Certification issue: please comment
Paranormal Investigator Certification: Good Idea or Bad?
I am a public school teacher. Obviously, I am about to make an analogy. Stay with me.
I wanted to become a public high school art teacher a long time ago. I won't say how long. I had to get a four-year Bachelor's of Science in Art Education and do student teaching. I also had to take a battery of standardized tests in Math, English, Science and History, then another battery of standardized tests in Art. Once I had the job I had four years to get a minimum of 24 graduate level credits in my field, or a master's degree. Master's degree was preferred. So I got a 60 credit Masters of Fine Art, which took me four years. I have a very specific curriculum which I, by law, am required to follow in my classroom. I cannot teach without these credentials; that is illegal.
Now to address the analogy. I am highly educated in the humanities and in my field of expertise, which is fine art. As long as every art teacher gets the same degree and passes the same exam they are all certified to teach art in the public school. However, we are allowed to attend the university of our choice, as long as it is properly certified. The required courses in the art education programs differ from college to college, but the basics are pretty much the same. However, as you know, professors are all different and vary widely in skill, knowledge, expertise in teaching and imparting knowledge, and depth of knowledge. So, even though we all study the same basic stuff, we are all getting a slightly different education. Also, we all have specialties. Mine is painting and drawing. But I could just as easily have specialized in graphics, sculpture, photography or jewelry/metals.
We all have to do student teaching. Since Art is certified K-12, most student teachers have to do two placements, one at elementary or middle school level and one at the high school level. Of course, each goes to a different school, supervised by a different teacher, who had differing courses to teach, varied curriculum standards, and a unique set of pedagogic skills in which to impart. I was extremely lucky that my cooperating teachers were really excellent. Some student teachers are not quite so fortunate. However, we all get the same certification and degree to teach K-12 grade art.
Then there is the issue of skill set and dedication. Many teachers are highly skilled. My particular graduate school is committed to making sure that all art teachers are also working artists. But there are many education programs that do not require that level of commitment. You can study "art education" theory without studying or being able to make art to a high level. So, that means that art educators run the gamut, from highly skilled, working artists who show in galleries, to the art educator who knows pedagogy of art education and teaches using theory more than practice.
My point, if I haven't made it yet, is that in any field that requires certification, the education, training, background, skill, knowledge, level of commitment and variety is myriad; lawyers, doctors, insurance experts, teachers, real estate agents, accountants, IT experts, etc. Those fields, many of which did not require special degrees or certifications in the beginning, do now. Internet Technology is one field that, in the beginning, didn't require a college degree and had no certification. Now you can get a degree in IT and there are dozens of certification programs for IT professionals offered by Microsoft and others. Many companies now require such certificates for employment. The field is evolving, as all professions do.
So, the first question to ask regarding the paranormal field, is do we need highly skilled, certified professionals? The question is NOT, "Can there ever be such a thing as an expert in the paranormal?" This is the debate that has raged for years and it is NOT the issue.
Again, to use my art certification as an example, I am considered to be a "Professional". I am called an expert in my field. This is because I have all of the required degrees, experience and knowledge to be considered an expert in my particular field.
The questions that need to be asked first are:
1. Do I need to know absolutely everything there is to know about Art? Is it even possible to know everything there is to know about Art?
Answer: No, of course not. I know a lot. I do not know everything.
2. Do I know all of the same things that all other art education professionals know?
Answer: No, I do not, and they do not know everything that I know, and they do not know it in the same way, or to the same depth that I do.
3. Do we all have to have the same expertise in a particular narrow issue? For instance, my field of expertise is painting and drawing. For others it may be jewelry or sculpture. Do we all hold the same certification?
Answer: Yes, we do. YES, WE DO.
So, it appears that being a professional in any field means the following, in general:
1. You have an agreed-upon educational degree in your particular field. That degree is earned at a recognized and government certified institution of learning that offers an approved curriculum and uses teachers and professors who are also considered to be experts in their field; holding degrees and experience that are also recognized by the institution of learning in which they teach.
2. You have chosen to go on from the basics and get higher education in your field of expertise, studying a narrower topic and focusing in on one area of a broader field of knowledge.
3. You are not wet behind the ears. You have a few years to many years of experience under your belt. In public education, you are not considered experienced and credentialed until you have at least three years of experience teaching. Up until that time your job may be terminated at any time for any reason. Three years, five years, ten years, it all depends upon the field, and even the individual, to decide what is considered experienced.
4. You are actively working in your field in some capacity, either making money or not making money.
5. You hold to a set of ethical principles that govern your field of expertise and have never been caught violating those ethical principles.
