Thanks for the explanation of "sensitivity"-- I guess I was thinking that "being sensitive to student needs" does not always appear "sensitive" in the eyes of the student. I was refering to the second reference to sensitivity in the article as opposed to the first when the author states that "Almost every time a child says something, she responds to it..."

A couple of other thoughts about the article:

Unlike an NFL quarterback, I believe that most (not all) people who desire to be good teachers can learn to be good teachers. It is not "either you got it, or you don't" as the article implies. Providing teachers with quality learning experiences, such as professional learning communities, and opportunities to co-teach, collaborate, and grow as professionals can truly make the difference between a mediocre teacher and a great teacher-- I've seen it. MOST teachers can truly grow into quality educators. I think part of the problem is that teachers are put into the position fresh out of college with little or no support and rather than get the continued training and support that makes a quality teacher, they learn to survive the best way they can....which often means resorting to what they have been taught as students (which is the exact cycle we are trying to break). Teacher education programs must be more like NFL-basic training, we need to give teachers genuine experiences, feedback, and opportunities to grow. That same support must extend to the profession, the financial advisors are not just dumped into the profession with a degree in finance and expected to perform-- they give them the tools.

If we want change, we have to provide opportunity for change...not treat teachers like "apprentices." (Although, the wages are comprabable for beginning educators). I think the article is well articulated; however, quarterbacks and teachers are not apples to apples.

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