Dog Days in Education

I keep wondering if there is anyone out in the general public who doesn't think he's an expert on education. The prevailing thought seems to be "I spent 13 years sitting in a classroom, therefore I know how to teach, manage a school, run a program." So many people are certain they could do it better, yet most wouldn't dream of telling their doctor, lawyer, policeman on the corner, or druggist how to do their jobs. For some reason, educators are fair game. From the government down, from NCLB to local, state and national politicians, to state ed employees who haven't been in a classroom for years - if ever - the stuff keeps rolling downhill. You have to give teachers credit for toughness in the face of a constant barrage of regulations and unsolicited advice. What's most admirable is that those who stick with it can do a great job while the changes keep coming...and going...and if you stay around long enough, what's "New" is just a rehash or another name for something you had foisted upon you long ago.