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ever known. Mr. Wilkison taught physical science without any textbook and with only the bare minimum of classroom supplies. He made a lot of the supplies using a Bunsen burner and glass tubing, or he used materials at hand, such as rocks, chalk and string. We all had to pay attention and take notes furiously, because there were no Cliff notes for this class. We learned what science is, how to do research, the difference between the scientific method and political agendas, and most of all, we learned to think and to avoid jumping to conclusions, skills that have great value in life at large, not just in a laboratory.

I have had other equally talented teachers, but never another who so vividly exemplified the issue of whether teachers or supplies matter more. A good teacher will certainly be able to do many wonderful things with plenty of supplies and lovely classroom, but if I had to choose between a poor teacher with all the extras and a good teacher on a log in the woods, I would still choose the good teacher. A good teacher will not only deliver the best educational opportunities to students, but will also appropriate the most from any teacher training opportunities. This is the answer to the question the politicians are asking us. But as citizens and voters who care about education, we need to be ignoring this question. Instead of following the lead of candidates who want us to put more money in their hands in the guise of increasing taxes to support education, voters should be asking the politicians, "What did you do with the money we gave you last year?"

Learn more about this author, Katherine Harms.
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