>>> it sounds like you are referring mostly to higher education, right?
Actually, no. The qualifications for becoming a professor are generally: doctoral degree in subject + publications to name. At least where I live, the requirements for becoming a teacher are generally: approved course of study (in education, not necessarily subject areas) + baccalaureate degree + teaching certificate.
>>> I just want them to know how to deliver information to my child in the most efficient way possible.
Then what you want is Google, or Wikipedia, or a good textbook. When, however, it comes time to teach your child how to find the information, how to assess it critically, how to reason about it, and how to use it effectively, then you need a teacher.
Also, teachers play the important role of exposing students to ideas and information that they would not otherwise be searching for, and thus to cultivate previously unknown interests and foster an appreciation for learning.
Actually, no. The qualifications for becoming a professor are generally: doctoral degree in subject + publications to name. At least where I live, the requirements for becoming a teacher are generally: approved course of study (in education, not necessarily subject areas) + baccalaureate degree + teaching certificate.
>>> I just want them to know how to deliver information to my child in the most efficient way possible.
Then what you want is Google, or Wikipedia, or a good textbook. When, however, it comes time to teach your child how to find the information, how to assess it critically, how to reason about it, and how to use it effectively, then you need a teacher.
Also, teachers play the important role of exposing students to ideas and information that they would not otherwise be searching for, and thus to cultivate previously unknown interests and foster an appreciation for learning.