One of the problems

with our education system is this phrase, which appears is almost every job listing for teachers --

"Preference will be given to applicants with qualifications and willingness to coach."

As one of my colleagues recently said, "Do we want a teacher OR a coach."

John Merrow has called for the U.S. to stop its attitude that "anyone can teach."  How would things change if we adopted that attitude with coaching?

Again as my colleague said, "I just can't understand an education system that doesn't higher an outstanding teaching who doesn't coach in favor of an average teacher who can fill three coaching positions."

Neither can I.

Now, I coach.  I have for every year I've taught.

But they aren't vital.  They're a luxury.  Great teachers are vital.  Great teachers are essential.  Period.

And if you don't think great teachers aren't essential, my guess is because you never had one.  You had an average teacher who could coach.  And that just perpetuates the problem.