Teacher Credentials

William Chitwood (“Pinch-Hitters in the Credentials Game,” Valley Perspective, July 11) points out that officials stress teaching licenses more than college majors, but he doesn’t ask why. I believe I know the reason: In the present state of affairs, they don’t have a choice. When he says “they should insist” that teachers be properly qualified, he’s ignoring the fact that at the moment they’re not in a position to “insist” on anything. Why? Because there is a desperate shortage of fully qualified candidates, not just in civics but in many fields.

During the past year I have worked for the L.A. school district as a substitute teacher in the San Fernando Valley, grades 6-12, mostly in my major, but in other subjects as well because the shortage extends to substitutes. I’ve seen that schools are constantly struggling to fill positions. Some may even go unfilled for an entire year, with one or a series of substitutes doing the job because a qualified candidate can’t be found.

Why? Even without considering the most highly publicized deterrent to new teachers--inadequate pay--the job of a teacher remains exceedingly difficult, frustrating and sometimes even impossible. Begin with the fact that schools are often dilapidated and almost always overcrowded, and administrators often don’t back teachers up on discipline problems. But what I’ve heard teachers most often decry is the unwillingness of many students--far too many these days--to do their best, and to cooperate.

Here’s where the parents come in. A friend of mine, a dedicated high school English teacher for the past decade, recently told me of a call he placed to a parent whose child was consistently disruptive and refusing to work. “Well, he’s never had any trouble before,” the parent responded, “so you must be the problem.” If we’re going to talk to our teachers this way, and put them in classrooms with up to 40 students, and underpay them and demand that they have optimum qualifications, then somebody’s dreaming.

But here’s the good news: Parents can, and must, help turn this around. They must send their children to school ready to learn, help them any and every way they can at home, and follow through with consequences--as well as rewards, even if it’s just “I’m so proud of you.” They must take advantage of school-sponsored tutoring, intercession programs, and summer school classes (all free of charge) that are offered to all students who are struggling or who want to strengthen their skills. Some parents for a variety of reasons are not able to do what’s necessary, but the overwhelming majority can.

Responsible parents have it in their power to transform education in this district, in the state and across the country. Better students will make teachers better--and when teachers are indeed falling down on the job, parents who are involved will know and can take action.

MAUREEN FOSTER, Sherman Oaks

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I am disturbed by the characterization of unqualified social studies teachers made by William Chitwood

I am a government/economics teacher at John Marshall High School in Los Angeles. I hold a standard secondary credential with specialization in history and political science due to my major and minors in college. It allows me to teach grades 7 through junior college.

Unfortunately, there is no class called “political science.” Despite the fact that everyone “knows” that political science is government, until I signed a waiver to teach social science, I could not teach government, a course I am more than qualified to teach. My classes include discussion, primary source evaluation and simulations as well as traditional lecture and the obligatory graphic organizers.

Most social studies teachers at Marshall are more than qualified to teach any of the myriad social science classes offered. Many hold master’s degrees and are dedicated to the field of education. In addition, one social studies teacher is the baseball coach, one is a JV football coach, one is girls soccer coach, one is a volleyball coach, one is a mock trial coach, one is the Academic Decathlon coach and one is a former Academic Decathlon coach.

At one time there were three attorneys teaching social studies at Marshall. Just because a teacher is called “coach,” he/she is not excluded from the ranks of good teaching. I think Mr. Chitwood should see the good things that are happening in public schools. I would be happy to have him come to Marshall for a visit.

GAYLE PLATT, Chatsworth