OPINION — I never expected to become a teacher. After serving in the Navy and spending more than three decades in federal law enforcement and public service, I went back to college and later taught eighth-grade social studies at an Arizona public school.
Teaching was among the most rewarding jobs I ever had, and also an eye-opener. After years in organizations built around leadership, accountability, performance and consequences, I saw public schools from a different angle.
After eight years, I was left with serious questions. When did teaching become so complicated? Teachers navigate evaluation systems, professional development, administrative initiatives and shifts in philosophy. How much time and money were spent evaluating rather than helping them teach?
