The following reader comment was submitted to the Mirror D. Crockett: Given the issues in our schools with lagging test scores, lackluster student performance, poor teacher retention, etc. how can the school system justify hiring teachers to teach Middle School and High School level Math and Science who barely graduated college in the subject that they’re teaching? I know we have a severe teacher shortage in Northampton County, but we are setting up kids to fail, many who are already struggling, by having sub-par teachers who barely understand the content themselves.
Most residents understand and share this concern regarding the quality of instruction in our schools, especially in critical subjects like middle and high school math and science. The point about the need for teachers to have a strong grasp of the subjects they teach is both valid and important. Research consistently shows that teacher content knowledge is a key factor in student success, particularly in challenging STEM courses.
Northampton County Public Schools, like many districts nationwide, is grappling with a qualified teacher shortage, particularly in STEM fields. Recruiting highly qualified math and science teachers is extremely difficult, as many candidates choose to work in districts with higher salaries, larger populations, or more resources. The shortage has forced some districts to hire teachers who may not have majored in the exact subject they are teaching but are nonetheless certified and committed to student learning.
There are ways to address these challenges through multiple strategies:
- Professional development and mentoring: Teachers who may have gaps in content knowledge receive ongoing training, mentoring, and support to strengthen their understanding and instructional skills.
- Partnerships with universities and teacher preparation programs: These partnerships aim to create pipelines of highly qualified STEM educators who are ready to work in our schools.
- Retention efforts: Improving working conditions, support systems, and incentives helps retain teachers, which ultimately benefits student learning and continuity.
Students already struggling academically face the greatest risk when teachers are underprepared. We know that the county administration is committed to providing additional instructional supports, tutoring, and resources to help ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed, even amid staffing challenges.
This citizen’s concern highlights a critical issue: the need for systemic solutions to teacher recruitment and retention, as well as targeted support for students in high-need subjects. While the shortage is a significant barrier, we must remain committed to raising instructional quality and ensuring that every child has access to skilled, knowledgeable educators.
About the Author
I recently read about the incredible advances that Mississippi has made in education. Not sure what they did, but perhaps it would be worth checking out.
People naturally assume that the public school system is trying to do what’s best of the children. The fact of the matter is that these institutions have nothing to do with education. They are set up by people who, like all other people, have their own personal agendas. The public school’s true purpose is to put certain messages into the children’s heads so they’ll be more obedient of the government when they get older.
Consider the ‘grade’ system. You start off in first grade, where you’re placed not by academic ability, nor by willingness to learn, but by age. The reason for this is very simple. Most children already think of adults as if they’re their superiors, and now they’ll associate their position in the grade system with superiority. Obviously, that’s nonsense. A kid in the 5th grade may very well have less overall academic ability then a kid in the 2nd grade. Moreover, education isn’t something that can be ranked. The kind of education that tends to be more valuable later on in life is your specialization, not the sheer quantity of raw general knowledge.
Next, consider the way a classroom is structured. The teacher is in charge. The students are to listen to the teacher. This is most peculiar as well. After all, the teacher is a hired employee, who is in fact working for the students. If anything, the teacher should be listening to the concerns of the students, not the other way around. The reason the classroom setting is set up in this way is clear. The students learn at an early age to respect authority figures, so later on, they obey the government.
Mr. Bell, YOU hit the nail on the head! Anyone who doubts this is a fool! The United States has been in a relationship with the USSR for decades! They too practice mind control. The USA and USSR are allies who have controlled us with the stars and moon for 100 years. I HAVE DOCUMENTED PROOF!
If it were not for Russia we may be speaking German today.
We are at a crossroads now! We are here today to witness Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin take our countries to new heights! This is what GOD intended!!! Our enemies are real and with this strategic partnership we can prevail. Russia has duped China as well as N. Korea. Mr. Trump will save us! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
God in Christ. Christ in Man, Man over Woman and Woman over Child. This is what God intended. Look at the state of affairs in the world since this natural order has been broken. Women were never supposed to lead or be in positions of authority, except over children. What a mess.
The only ones who really care are the parents, but not enough to get involved. Our school systems are politically corrupted along with the teachers unions. The parents are passive and gullible. The Unions and Administrators are not and hold ALL power and have for a long, long time. Look at where we are and rightfully feel sad.
The offenders are the most rewarded. Take ANY failing school and see what the top administration key figures are paid in perks, salary, and benefits. They ARE the problem.
Vote them out by putting someone in charge to clean house and stick to the core mission of educating the children. Vote for someone based on what they have done, not because they have a good slogan and a stock pile of political money. We never seem to learn…and things won’t ever change until we do.
We waste so much money it’s embarrassing to grasp. Millions on an empty bike trail. Millions in Grants of public funds for things that governmental bodies have no business in. It’s too easy to rob the public. My Northampton property tax went up 12% while Social Security went up 2%.
Not every teacher is a good as we may want but make no mistake, the people in charge are responsible. Not the teachers. We should all be very upset with the way our education system has been taken over by politics, corruption, and ideological indoctrination.
It seems everything matters except the children themselves.
Women should be staying at home and raising their husbands children, instead, hey drop their infants off at daycare.
This is especially true for Middle School Science these days.
Especially High School Chemistry
“God in Christ. Christ in Man, Man over Woman and Woman over Child. This is what God intended. Look at the state of affairs in the world since this natural order has been broken. Women were never supposed to lead or be in positions of authority, except over children. What a mess.” Bro’s been laying back in that recliner, hittin’ that meth pipe, and speaking to Jesus. Lay off them bubbles old man!
Thank You!!!! Your comment only reinforces my point.