Can someone explain to me the definition of the title of "Educator"? In what way does it differ from "teacher" or "professor"?

A guest editorial in today's Seattle Post-Intelligencer, was written by Louise M. Wisechild, an "educator" and author. Her article is a standard issue snivel about the evils of big business, out to destroy the environment, poison the populace, and trample the "workers" (sometimes referred to as "employees") under them. She also launches a broadside against the defense industry.

An online search reveals that she is indeed a published author, with at least three books under her belt. However, none of the 71 citations google found on her defined her specialty, or where she teaches. (Her books deal with the subject of adult survivors of incest, possibly from a feminist angle, as a number of the citations lead to feminist organizations).

The only other writing of hers I was able to find online was this article, which appears to be yet another indictment against a military response to the September 11 attacks, and an assault on the military itself. It sounds like something written by Susan Sontag, only more forcefully anti-military.

Perhaps my association with the armed forces is causing me to overreact, but I have developed a great deal of enmity towards this woman from her writings. Would she call me a baby-killer or a warmonger if we were to meet? I cannot say. Color me offended.

UPDATE: 23 June/19:55 Dr. Weevil has found a wonderful satire by Saki, written in 1923, that captures the mindset of people such as Dr. Wisechild, and provides a plausible response to such an attitude. Go here to read his post, an excerpt from "The Toys of Peace", and a link to the entire text. Many thanks to the Doc for the ultimate rebuttal.

posted on June 22, 2002 01:29 PM



Comments:

In my experience, "educator" is typically used for someone who is either a) in the educational field as an administrator or consultant but not someone in the classroom or b) someone who teaches the lower grades that they want to sound more important. I don't know why "educator" is supposed to do that. Essentially, "educator" is puffery for someone who isn't a teacher and needs to sound important.

And in answer to your question, yes, she likely would. And you should be offended.

posted by susanna on June 22, 2002 03:18 PM

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Ah jeez. What a freakin' maroon this woman is. I googled her up; did you see this one?

Well, you could be offended - if you want to waste your time being offended by a brainless, self-righteous pissant.

posted by Moira on June 22, 2002 07:23 PM

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Susanna--thank you for the clarification. Those who can't do, teach. Those who can't teach become administrators.

Moira--thank you for the edifying link. I missed that one when I googled her name, and it's probably a good thing I did, else I would have been even nastier than I was in the original post.

She's as bad as that nutjob professor from Texas, the one that slammed patriotism.

posted by Timekeeper on June 22, 2002 07:37 PM

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