Peter Gumbel > Quotes

“Finally, a word about teachers. My argument should not be construed as an attack on them. Teaching is a difficult job, as I have found in my experience of working with aspiring young journalists. In France as in every country, there are extraordinary teachers who inspire and motivate their students. As elsewhere, there are also some bad teachers, and a big majority that is diligent, conscientious and not properly recognized for their work. My quarrel is not with them. Quite the contrary : as I will discuss, teachers are the solution to France’s biggest educational problems. Teachers, that is, who are well trained and flexible, more autonomous, better paid and more respected. Unfortunately, the French education system has failed to allow teachers to evolve with the times. It leaves them with no margin for manoeuvre, no responsibility and no encouragement. They shoot teachers here, too, don’t they?”
― Peter Gumbel, They Shoot School Kids, Don't They?

“Nothing is harder than distinguishing in children between real stupidity and that apparent but misleading stupidity which simply indicates strength of character. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Émile, ou de l’éducation”
― Peter Gumbel, They Shoot School Kids, Don't They?