There is a common stereotype in education that elementary school teachers "love their kids," and high school teachers "love their content." I was talking about this with a colleague this morning, and she asked, "Why couldn't it be both?"
In truth, the stereotypes are probably something of a myth. I spent a whole morning at an elementary school, observing a three-hour long staff development activity focused around improving children's writing skills. I must say that I was surprised by the intensity and technicality of the teachers' discussions, even down to the kindergarten teachers. Love their kids? Absolutely they do. But to say they don't take writing instruction seriously would be an insult.
The last I taught in a high school setting was 2005, and even then I had little to no visibility into high school classrooms because I taught a self-contained classroom for special needs students. Though I'm sure high school teachers are passionate about what they teach, I would imagine they would be downright indignant if anyone were to suggest they didn't care for their students either.
Some might argue that stereotypes exist for a reason. But I'm going to do my part to put this particular one to permanent rest.
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