Teaching vs. Education: Do we need a degree?

There was a lot of talk in last weeks class about teaching versus education. That is, when we teach a course, how do we know we are in fact educating our students? There was talk that you should not be able to teach without a teaching degree. But, can a teaching degree qualify you to teach subjects in higher education?

I don't think you need a teaching degree to be a quality educator. In fact, while learning theory may help you to understand your students, how can getting your B.A., M.A., or Ph.D. in education alone prepare you to teach a higher ed course in physics, engineering, fine arts, or philosophy? the reality is that it can't. While you may have the foundations in math, science, art, english, etc. a teaching degree alone cannot give you the depth of knowledge in on core curriculum to teach. Is it really practical that we ask our engineers, lawyers, physicians, philosophers, etc. to also get an education degree in addition to their advanced degrees in their field of study? We already suffer from a lack of teachers, this would make it nearly impossible to fit the bill.

This does not mean, however, that I don't see the value in some sort of teaching certificate, continuing education requirements, or on-going teaching education. While I think it is ridiculous to enforce that every professor gets a full-blown teaching degree, I think it is perfectly reasonable for professors to follow nearly every other professional field in requiring continuing education credits in their field of interest (in this case, education in general).

This idea, however, was met from great resistance from the class. "Teachers don't have the time!" was repeated several times. I think that's hogwash. If it is a contractual obligation to take 2-3 CEUs (continuing education units) per year, then professors will do it. It's just part of the job. Most every other field requires CEUs, so why is it that professors are too busy to do what is asked of surgeons, engineers, dental hygienists and primary teachers? Come on! It's not like we're suggesting a 4-year degree, here! CEUs can be in the form of webinars, seminars, workshops, webcasts, etc. and they can be highly mutually beneficial. For example, a course on how to integrate new technologies (wikis, blogs, etc.) into a course could really help a professor make their course more efficient.

I don't nderstand why CEUs were met with such resistance in class. If a professor wants to only devote their time to their research, then they should take a pay cut and demotion. There is certainly a place for research in being a faculty member, but it is just a PIECE of the puzzle. Teaching is another piece to that puzzle. In other industries, if you make excuses for one part of your job or flat out refuse to step-up, you will likely lose your job. Why is there a different standard for professors? I think we heard to many weak excuses in class. I say, just build it into the job description, and it will happen.