6. You are often recognized by others in your field as an expert or knowledgeable person to consult.
7. You are respected.
8. You may or may not have a level of influence, notoriety or fame at what you do.
And here is the most important thing: you provide a service to the public. You are not allowed to provide that service unless you hold the proper certifications, degrees, experience, knowledge and ethical principles that govern your field. All professionals provide some sort of service to the public, who depend upon your credentials to verify your worthiness to serve them. So, we do not hire a lawyer who never passed the bar. We do not hire a doctor who never went to medical school or was sued for malpractice and lost. We don't even work with a real estate agent unless they have a license and experience selling and buying homes.
Ok..now to the issue at hand. How is the paranormal field of investigating and researching like those professions, and how is it not like those professions?
Let's take the similarities first.
1. You serve the public
2. You are expected to have experience.
3.You are expected to have in depth knowledge of your field.
4.You are expected to know how to use the equipment, and understand its use and purpose.
5. You are expected to hold to ethical standards of behaviour during an investigation. (no drinking or drugs before or during an investigation, be well rested. Don't be overly stressed out or emotionally upset before an investigation. Behave in a professional, ethical manner to the client. Don't use profanity, be racist or biased, sexually inappropriate, don't be rude, don't abuse the property, don't steal or use inappropriate humor. Don't insult the client's intelligence. Be honest. Do what you say you are going to do. )
6. Behave professionally.
7. Get the evidence back to the client in a timely manner.
8. Do not breach confidentiality.
6. Do not charge for your services.
7. Do not insult the client's religious beliefs.
8. Do not mess with things you do not understand. If your group is not experienced with demonic possession, refer the client to one who is.
9. Do not put inexperienced investigators into an investigation alone and without training. Pair them up with an experienced investigator who can teach them the ropes.
10.Serve the client. Put the client first.
11.Safety first. Do not take unnecessary risks to yourself or your team. When in doubt, get out.
12. Keep your promises. Be on time, work hard, do not leave early because you are bored, answer reasonable questions, don't lie, be objective.
13. Do not express your opinion about the results of the investigation until the evidence has been reviewed.
14. Never put a client in danger.
15. Always follow up at least once or many times over time to make sure the client is safe.
Ok. Here is my list of things in the paranormal field that are different from other professions:
1. There is no large body of proof, evidence or knowledge that is agreed upon by all as fact. Most is acknowledged to be theory. There are many things that different groups and individuals disagree about; hotly, vehemently disagree about. But how is that really different from other professions? For instance, science is vastly differing in opinion on just about everything. Everything.
2. Law. The Constitution is interpreted in so many ways its hard to keep track.
3. Medicine. Drugs? Natural remedies? Homeopathic medicine? Experts disagree.
4. Psychology: Let's face it. When it comes to psychiatry and psychology, there is a different opinion for every single one. No one is like another. They all disagree with each other to varying degrees.
5. Art. Let's just say there are no two artists who agree on any one thing. And Art educators, well, look at the schools. Think about your own art teachers. How different were they from one another?
And it goes....
Here's my point. All fields which serve the public in some way are termed a "profession". All professions have qualifications, a body of knowledge, expertise and skills particular to that profession. All professions have schools which teach a body of knowledge by certified professionals in that field; those who are considered experts.
Being an expert does NOT mean
1. that you know everything about your field, just that you know a lot.
2. Being an expert does not mean that you are always right. You are human and make mistakes.
3. Being an expert does not mean that you can't also be a jerk, an obnoxious, pompous, unpleasant individual. Experts come in all sizes and kinds.
4. Being an expert does not mean that you stop learning.
5. Being an expert does not mean that you agree with all other experts in your same field.
What being an expert does mean:
1. You have experience.
2. You have knowledge.
3. You have earned either a degree or certification in your field from an institution that is recognized as qualified to teach your subject.
4. If there is no degree, certification or institution in your field you write, you publish, you speak, you practice and you earn a reputation. Remember, not long ago, I.T. had no degree program and no certification, only recognized "geeks" who came to fix your computer. These things take time.
So, I propose that the paranormal community, instead of campaigning to become "unified" as a discipline, work towards a certification program in paranormal investigating. Work to find out what you agree about and what you agree to disagree about. Enlist people who are experts in the field of education to develop a program of courses that will certify investigators. Standardize this program and make it national and government certified so that it is recognized nationally.
Agree to disagree on those things we know we differ about. But here is where the unity can come into play. Agree to WORK TOHETHER. Become tolerant of each other's differences. Set standards and adhere to them. Start a school. Commit to quality, knowledge, the seeking of knowledge. Agree to work with others outside of the field. Listen to the scientific community, for once. If they agree that orbs are dust, bugs, light on a lens, believe it and move on. Build a body of knowledge that all can agree upon. Work on the rest. Like all other professions, we are not perfect, but we can be experts, we can work on certification to make our passion into a profession.
Please, everyone in the paranormal community, if you have an opinion about this topic, please post a comment under this blog and let's start the dialogue, let's get together, promote unity and work toward the goal of becoming recognized for the professionals that so many of us truly are.
