If Wisconsin Teachers were held to the same standard as EMTs

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There is no question that Emergency Medical Technicians are among the most respected occupations around, especially when compared to others with the same education level and pay. Yes, for just 1 semester in a tech school, or a 4 month EMT coarse, you do can earn what amounts to the price of a value meal for saving a life! On the other hand, we are one of the few people who can run up to a car accident, wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt and still be taken seriously. We see and do things that no one should ever have to do, which is the reason we're so respected. However, the price for that privilege is pretty high. The price is, almost impossible codes of ethics and standards, as well as endless testing and recertification requirements. But as they say, "The Difficult We Do Immediately, the Impossible Takes a Little Longer." We don't get contracts guaranteeing a job year after year (even EMTs in unions). Our contract is renewed each moment, and ends the minute something goes wrong. Tenure is something only teachers get (but not those who teach EMS). Teachers say that the ability to teach can't be measured by any kind of standard. Nice for them. Even though few of the tests EMTs have to take from once a year to every 4 years have little to do with what we do on the streets, but we have to pass them anyway. I bet none of the teachers who balk at a standard for themselves would support removing the test requirements for us. Teachers say that they shouldn't be held accountable for the scholastic progress of students. I don't know how many times I've heard teachers say that no one else's pay or benefits are based on what other people do, so why should their's. However, a paramedic level EMT IS held responsible for the actions and decisions of the basic and intermediate EMTs working the same scene.. and can also be held responsible for the actions of bystanders, off duty doctors, police and fire fighters. If you ask, I'd be willing to give you a list of all the professions where people are held responsible for the performance of others. So next time you are trying to tell me how bad teachers have it, just get me started on the ambulance calls that went bad... in times I was paid nothing... or even paid for the privilege.