Seriously though, teachers are like waiters who bring you the food you order, and then get the blame if it doesn't turn out right - even though they don't cook the food. They are told what to teach, how to teach it, and even (usually) how much homework to give. If we let them be the professionals they really are, much of this kind of thing would go away.

We also need more male teachers. At my first faculty meeting this week, there were 43 women and 1 man (me). This is not healthy for kids. They need both.

I use a "no homework model" even for math (which really means minimal homework) -used for remediation only. I hate the idea of homework. Parents do complain about that too, but if I can't get the job done in 8 hours, why am I taking 2 more from the family. Your post gives me encouragement.