My SO is a college professor.

What he sees every single day -- it looks a lot like what you describe -- is the reason we homeschool our two. I teach at a homeschool co-op, and I will say this: I think there's hope. That's where the parents who also see the trouble with society are fleeing to, when they can. Those are some good kids, with very involved parents.

I have been around education for a long time - married a teacher - and I saw the changes you've mentioned, also. But I also remember reading a quote when I was in high school Latin class (yes, I'm older) that went something like this: "The current generation will be the ruin of the country. They are lazy, lack ambition and industry, are disrespectful to their elders, and rude to their parents." Sound familiar? It was written by Socrates.

The more things change, the more they remain the same. Human nature unfortunately doesn't change much over time, but if you're lucky, you will meet some high quality, well balanced souls while you're here to make the visit worthwhile. And those are the ones to remember.

I, personally, blame TV. I never had TV in my entire life. We don't even have cable. And I'm a very mature person. One of my best friends is going through a money shortage, and has been for a couple of years now, and they can't pay the TV bill, so they don't watch TV. And she's more mature than most of my class mates. See a pattern here?

"....I never married..."

I have made the decision not to bring a child into this world. The deadlockvictim family name will die with me.

"I don't think much of my generation's parenting abilities..."

I think this is because most of them would rather be friends than parents to their kids. That or they are just lazy.

Honestly I think our future as a country is on the downslope. I hope I am wrong but fear that I'm not. The behavior of the children is just a part of it.

Sometimes it pains me that I'm thought of as 'the future.' Sometimes it's flattering, and sometimes it makes me furious. Right now, I'm just glad I've been included in MsB's good books.

They aren't having sex any earlier, they just aren't hiding it. Trust me on this one.

As a daughter of two teachers (high school and junior high), I see nothing sadder then the state that our children are in.

When I was a kid, you hated school, but you went, didn't blame anybody and did what you were told. You still called the teacher Mrs. or Mr. and showed the appropriate respect. Where has that gone?

Media in general (although I'm part of them) are cultivating a group of people who want their 15 minutes and don't want to work again. They can't see past the fact that most people work for a living. Instant gratification is the only way they think (ie. the younger and younger age at which children have sex).

We should cultivate creativity, but there has to be "no child left behind" which stiffles such.

It's a sad state and as a parent it's hard to watch as your children have no hope to be one of the "greatest generations."

Just my two cents. I'll take my soapbox and go now!

"...as a whole I don't think much of my generation's parenting abilities... we're raising lazy, selfish, brats!"

You hit the nail on the head with that last line. The problem I see is that all too often the parents are barely functioning adults themselves. Way too many kids raising kids.... What can you expect?

lol,often thought the same myself,though im not an educator or even a parent .i could hold my hand up and say i could have done more in school ,but alas ,hindsight..i still have faith in what i'm not too sure but faith nonetheless.Great respect for educators such as yourself.I wouldnt be here now if a teacher hadn't inspired me to look beyond.(when im on a downner i often watch the special features here how it was (making of)brings me back into the fold).

All I can do is echo Kinetic, but believe it or not some of the kids will change. I've seen it in my own child.

She had a horrible time in grade school but since she's been in community college she has done a 180 degree turn around. Yes, there will be those who never do that turn around but most do when faced with the realities of life.

MSB - I hear you. I taught for 9 years in the public school system in Baltimore. I was ready to give up many times. I ended up getting out; though I still teach (soldiers), because I could not afford to buy a house. There are fundamental truths in teaching.

1. No one ever got elected blaming the parents, so don't expect real help from the legislatures.
2. Our generation grew up not liking school or teacher (see "The Wall"). So there is no help from parents either (generally).
3. Administrators have very short memories, once they get promoted they forget what it was like to be a teacher.

The only people you can count on are yourself and your fellow teachers (and us BrownCoats of course). So cry, get angry, do what ever you need to do and get through the day (I like booz!!!).

You do reach a few, and they will learn something. You are extremely valuable as a person and educator. Forget the generalities and focus on those that you can teach. I used to tell my students it is not my fault if they do not learn, I lay out the material; but I cannot force them to learn. I used to say, "There is room for everyone in our society, and we were not all meant to be successful. Some people will make history, others Chalupas. Society will benefit from both."

Most importantly if one of them respects you enough to follow in your footsteps, you will have done a wonderful job. We need excellent teachers like you (I can tell because you care), and we will need them to be like you in the future.

The future will not be as bad or as good as any of us think. It'll mostly be the same.