Alternative Sources for Teachers

Today there is available a resource for teachers that is not being utilized. This resource is widely used within the business community but it is not recognized in the academic community. This resource involves people who are trained to teach specific courses for their respective business organizations. They regularly teach their cohorts. and help them understand the details of specific subjects or programs. This resource is I believe is underutilized in the academic community. People without degrees are generally not recognized as qualified teachers. Many of these people would be interested in becoming involved with the academic system of our country. They are however, not allowed to do so. Bringing the experience of the business environment into the classroom is important. This provides the opportunity to help students better understand how specific subjects play a part in society.

People who often train in the business environment often do not have any recognized degree that would qualify them to teach. This does not mean that they are not capable of teaching. Degrees are a wonderful thing and teachers who have them for their specific subjects are great for our schools. However, having a degree does not guarantee that an individual is capable of teaching to students in a classroom environment. Earning a degree does not provide the hands on experience of a teaching environment unless it is part of the program. Not having a degree should not automatically reject a person from being qualified to teach.

I feel there are many individuals in our society without degrees that have both the experience and capability to teach specific subjects. Many have been trained for certain subjects or have the experience through positions they have held. They should be given the chance to teach if they have the desire to do so. While there may be some programs to become certified as a teacher, I feel many do not offer the recognition for the experience and/or training an individual has acquired through work experience.

In summary I would like to make the statement again that having a degree does not automatically mean that you have the capability to teach a subject. You may have the knowledge but being able to put that knowledge to use in teaching others is an important factor in being a teacher. I would also like to add that not having a degree should not deter academic organizations from recognizing individuals that have the experience and/or capability to teach specific subjects. If individuals have the desire to teach and the capability, then they should be given the chance. Our academic community would be better in providing experience from our business environment and help to make a connection from the classroom to society.