Freakonomics Radio: Is America’s Education Problem Really Just a Teacher Problem?

Today we will listen to a radio podcast by Stephen Dubner, author of the popular book Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything. 
The podcast episode is here.


This podcast explores the following question: 


It's clear that the education system in our country is broken. What's the problem? Are teachers to blame?


Here are some questions for discussion:

1. What are some of the differences between teachers in the U.S. and teachers in Finland?
2. John Friedman describes the impact of replacing an average teacher with a great one. What specific impact does this have?
3. How has the teaching profession changed since the 19th century?
4. Why have U.S. teachers been historically predominantly female?
5. When did public schooling become mandatory in the U.S?
6. Why did women pursuing teaching careers appeal to early education policymakers?
7. Why does Joel Klein describe the 1950s and 60s as a "Golden Era" in U.S. public education?
8. What is the median income for U.S. teachers? What other factor must be considered when considering what teachers make?
9. David Levin describes some ways to make teaching a more respected profession. What ideas does he propose?
10. What, according to Levin, makes a good teacher?
11. What does Levin say is wrong with teaching in the U.S.?
12. What are some solutions to the problem?
13. What factors, other than quality teachers, affect a student's success?