The Attack on Jill Biden May Reveal America’s Real Bias — Against Educators

The ongoing hubbub regarding Dr. Jill Biden’s use of the title “Doctor” has revealed the ugly undertones of our nation’s white, male-dominant culture in more ways than one. While some have called out the obvious sexism laid bare in such an iditotic piece, others have called into question the institutional elitism that seems to not only disregard such discourse, but may in fact be using these tropes as a device to gain more readership. And yet, what may be lost in the fallout is the one undeniable fact this piece reveals, and one that may persist long after the episode ends: America is biased against its teachers.

For decades, we have seen transgressions against educators play out in ways that are both subtle and profound. While poor working conditions and low teacher pay are well-documented concerns, the more subtle aggressions look and sound just like Mr. Epstein’s “humorous” article, and these are arguably more troubling in the long term.

In the past I have written about the bias against teachers when they seek employment beyond the classroom. Each year I hear from educators who stumble across my article highlighting their plight as they pivot careers. Some are seeking advice on their professional journey, while most just want to thank me for putting words to the frustrations they have felt. It is not that teachers want to leave the classroom, it is simply that many want to evolve — -just like Elizabeth Warren or Dr. Biden did. Just like me and you. What awaits most educators, though, is an antiquated and myopic popular view of what they should be doing and for how long, wrapped in passive aggression, and accompanied by jabs at their hard-earned credentials. By the time teachers enter the fray as job seekers they find themselves invisible, and their years of work undervalued or not valued at all — because, they are “just a teacher”.

What awaits most educators, though, is an antiquated and myopic popular view of what they should be doing and for how long, wrapped in passive aggression, and accompanied by jabs at their hard-earned credentials.

In truth, educators are often master teachers, curriculum developers, coaches, counselors, team-builders, problem-solvers, improvisers, leaders, and more than ever, technologists. Can we think of a better skill set in a modern workforce? Likewise, those holding an Ed.D. are, contrary to Mr. Epstein’s assertion, trained researchers capable of conducting studies with human subjects. In most cases the main difference between a Ph.D and Ed.D. is the purpose of the research. Whereas the former may emphasize theory and contribute to a body of work for the long term, the latter places a greater emphasis on applying that research in a single context, usually in practice. Again, how is that any less relevant?

It is precisely because of statements like Mr. Epstein’s that we see the schooling sector take continuous leaps backward. It is a blend of deeply ingrained misogyny, unconscious bias and everything in between. What is certain though is that we must change this way of thinking if we are to attract educators to enter the field. Quite simply, if we want human teachers in front of our children and grandchildren these kinds of attacks must stop.

It is precisely because of statements like Mr. Epstein’s that we see the schooling sector take continuous leaps backward. It is a blend of deeply ingrained misogyny, unconscious bias and everything in between.

Here are a few things we can all do:

• Check your bias — When thinking of a “teacher” or educator in any capacity, do you conjure up images like this? If so, you may want to check that. A teacher today may just as well be coding an app for their students, leading in government, or just leading by example. When a complex challenge arises, think of a teacher as a potential problem solver for that challenge.
• Evolve our views of “education” — Colleges of education continue to implode across the country. Although not empirically proven (through either Ed.D. or Ph.D research!), I would argue that the negative energy produced from commentary like this contributes greatly to reducing the educator pipeline across the board, especially those seeking advanced degrees. Nonetheless, much of this is self-induced as traditional pipelines remain stagnant. We need a comprehensive rethink of professional pathways for educators.
• Evolve our views on leadership — Even Elon Musk agrees that the world needs less MBAs and more leaders with real world — ”factory-floor” — experience. Further, Google and other technology companies have begun exploring alternative ways of capturing skills beyond traditional degrees. Leadership should be viewed less from an institutional prism (i.e. what works in one sector) and more from a competency standpoint (i.e. we need ethical leaders who can thrive in a distributed world).

In the years to come we will no doubt see learning-related jobs across the nation grow exponentially. Many teachers will, rightfully, apply for these jobs; many more will not because they fear they will be dismissed outright. For now, they are correct. Dr. Jill Biden, the incoming First Lady of the United States of America, was dismissed.

America, you have a lot of work to do!