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About this quote

What does it mean?
This satirical chain suggests that teaching and administration are fallbacks for those who cannot do the actual work.
In plain terms
Those who cannot do a job teach it, and those who cannot teach end up in administration.
What can you take from it?
Roles may reflect inability rather than choice.

Where it applies

  • academic career paths
  • teaching critiques
  • organizational roles

Putting it to work

  • value doers alongside educators
  • rethink promotion paths in schools

Questions to consider

  • Is teaching truly a lesser path?
  • What makes a role valuable?

Another view

Many skilled individuals choose teaching and administration by passion.

More from Lois McMaster Bujold

  1. There is a very ancient rule of thumb that states, people tend to get promoted to the level of their incompetence.

    Permalink to quote #86
  2. God's not here. Somebody's got to fill in.

    Permalink to quote #88
  3. There are always survivors at a massacre. Among the victors, if nowhere else.

    Permalink to quote #85

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