P.J.
I am a public school teacher. Obviously, I am about to make an analogy. Stay with me.
I wanted to become a public high school art teacher a long time ago. I won't say how long. I had to get a four-year Bachelor's of Science in Art Education and do student teaching. I also had to take a battery of standardized tests in Math, English, Science and History, then another battery of standardized tests in Art. Once I had the job I had four years to get a minimum of 24 graduate level credits in my field, or a master's degree. Master's degree was preferred. So I got a 60 credit Masters of Fine Art, which took me four years. I have a very specific curriculum which I, by law, am required to follow in my classroom. I cannot teach without these credentials; that is illegal.
Now to address the analogy. I am highly educated in the humanities and in my field of expertise, which is fine art. As long as every art teacher gets the same degree and passes the same exam they are all certified to teach art in the public school. However, we are allowed to attend the university of our choice, as long as it is properly certified. The required courses in the art education programs differ from college to college, but the basics are pretty much the same. However, as you know, professors are all different and vary widely in skill, knowledge, expertise in teaching and imparting knowledge, and depth of knowledge. So, even though we all study the same basic stuff, we are all getting a slightly different education. Also, we all have specialties. Mine is painting and drawing. But I could just as easily have specialized in graphics, sculpture, photography or jewelry/metals.
We all have to do student teaching. Since Art is certified K-12, most student teachers have to do two placements, one at elementary or middle school level and one at the high school level. Of course, each goes to a different school, supervised by a different teacher, who had differing courses to teach, varied curriculum standards, and a unique set of pedagogic skills in which to impart. I was extremely lucky that my cooperating teachers were really excellent. Some student teachers are not quite so fortunate. However, we all get the same certification and degree to teach K-12 grade art.
Then there is the issue of skill set and dedication. Many teachers are highly skilled. My particular graduate school is committed to making sure that all art teachers are also working artists. But there are many education programs that do not require that level of commitment. You can study "art education" theory without studying or being able to make art to a high level. So, that means that art educators run the gamut, from highly skilled, working artists who show in galleries, to the art educator who knows pedagogy of art education and teaches using theory more than practice.
My point, if I haven't made it yet, is that in any field that requires certification, the education, training, background, skill, knowledge, level of commitment and variety is myriad; lawyers, doctors, insurance experts, teachers, real estate agents, accountants, IT experts, etc. Those fields, many of which did not require special degrees or certifications in the beginning, do now. Internet Technology is one field that, in the beginning, didn't require a college degree and had no certification. Now you can get a degree in IT and there are dozens of certification programs for IT professionals offered by Microsoft and others. Many companies now require such certificates for employment. The field is evolving, as all professions do.
So, the first question to ask regarding the paranormal field, is do we need highly skilled, certified professionals? The question is NOT, "Can there ever be such a thing as an expert in the paranormal?" This is the debate that has raged for years and it is NOT the issue.
Again, to use my art certification as an example, I am considered to be a "Professional". I am called an expert in my field. This is because I have all of the required degrees, experience and knowledge to be considered an expert in my particular field.
The questions that need to be asked first are:
1. Do I need to know absolutely everything there is to know about Art? Is it even possible to know everything there is to know about Art?
Answer: No, of course not. I know a lot. I do not know everything.
2. Do I know all of the same things that all other art education professionals know?
Answer: No, I do not, and they do not know everything that I know, and they do not know it in the same way, or to the same depth that I do.
3. Do we all have to have the same expertise in a particular narrow issue? For instance, my field of expertise is painting and drawing. For others it may be jewelry or sculpture. Do we all hold the same certification?
Answer: Yes, we do. YES, WE DO.
So, it appears that being a professional in any field means the following, in general:
1. You have an agreed-upon educational degree in your particular field. That degree is earned at a recognized and government certified institution of learning that offers an approved curriculum and uses teachers and professors who are also considered to be experts in their field; holding degrees and experience that are also recognized by the institution of learning in which they teach.
2. You have chosen to go on from the basics and get higher education in your field of expertise, studying a narrower topic and focusing in on one area of a broader field of knowledge.
3. You are not wet behind the ears. You have a few years to many years of experience under your belt. In public education, you are not considered experienced and credentialed until you have at least three years of experience teaching. Up until that time your job may be terminated at any time for any reason. Three years, five years, ten years, it all depends upon the field, and even the individual, to decide what is considered experienced.
4. You are actively working in your field in some capacity, either making money or not making money.
5. You hold to a set of ethical principles that govern your field of expertise and have never been caught violating those ethical principles.
