Jay-Walking Just watched Jay-Walking on the Jay Leno Show. Three teachers were asked some basic history facts. They didn't know (this is what I remember them not remembering): -Who gave the Gettysburg address? (didn't know) -Who was Paul Revere warning the Americans about? (the Confederates) -Who did the Confederates fight? (either the north or the south-she also thought the Confederates won!) This a paraphrase of a dialogue: Jay: Who came first, the Pilgrims or Columbus? Teacher: You tell me (snide tone) Jay: Columbus? Teacher: You're wrong, the Pilgrims (haughty tone) [Jay smirks] Jay: When did the first Thanksgiving occur? Teacher: 1400s (at least she's consistently wrong) Anyhow, the teachers were all pretty embarrassing. Not saying all teachers are like this, but I'm sure you've all had awkward moments with teachers back in high school or grade school that didn't know what they were talking about. Once you get to college and see who enrolls in the Education program, you understand why.... Update: Tony comes to the defense of teachers. Here's a suggestion, fire 1/3 of teachers and increase the pay for the rest. Of course, you'll have a generation of crappy overpaid teachers, but new teachers will be smarter since they'll be attracted to the higher pay.