NCTQ found only one-quarter of teacher training programs require applicants to come from the top half of their classes. It also found that few programs are preparing prospective teachers for the Common Core State Standards, and that 75 percent of programs aren’t teaching teachers specific methods of instruction “that could substantially lower the number of children who never become proficient readers.” Instead, they’re expecting trainees to develop their own teaching philosophies. “As if a 21-year-old could have their own philosophy about reading,” Walsh said. “In any other field, this would be malpractice. If you don’t acknowledge that there are core skills, anything goes.

The trouble with being a daydreamer who doesn’t say much is that the teachers at school, especially those who don’t know you very well, are likely to think you’re rather stupid. Or, if not stupid, then dull. No one can see the amazing things that are going on in your head