Education: Who's Teaching Our Children?

WANTED

Men and women with the patience of Job, wisdom of Solomon and ability to prepare the next generation for productive citizenship under highly adverse and sometimes dangerous conditions. Applicant must be willing to fill gaps left by unfit, absent or working parents, satisfy demands of state politicians and local bureaucrats, impart healthy cultural and moral values and -- oh, yes -- teach the three Rs. Hours: 50-60 a week. Pay: fair (getting better). Rewards: mostly intangible.

With a bachelor's degree from Harvard and a double master's in literature and education from the University of Virginia, New Yorker Carol Jackson Cashion...