divinotter
Registered
Comparing DMs to student teachers is like comparing apples to oranges. In 20 years of teaching, many as a master teacher not one of my student teachers has been in an extreme environment and no-one ever died from not learning double digit addition. The comparison doesnt work on several levels. First, Student teaching in no-way ensures a job. Last year we had 200 applications for 1 open teaching position. DMs can DM any time they want. Next, most teachers have taken advanced coursework (i.e. calculus) and most have masters degrees, but are still not allowed to so much as put on a Band-Aid- we have to send them to the nurse for that, DMs do give first aid. Last, DMs dont teach so why the comparison to teachers in the first place? Also, most people can tell when a student teacher has their first whole class lesson that they will be good or not. There is a certain amount of art to teaching and just like skills in diving, you either get them or you dont, practice helps a lot, but some people are destined to be awkward in the water or in the classroom. The difference is that when teachers look for jobs, they usually have several letters of recommendation required and those can be carefully worded to make sure they never step into their own classroom. Like, she is gaining the skill to become a good teacher as opposed to I was never hesitant to leave the classroom with her in charge. DMs dont get letters or any kind of background checks, etc- they are just thrown in with inexperienced divers and can sometimes create an unsafe situation when a new diver needs their help and they are incapable of giving it-