Why Teach?

New, incoming teachers are in the drivers seat in Florida. That is simply because there are more new teaching positions available than teachers to fill them. But why would someone want to become a teacher today, when issues of school funding, overcrowding and violence make headlines nearly every week.. not to mention the ever-present issue of teachers salaries?.

In "Assignment: Education" Bill Ratliff profiles one future teacher who is changing careers for a chance to work in the classroom.

--[Student Teacher Teresa McGinnis says:] "Who could tell me another part of a sentence.?"--

Teresa McGinnis is fulfilling the last obligation she has before she gets her degree in Special Education. After seven-years of going to college parttime and fulltime.. She's now working as a classroom intern at Mintz Elementary in Tampa.

--[McGinnis says:] "During my internship I'm realizing there are a lot of things that are different that what I expected. Uh, it's very challenging.."--

But the challenge is not detering her from fulfilling her dream.. Even during these turbulent times in Florida education.

--[Dr.. Jane Young says:] "I think it takes a greater committment and I think teaching is being viewed less and less like it used to be viewed.. as quote.. 'an easy occupation.'"

University of South Florida Assistant Dean of Education.. Dr. Jane Young.. believes the challenges facing education today may be actually drawing a new breed of dedicated teacher.

--[Dr. Young says:] "They want to make a difference and they believe that education is one of the places that you have the most chance and the most power to make a difference."--

That is certainly the case for Teresa McGinnis. She's a 37-year-old wife and mother.. Who has given up a more lucrative career in insurance.. to help special education students learn.. despite their disabilities.

--[McGinnis says:] "When you see them struggling in their frustration, you wanna make a positive difference. You wanna motivate 'em. You wanna make 'em to feel they're somebody."--

There's no more noble reason. Bill Ratliff, Newschannel 8.

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