and administrators to attract the people that have been "called" to serve. Our public school system no longer teaches kids how to think but instead they teach kids what to think.
It would've been awesome to have you as a teacher. I grew up & still live in Southeast TN. Someone else commented that you're still teaching, I'd definitely agree with that.👍🏽
Absolutely true! Your explanation mirrors my experience as a career teacher. The curricula are watered down, there are too many “educators” who have to justify their jobs, and there is far too much micromanagement of the good and competent teachers. Thank you for shooting straight! 👍
My mother retired as a high school English teacher in the mid-70’s because she could not fathom all the changes! My wife retired as a high school Math teacher in 2021 because she could no longer stand all the idiocy. I guess, it just depends on when you started teaching! I can’t imagine where we’ll be in our country in another 50 years! Thank you for continuing your education work on the range!
I agree, same here. I loved teaching. It was the most fun I have ever had. But the paperwork is a pain in the ass. I miss the good ole days. The curriculum should be up to the teacher in the classroom.
As a fellow educator and coach ( I just retired) I totally understand and agree how students have changed, and administration ruined the experience of educating, it’s what happens when you have policy being made by non educators. I really enjoy your videos and you are true to your calling still teaching
Your still teaching Sir
“Life is Good”
I teach several topics in the police academy and the quality of the cadets we have and how entitled they feel they are and how the administration bends for them make me want to quit. I can definitely relate .
For the sheriff?
Coming from a family of teachers, They have all reflected the same feelings about teaching as you. Their loss is our gain. Love the videos