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“America, ever-idealistic, seems wary of the vocational-education track. We are not comfortable limiting anyone’s options. Telling someone that college is not for him seems harsh and classist and British, as though we were sentencing him to a life in the coal mines. I sympathize with this stance; I subscribe to the American ideal. Unfortunately, it is with me and my red pen that that ideal crashes and burns.”

- In the Basement of the Ivory Tower by Professor X

A lengthy read I suppose, but a lovely read indeed! This article is a beautifully written piece on the trials and tribulations of both community college English professor and community college student.

The arts are so often frowned upon by professors and students of hard sciences. However, the answer to a multiple choice question is clear to a Biology or Chemistry professor. The English professor must be more cautious, as his student’s grades are entirely based on his discretion.

In accordance with my philosophy, he fails those who fail. As a grade school teacher, community college professor, or university professor, you’re not doing a student who should fail a favor by passing him.

If you only read one thing this week let it be In the Basement of the Ivory Tower.

I would love to hear your thoughts.