6. You are often recognized by others in your field as an expert or knowledgeable person to consult.
7. You are respected.
8. You may or may not have a level of influence, notoriety or fame at what you do.
And here is the most important thing: you provide a service to the public. You are not allowed to provide that service unless you hold the proper certifications, degrees, experience, knowledge and ethical principles that govern your field. All professionals provide some sort of service to the public, who depend upon your credentials to verify your worthiness to serve them. So, we do not hire a lawyer who never passed the bar. We do not hire a doctor who never went to medical school or was sued for malpractice and lost. We don't even work with a real estate agent unless they have a license and experience selling and buying homes.
Ok..now to the issue at hand. How is the paranormal field of investigating and researching like those professions, and how is it not like those professions?
Let's take the similarities first.
1. You serve the public
2. You are expected to have experience.
3.You are expected to have in depth knowledge of your field.
4.You are expected to know how to use the equipment, and understand its use and purpose.
5. You are expected to hold to ethical standards of behaviour during an investigation. (no drinking or drugs before or during an investigation, be well rested. Don't be overly stressed out or emotionally upset before an investigation. Behave in a professional, ethical manner to the client. Don't use profanity, be racist or biased, sexually inappropriate, don't be rude, don't abuse the property, don't steal or use inappropriate humor. Don't insult the client's intelligence. Be honest. Do what you say you are going to do. )
6. Behave professionally.
7. Get the evidence back to the client in a timely manner.
8. Do not breach confidentiality.
6. Do not charge for your services.
7. Do not insult the client's religious beliefs.
8. Do not mess with things you do not understand. If your group is not experienced with demonic possession, refer the client to one who is.
9. Do not put inexperienced investigators into an investigation alone and without training. Pair them up with an experienced investigator who can teach them the ropes.
10.Serve the client. Put the client first.
11.Safety first. Do not take unnecessary risks to yourself or your team. When in doubt, get out.
12. Keep your promises. Be on time, work hard, do not leave early because you are bored, answer reasonable questions, don't lie, be objective.
13. Do not express your opinion about the results of the investigation until the evidence has been reviewed.
14. Never put a client in danger.
15. Always follow up at least once or many times over time to make sure the client is safe.
Ok. Here is my list of things in the paranormal field that are different from other professions:
1. There is no large body of proof, evidence or knowledge that is agreed upon by all as fact. Most is acknowledged to be theory. There are many things that different groups and individuals disagree about; hotly, vehemently disagree about. But how is that really different from other professions? For instance, science is vastly differing in opinion on just about everything. Everything.
2. Law. The Constitution is interpreted in so many ways its hard to keep track.
3. Medicine. Drugs? Natural remedies? Homeopathic medicine? Experts disagree.
4. Psychology: Let's face it. When it comes to psychiatry and psychology, there is a different opinion for every single one. No one is like another. They all disagree with each other to varying degrees.
5. Art. Let's just say there are no two artists who agree on any one thing. And Art educators, well, look at the schools. Think about your own art teachers. How different were they from one another?
And it goes....
Here's my point. All fields which serve the public in some way are termed a "profession". All professions have qualifications, a body of knowledge, expertise and skills particular to that profession. All professions have schools which teach a body of knowledge by certified professionals in that field; those who are considered experts.
Being an expert does NOT mean
1. that you know everything about your field, just that you know a lot.
2. Being an expert does not mean that you are always right. You are human and make mistakes.
3. Being an expert does not mean that you can't also be a jerk, an obnoxious, pompous, unpleasant individual. Experts come in all sizes and kinds.
4. Being an expert does not mean that you stop learning.
5. Being an expert does not mean that you agree with all other experts in your same field.
What being an expert does mean:
1. You have experience.
2. You have knowledge.
3. You have earned either a degree or certification in your field from an institution that is recognized as qualified to teach your subject.
4. If there is no degree, certification or institution in your field you write, you publish, you speak, you practice and you earn a reputation. Remember, not long ago, I.T. had no degree program and no certification, only recognized "geeks" who came to fix your computer. These things take time.
So, I propose that the paranormal community, instead of campaigning to become "unified" as a discipline, work towards a certification program in paranormal investigating. Work to find out what you agree about and what you agree to disagree about. Enlist people who are experts in the field of education to develop a program of courses that will certify investigators. Standardize this program and make it national and government certified so that it is recognized nationally.
Agree to disagree on those things we know we differ about. But here is where the unity can come into play. Agree to WORK TOHETHER. Become tolerant of each other's differences. Set standards and adhere to them. Start a school. Commit to quality, knowledge, the seeking of knowledge. Agree to work with others outside of the field. Listen to the scientific community, for once. If they agree that orbs are dust, bugs, light on a lens, believe it and move on. Build a body of knowledge that all can agree upon. Work on the rest. Like all other professions, we are not perfect, but we can be experts, we can work on certification to make our passion into a profession.
Please, everyone in the paranormal community, if you have an opinion about this topic, please post a comment under this blog and let's start the dialogue, let's get together, promote unity and work toward the goal of becoming recognized for the professionals that so many of us truly are.
P.J.
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