To become a licensed teacher, one must take a battery of tests, earn a master’s degree and demonstrate teaching proficiency. However, anyone can grow up to be president of the United States! What was once uttered with a positive sense of national pride in the unlimited possibilities of the American dream may actually be a nightmare in light of our present circumstances.
 

One would think that the academic and experiential demands for such a political office would be greater than or equal to that of being a public school teacher. Some might say that it would be antidemocratic to place such requirements on those who wish to run for political office, yet for educators we demand the highest quality by subjecting applicants to tests, schooling and experience.
 

Prospective candidates should be able to articulate how the government is designed to work. What are the roles, responsibilities and limitations of the respective branches of the government? Does one understand the amendments to the Constitution, especially those of the free press? Does one have a proper historical understanding in order to put contemporary issues in the proper context?
 

Establishing academic and/or public service requirements for political office might appear retrogressive to some in light of our egalitarian impulses, but in light of the present situation, this just might be the solution to prevent other ill-equipped politicians from attaining office.
 

Larry Hoffner, retired