AND THE BEAT GOES ON ...

AND THE BEAT GOES ON ... I remember when I was classed as one of "the teachers oftomorrow." I was about 24 years old and weighed 30 pounds less. Itsounded strange to be called "Mr." There were six or sevenuniversities in our home state graduating career and technical teachers,instead of the current two. Rarely did we even hear of a"program" closing its doors, much less it being closed becausethere was no teacher to fill the position. Times do change ...don't they? I wonder what that means? Does it only mean that it's theyears that are changing, or as in "Fiddler On the Roof" thatit is a change of "tradition?" Or does it mean something elseentirely? As we see from the statistics, there are fewer farmers sowing Not to be confused with sewing.Sowing is the process of planting seeds.Hand sowing is the process of casting handfuls of seed over prepared ground: broadcasting. Usually, a drag or harrow is employed to incorporate the seed into the soil. the fields today than there were 30 years ago. And, yes, there appear tobe fewer young people willing to sow the seeds of knowledge in ourtraditional classrooms and labs. I wonder why. Do you? There are continuing studies and statistics being gathered that mayeventually arrive at the "real" answer and, therefore, proposefinal solutions. We all have our own thoughts and opinions that willhave to suffice suf��fice?v. suf��ficed, suf��fic��ing, suf��fic��esv.intr.1. To meet present needs or requirements; be sufficient: These rations will suffice until next week. until the "real" answer is found. Here ismine, for whatever it's worth. Our nation is in the last throes throe?n.1. A severe pang or spasm of pain, as in childbirth. See Synonyms at pain.2. throes A condition of agonizing struggle or trouble: a country in the throes of economic collapse. of nostalgia contortion, as werealize that the "little red schoolhouse" method of presenting"knowledge" is quickly becoming impotent im��po��tentadj.1. Incapable of sexual intercourse, often because of an inability to achieve or sustain an erection.2. Sterile. Used of males. on the world stage. Ibelieve that even the various vestiges of "private schools"just contrive con��trive?v. con��trived, con��triv��ing, con��trivesv.tr.1. To plan with cleverness or ingenuity; devise: contrive ways to amuse the children.2. to hang on "just a little while longer." Ibelieve that they attempt to hang on to the education process that ourgrandparents grandparentsnpl → abuelos mplgrandparentsgrand npl → grands-parents mplgrandparentsgrand npl had. But they didn't deal in the world marketplace oftoday. With the exploding opportunities for being educated that ouryoung people have today, it's no wonder that so many want to thinkand be "out of the box"--both the figurative fig��u��ra��tive?adj.1. a. Based on or making use of figures of speech; metaphorical: figurative language.b. Containing many figures of speech; ornate.2. and actual boxthat is the traditional classroom and lab of the past 200-plus years. I recall a story about the boy, David, who became a famous king.When he was about to go out to fight a giant named Goliath, his kingoffered him his armor. David dutifully du��ti��ful?adj.1. Careful to fulfill obligations.2. Expressing or filled with a sense of obligation.du tried it on, but then took it offand said, in effect, "It won't work for the job that needs tobe done." It's my thinking that the prospective young teachersof our nation are saying the same thing to those of us who are thewell-intentioned "old guard." We are saying, "Come takeover what we have built for you." They say things like, "Werespect you. We love your memory, but we have tried on your`armor,' and it won't work for the job that we think needs tobe done. Unless allowed to change the armor, we choose not to continueyour battle." As are many of you, I am astounded a��stound?tr.v. a��stound��ed, a��stound��ing, a��stoundsTo astonish and bewilder. See Synonyms at surprise.[From Middle English astoned, past participle of astonen, that we are reaching another endto the traditional school year. I am writing my farewell column as thisyear's president of the ACTE ACTE Association for Career and Technical Education (formerly American Vocational Association)ACTE Association of Corporate Travel ExecutivesACTE Approvals Committee for Terminal EquipmentACTE Anodal Closure Tetanus and look forward to the administrationof President-Elect Dianne Mondry. Summertime is approaching again, andwe are in the middle of another annual cycle of seasons. Some who arereading this column are just starting in the profession of teaching;others are considering retirement. Fifty years is about the average ageof career and technical educators across the U.S., and yet the field ofopportunity in career and technical education continues to grow. Iwonder about the seeds we are sowing and what will be their finalappearance when they reach maturity. The seed rarely resembles the finalplant, but I have faith that, if allowed, the new plant will continue tofeed those of our nation who are hungry to better themselves and toincrease their lots in life. May God bless our efforts.