The Challenges of Teaching

Abstract

This chapter details strategies used to deal with teaching challenges. The 17 editorials, and the appreciations written by this author, address specific issues in physics education as well as education in general. “A Good and Demanding Life” and “Wealth and the Physics Teacher” present the benefits of a career spent teaching physics. Included is information about teaching salaries, summer institutes, and the responsibilities of teaching. “New Fad, Old Fraud” is a discussion of teaching innovations. “On Teaching What We Do Not Know” is about the pleasure of finding out about things. “Specialists” identifies the dual-specialist responsibility teachers have. “The Text for Today” and “Downhill Thoughts” describe challenges teachers face in making decisions about student resources and student expectations. “How Many B's Make an A?,” “The Variety of Learning Experiences,” and “Mid-Winter Grouch” describe some of the most challenging situations teachers face. “Salus ex Machina” deals with problems in education created by past events and future needs. “The Rumpelstiltskin Factor” includes details about how funds budgeted to improve education do not always do that. “A Quantitative Misconception,” “Listen!,” “Lo, The Vanishing Physics Teacher,” “No One Kissed the Physics Teacher,” and “Judgement Day” all explain challenges faced by teachers throughout their careers.