Aspiring teachers with poor spelling....??

Question

My sister-in-law (not technically married yet)... is going to school to become an elementary school teacher and she has such a poor grasp on basic writing skills (specifically spelling). Does it bother anyone that some people manage to get through school (yet learn nothing) to become a teacher that may actually teach your kids?

I'm not a teacher but I'm completely sympathetic to teachers. I had many teachers that I loved but I'm disturbed by the idea of her molding young minds. Is there any way that she can be a productive teacher? I really do want to know.

Answer 1

Honestly, spelling curricula are completely scripted out, so it's not a hard subject to teach; however, some people really have a hard time grasping it.  Non-visual learners and dyslexics often have horrendous spelling, yet they could be incredibly brilliant and effective teachers.

I understand your concern; however, spelling ability has so little to do with teaching.  If she was applying for a job as a proofreader or administrative assistant, I'd be more worried.

I'm not that accomplished in math, yet I am an effective teacher.  I simply don't teach math.  I studied to be a linguist, and I teach foreign languages.  I am able to teach elementary math, yet I'm hopeless on anything beyond fractions.  Does that mean I shouldn't be teaching?

She can turn it into a game for the kids, and she can copywork anything that she writes on the board.  There are ways around it.  There's so much that she can do to really reach kids that doesn't require great spelling.

I think it is difficult when adults don't know how to spell, but there are many for whom spelling just plain doesn't compute.  My husband, while he's a brilliant mathematician, can't spell for beans.  He's also a gifted teacher and storyteller, and loves working with kids...he just finds ways to compensate for his lack of spelling skills.

If she has the communication skills to get into the program, that's something.  While she's in college, she'll take courses that will refine her skills and she'll find ways to compensate for her weaknesses.  During her first few years of teaching, she'll refine those skills further - that's kind of what student teaching and the 1st-2nd years are for.  They're kind of like trial by fire :)  If she chooses to put the work and commitment into it, yes.  She can be an effective teacher, even if some of her language arts skills are lacking.

Anyway, hope that helps!

Answer 2

please tell me where your future sister in law teaches at, so i'll make sure to tell my friends to not send their kids there lol JK.

It's really surprising how some people can get a child education degree and barely knows how to write or spell in this case.

Answer 3

The scary fact is we are developing into a society where spelling no longer matters.  

Text messages, email, IM, all these things have their own spellings and short hand.  

The good thing is, at uni, you do learn to spell better purely to save face with fellow students.  

As long as she acknowledges she has a problem, and is trying to do something about it, there is no real problem.  If she can't spell, she is shocking with kids and she has no grasp of discipline...well...then there might be an issue.  

As long as she can relate to kids and get through to them, she can be a brilliant teacher.  Spelling skills, in the end, have very little to do with being a productive teacher.

Answer 4

We are doomed, considering the low level of teacher that is entering the profession.