Are Middle School Teachers With Ph.D.s Failures?

A graduate with a doctoral degree from Chinas prestigious Tsinghua University decided to give up the opportunity to continue scientific research at the university and to take a job as a math teacher at a middle school in Beijing. His advisor wrote him a long letter to express bewilderment and pity. Several days later, the graduate, named Xiao Yang, responded online, saying that, “Im tired of doing scientific research.”

The news spread quickly, sparking debate about the life of academic ambition. In eyes of most people, middle school teachers are common people, while scientific research in prestigious universities is regarded as a lofty profession. Thus, when Xiao announced his decision, some said it was a waste of talent. Some even accused him of having a lack of responsibility and devotion. Moreover, some say he has set a negative example for many hesitant young scholars who might be discouraged from scientific research. However, others believe that following ones true interest is the most important. The following are excerpts of some opinions:

Yu Wenjun (www.rednet.cn): The traditional view holds that a Ph.D.s job is to do scientific research, and that such a talented person should at least stay at a university. If they take jobs in middle schools or elsewhere at a similar level, it will be seen as a waste. From this perspective, the shock expressed by Xiaos advisor is understandable. Indeed, it is not easy to bring up such a potential scientific researcher as Xiao.

However, if you try to understand the word “talent” from a broader vision, youll find that this reaction reflects the advisors narrow understanding and even prejudice. There are masters in every walk of life. Even butchers and barbers can produce their own masters, let alone middle school teachers.

No jobs are inferior to others. A scientific researcher should not be seen as superior to a middle school teacher. Whatever work you do, you can become an excellent professional in this sector. To do an excellent job as a middle school teacher is not an easy thing. Even teachers of average ability have nothing to feel ashamed about. These tens of thousands of common teachers have educated millions of young students in this country. Without their contributions, we couldnt have so many talented people in so many sectors.

It is a time when people are free to cherish their own values and interests. It is a progress for modern society. Xiao choice might be a loss to the scientific research community, but there is no harm in the end.

Yuan Guangkuo (Qingdao Financial Daily): Xiao has already achieved a lot in his area of scientific research.

Objectively speaking, based on his existing achievements and the momentum of his development, his departure for a middle school will surely be a loss to the scientific circle. However, his decision is not an impulse. Before he made this life-changing decision, Xiao had considered this question very carefully. He has the right to make his own choice.

Xiao said he simply did not enjoy the work of scientific research, and may have even hated it. If one is forced to do something he or she is not interested in at all, it is torture.

When he has lost interest in scientific research, we cant expect him to produce significant fruits in this area in the future, even if he has achieved a lot in the past. His achievements can only represent his past success, when he might be still passionate for the work. Now, since he has lost the appetite, we can hardly count on him.

Though people regret the loss of a potential scientist, the education circle might produce an excellent educator in the near future.

Wang Junrong (Youth Times): Xiaos decision has come as a shock not only to his advisor but also to many others. Xiao has issued several long theses as the first author in an internationally respected academic journal. If he continued his scientific research, he would make more contributions to the science circle and achieve more esteem in his career. However, now he feels so fed up with his research work that he wants to quit, despite the rosy prospect this work can promise him.

One who has a passion for scientific research will not be fatigued, but lacking such interest is surely draining. As Xiao has said,“Scientific research is really exhausting, so when I decided to give it up, I felt totally relieved.”

Everyone has his or herown choice of career and ideals. Xiao will feel satisfied when he imparts his knowledge to his pupils. To some extent, he is more helpful for the students than for science. In the latest winter holiday, he helped to give lessons to a freshman that had failed a calculus examination just two days before. Later, the student passed the exam with a very high score. This proves that he is suited for teaching. More importantly, his parents do not oppose his decision to be a middle school teacher.

Although Xiao is very talented, such talent will not automatically turn into ones interest. Only when one is driven by an inherent interest for something can we expect him to go far in that area. Xiao is sure to bring up more excellent Ph.D.s and researchers to replace him one day.

Sun Zonglin (www.lfxww.com): Xiao once said that he kept doing science work for so many years not because he was really interested in it, but because he was brought up to be a good child who always follows his parents and teachers. No matter whether he likes it or not, he will always try to do the job well. Actually, his experience is also the reality facing many of his peers, who have to bend to their parents and teachers in making choices and decisions. They are obedient and good children, but their real interest and ambition are always ignored.

Xiaos decision was made after careful consideration, and this time he just wants to take the initiative to make a plan for his future life. If Xiao is forced to stay in the university, he might gradually develop resistance and even hatred for the work. In that case, well neither see an excellent scientist, nor an excellent middle school teacher.

Ding Hongfeng (Suqian Evening News): We need to dig into Xiaos choice and make clear to what extent similar problems are facing todays young people.

Xiao said he was not forced by his advisor to do scientific research, but that he has always excelled at what his teachers pushed him to do. He finishes work as fast and as well as he can. As a result, his advisor believed that he is a science lover. Its no exaggeration to say that the discussion regarding Xiao reflects a common issue in Chinas education system.

In todays China judging whether a child is a good student or not depends on their “obedience.”What the child wants to do is not important, but what matters is they must go into a standard mold that is roughly tailored for millions of students, and then be made into scientific giants and engineers.

In Xiaos case, he likes to be a teacher, but under the traditional education system, he was set on the path to science. However, when he gradually comes to discover his real interest and happiness, his divorce with his current job is actually inevitable.

Good education is supposed to fully develop childrens interest and help them to chase their own dreams, but not to bring them up in the same mold. Xiao at last realizes what his true interest is and thus decides to live the life he likes to. He deserves respect for his courage to plan his own life. Not many young people are brave enough to take such a big risk.