Retiring principal: ‘It is harder for us to be nice to kids’

[Spike89]

24. To a certain degree

I agree without reservation that schools/teaching can easily become over politicalized. That really isn't anything new and it probably isn't something that can be "fixed". Public education is at its very core somewhat coercive--the system takes your child and immediately becomes a major influence on them. It is natural for parents to be highly involved and interested in how schools are being run. Yes, I know that parents have some options, but not all can afford private schools (and even if they can, private schools can be just as politically volatile), and home school isn't going to work for many.

Car mechanics and air conditioning repair people, even working on just a piece of equipment, do have regulations and laws governing how they do their jobs. Dentists are required to undergo rigorous training and licensing and do face very strict government controls over what they can and cannot do to/with their patients.

Teachers are given the care of children--they should be respected, but they should also be held up to scrutiny, highest standards, and expect a huge level of oversight. They should also be paid better.