Core vs Elective Teachers: Why the Animosity?

Common interest can draw people together. As teachers, students should always be the common bond between one another. Good teachers all have a love and passion for what they do. They value students and the success of their students above everything else. Countless hours are spent on minute details and activities to help students understand the content. As teachers, the success of the students is what drives us, so why is there the constant struggle and animosity between core teachers and elective teachers? Shouldn’t we value one another as much as we do our students?

As a former core teacher and now an elective teacher who is married to a core teacher, I think I can say I have a unique perspective on the core versus elective teacher animosity. I still do not understand it, but because of my involvement, I can see it differently. I graduated college with dual teaching qualifications and  began my teaching career as a core teacher. When the opportunity presented itself, I took an elective position and have been teaching as an elective teacher ever since. I am very passionate about my students and my content like all other teachers and I think my students and content is the most important. I am always looking for ways to better what I do in the classroom. How can I increase students engagement? How can I make this lesson more meaningful to my students? I know I am a good teacher, but I am always striving to be better. I go above and beyond to help my students succeed. Doesn’t this sound like all good teachers? It should. So what causes the animosity between core and elective teachers?

When a core teacher, or any teacher for that matter, holds their students from another teacher’s class, it is unprofessional and disrespectful. It sends a message to the student that one class is more important than the other. It sends the message to that teacher that their class is more important than theirs, thus increasing the animosity. As every teacher feels the value of their class, they should have the same respect for the other teacher. Administration also needs to be seen as a person who values all content areas and respects all teachers. If administration does not value elective teachers and courses, why should anyone else? Elective teachers are not simply the babysitters for the core teachers.

Core teachers feel just as passionately about their content as elective teachers. They are also the required courses for students for each grade level. Without these teachers, students would not know how to do basic tasks such as reading, writing, adding, and subtracting. I think it goes without saying how important core teachers and subjects are to the education of all students, however, elective teachers provide opportunities to students that no one else can. Elective teachers teach students computer skills, life skills, foreign languages, health and fitness, and introduce them to performing arts. These elective teachers went through the same kinds of formal education as core teachers. They had to become as certified to teach as a core teacher did. Elective courses are no less valuable, nor are the teachers any less educated.

All teachers on campus should be seen as professional educators regardless of their content. Each teacher is a specialist in what they teach and has abilities that others do not possess and should be respected for the opportunities they bring to the students. Respect for one another can go a long ways in building a positive learning atmosphere for all students and a good working relationship among all teachers.