Shows how certain aspects of notions about profession, professionalization, and professional education have proved useful in structuring the Study of the Education of Educators (SEE) research project. Highlights the preoccupation with professional status, commenting on 15 additional features shared by education and other professions. Includes 25…

Whining about not being treated as professionals buys teachers little respect. Teaching is hard work, but confers some plush benefits, while discouraging voluntary self-improvement efforts. The notion that pay should be commensurate with work is a noble delusion. Nannies and mothers are also underpaid. (MLH)

Applies four characteristics of a true profession, synthesized from the work of three writers, to teaching and concludes that teaching cannot yet be considered a true profession. Rather, it can be viewed as a semiprofession on its way to achieving full professional status. (Author/WD)

Public education is not highly supported by the American public, who put economics first. The GI Bill and Cold War era prove that point. Schools have suffered from bad press, ultraconservatism, provincialism, teacher nonprofessionalism, commercialism, gambling, student fundraising, misplaced government/parental priorities, an uninviting work…